“There’s this diner right around the block that I’ve been wanting to try. G says they have the best tuna melts.”

“G?” He cocked his head.

“Giana. My best friend. I call her G. I have ever since we first met.”

“Cute. Let’s go get a tuna melt,” he said as he opened the door.

****

“Welcome to Sam’s Diner. What can I get you?” the dark-haired waitress asked as she snapped her gum.

“I’ll have the tuna melt and fries, please.” I smiled as I closed the menu.

“And for you, hot stuff?”

It would only be a matter of seconds before I busted out into laughter.

“I’ll have the same,” Simon said as he handed her his menu.

The moment she walked away, the laughter that I tried so hard to hold back escaped. I put my hand over my mouth.

“I know you’re laughing at her comment. She’s a little rough around the edges. Wouldn’t you say?”

“Do you normally eat at these kinds of places?” I asked.

“No.”

“Brendon wouldn’t either.” I looked down as I took the straw wrapper between my fingers.

“Do you miss him?”

I hesitated for a moment and then looked out the window at the busy city. “No. We had a lot of problems.”

“You mean he had a lot of problems. Because what I saw from him on the airplane was completely inexcusable.”

“Can we please not talk about him?”

“Of course. I apologize.”

The waitress set our plates down in front of us and shot Simon what I presumed was her sexy look. Laughter escaped me again.

“I’m sorry,” I said as I took a bite of my sandwich.

He sighed. “No need to be. I’m used to it.” He winked.

“I’m sure you are.” I smiled as I popped a fry in my mouth.

“You have a beautiful smile, Gabrielle, and don’t ever let anyone tell you different.”

I pursed my lips and, once again, I looked down. When he complimented me, it made me uncomfortable. It wasn’t right. Hell, would it ever be right from anyone? Brendon made me so self-conscious that I couldn’t even accept a compliment.

“You can call me Gabby.” The words just flew out of my mouth.

He gave me a small smile. “If you don’t mind, I like Gabrielle. It’s sophisticated.”

We finished our sandwiches and walked back to the apartment building. “How are you getting back to your house?” I asked.

“I’ll call Patrick,” he replied as he pulled out his phone.

“Then I’ll wait with you.”