“How are you feeling?”
When he lifted his head, I noted he was careful to sit forward before he tried to straighten. I hadn’t considered how it would feel having those cuts pressed against the seat. He set the icepack aside as I studied his face.
“Better,” he said, meeting my gaze.
He didn’t look better. He looked worse. Purple-black skin painted his swollen eye.
His hand crept across the seat, and he tugged my pinky. My heart turned over at the playful gesture.
“Gabby says that there’s been absolutely no movement since your altercation. We’ll stop at the next place we find.”
The next place turned out to be an ice cream and burger joint with outdoor seating.
“Forget lunch,” I said when I saw the sign. “I’m going for dessert.”
Everyone piled out as soon as we parked. I hung back to hover near Carlos as he eased himself from the seat. Once he was out, he stood there for a moment. There was nothing in his expression or in the air to give away the hesitation, but I was sure he had to be in pain.
“Why don’t you sit, and I’ll get us food,” I said, waving him toward the tables.
He nodded and veered off that direction. I went to stand behind the rest of the group and stared at the board. A gust of wind blew past, and I shivered, recalling Ethan’s comment about getting me a jacket. So much had happened since then, and the need for a jacket as we traveled further north had completely slipped my mind. I wrapped my arms around myself and studied the options on the board. They had ten different kinds of burgers, including a half-pound burger. I heard Emmitt tell the boy at the register he’d cover the order. Since everyone else was still deciding, I stepped up.
“Can I get two of the half-pound deluxe burgers? And can you add another patty to one of them?”
“Sure,” the boy said.
Behind me, I heard a happy noise from Jim.
“Anything to drink?” the boy asked.
I frowned trying to remember all the times Carlos had sat next to me during a meal. I couldn’t recall what beverage he’d ordered.
“Two colas, whatever you have.”
The boy nodded, and I moved away. Did Carlos like soda? Turning, I walked back to the tables where he sat waiting.
“What kind of soda do you drink?”
“A cola is fine,” he said.
I moved to sit across from him, but he stopped me.
“Come sit next to me. Please.”
It took a moment to untangle my half-completed bench mount on the picnic table. Then, I walked around and joined him on his side. Heat radiated from him, warming my right side.
“So, what’s your favorite, though?” I asked, continuing my train of thought.
“I prefer tea over soda and water over tea.”
He liked water. And I’d ordered him a soda.
“Sorry.”
He reached over and wrapped his hand around mine.
“Thank you for ordering for me, Isabelle. The burger sounds delicious.”
My insides went hot then cold, flustering me. I carefully extracted my hand. Well, at least I’d gotten part of the order right.
“What about ice cream? What flavors do you like?” I asked.
“My favorite is butter pecan. What about yours?”
“Anything vanilla with chocolate and caramel mixed in.”
The rest of the group started to come back from the window. Gabby and Clay were first and sat down across from us.
“You look tired,” I said to Gabby.
She just gave me a weak smile. I glanced at Clay. His attention was on Gabby. So I wasn’t the only one thinking she looked like she needed a nap?
“How much is she sleeping, big guy?”
“Not enough,” he said without looking at me.
“Gabby, you need to start sleeping. You won’t do us any good if you pass out when we need you most. They aren’t moving, right?” She nodded. “I don’t think they’re going to. Blake’s waiting for us.”
She sighed. “I just don’t want anything to happen again.”
“Again?”
“Ethan...”
My heart ached. “That wasn’t your fault. It was Blake’s and his men. I’ve put the blame where it belongs. You should too.”
Her gaze flicked to Carlos.
“And Carlos is a big idiot. He knows we need to use the buddy system now...don’t you, Carlos?” I said, turning to give him a look.
“Yes, ma’am.”
I turned back to Gabby. “Are you more tired or hungry?”
“Tired.”
“Then, check one last time and go take a nap in the car.”
“That’s what I’ve been telling her,” Charlene said, joining us.
“We’ll be fine,” Sam said.
Gabby looked at Clay, and a small smile tugged at his beard. I looked at Carlos’ clean jaw in comparison. It had a hint of shadow to it. I liked it that way.
I caught that he was watching me study him and quickly distracted myself by watching Emmitt and Michelle pay the bill. The boy said he’d bring out the food as soon as he had it ready.
Another gust of wind brushed over us, and I shivered despite my warm right side.