“Hey, I have to be honest, I have no idea what just happened, but thank you!” I hand him back his phone. “I’m Hayley, by the way.”
He pockets the device. “I know who you are. I’m a fan.” Kevin smiles and holds out a hand. “Kevin. I hope you don’t mind me stepping in like that.”
I grin. “I know who you are too. You were amazing in Forgotten. It’s nice to officially meet you, Kevin. I’m really grateful you stepped in when you did. I think anything I did to handle the situation would’ve landed me in the news again. I should be used to people feeling like I owe them a piece of me, but it never seems to get easier.” I don’t know why I’m telling him this. I’ve literally just met him, but something about him makes me feel like I can talk to him.
“Yeah, I hear you.”
He frowns and reaches into his pocket for the phone. His frown deepens when he stares at the screen, and then he replaces it. “I’m afraid I offered you lunch when I have to work.”
I wave him off. “I didn’t think you were serious. I figured it went right along with those pineapple margaritas,” I say, gathering my things. I could use a shower. “I guess since we’re a couple, I should see you to work.” I wink.
Kevin laughs. “It’s the least you can do.”
A laugh slips past my lips. I see what everyone says about how down-to-earth Kevin is. He’s really so easy to be around. “Seriously, thank you. You really came to my rescue today. If you’re not careful, I’ll keep you.” He frowns and chews on his lip. Shit! I was kidding, and now I’ve just made this totally awkward. “I’m sorry. You must think I’m a bit… I…”
Kevin looks confused for a second. “Oh, no! I just…” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “I had an insane off-the-wall idea.”
“Insane how?”
“Can we meet for dinner and I’ll fill you in?”
I’ll bet millions would think I was an idiot for agreeing to dinner with someone who’s technically a complete stranger, but something tells me I can trust Kevin.
“Sure.”
Chapter 5
Hayley
At eight o’clock sharp, I’m outside the diner on the corner of S Buffalo and Warm Springs Road, wondering if I’ve got the right place. Kevin texted me the time and address before he rushed off to his meeting, and now I wonder if he left a number out in his haste. Through large windows I can see the lilac booths the exact shade my next-door neighbor, Mrs. O’Malley, uses to dye her poodle—a sickly washed-out purple that doesn’t quite blend with the magenta walls or the black-and-white checkered floor. I’m about to shoot Kevin a text when I see him waving at me from the back of the diner. I guess he didn’t leave a number out.
I open the door and cringe when the bell above the entryway rings, sure that people will look up and I won’t be able to remain inconspicuous. I scan the diner, but thankfully, no one except Kevin and the giant guy at the grill pays any attention to me. I blow out a long breath and make my way to where Kevin is now standing next to the booth.
“I see you found the place alright.” He gestures for me to take a seat, and I do.
My eyes scan the room as I sit and place my bag on the seat next to me. “This is…interesting.”
He raises an eyebrow as he takes a seat opposite me. “Is the Hayley Stephens a diner snob?”
I laugh. “No, she isn’t. But I’m just a bit surprised that the Kevin Peyton would know about a place like this, much less eat here.” I flush about the same shade Misty did earlier when I realize I do sound like a snob. A judgmental snob. “Can we start over?” I smile sheepishly at Kevin. “I really love what they’ve done with the place. Especially the color scheme.”
Kevin places his arm on the back of the booth and chuckles. If I had to describe the sound in one word, I’d use “safe.”
“Flo is colorblind. Rumor has it, she was going for red,” he deadpans.
“Really? Is that true?”
Kevin throws his head back and laughs. “No, I’m messing with you.”
I snort-laugh. “I like you, Mr. Peyton.”
A middle-aged server in a pale pink outfit comes over with pad in hand to take our orders.
“Hey, Rach. I’m starting to think you’re the only one who works here?”
She taps the pencil on her lip. “You know something, honey? I’m starting to think so too.” She looks at me. “I know what he wants.” She points her pencil at Kevin. “Can I get a menu for you, dear?”
I look at Kevin. “No, I’ll just have the same thing he’s having and a chocolate milkshake, please.”
The waitress walks off to place our order (I don’t even know what I’m getting), and Kevin leans in, a fat grin on his face. “Figure it’s safer to eat something I’ve tried, right? Lessen the chances of getting food poisoning?”
Geez, I must be as transparent as glass. “That obvious, huh?”
“Don’t worry. I was the same when Brad Evert brought me here. But believe me when I tell you they make the best burgers in the world, and I’m not exaggerating.”
“Brad Evert comes here?” I know it’s stupid to get all starstruck, but Brad has been one of my favorite actors since I was a kid. He’s also been nominated for Best Actor, alongside Kevin, and I’m just grateful I’m not the one having to choose between two incredibly talented guys.
“Yeah, he does. He said it’s the only place he can get a great burger and eat in peace. Haven’t you noticed no one is bothering us?”
Come to think of
