12. Carina #2
“Did you just get out of a relationship?” I whisper.
She shakes her head no. Leaning forward, I quietly ask, “Is there someone you’re interested in?
” She tucks her lips between her teeth, and I take that as my sign she isn’t ready to talk about it.
Waving my hand, I say. “Never mind. Don’t answer that.
” She gives me a soft smile. “These guys don’t know what they’re missing.
You are the kindest person I’ve ever met.
And you look like a model. You’re the perfect catch. ”
Her smile widens, and she laughs. “Thanks. I could say the same about you.” Sure.
I roll my eyes and mutter under my breath.
Of course, because she’s a teacher and hears like a hawk, she frowns at me.
I wince, then offer a half smile. After a moment, she smiles back. “Do you have plans next Saturday?”
I make a face. “Nothing other than household chores. What are you thinking?”
“Jen from school is coming over to my house, and we’re going to pamper ourselves all afternoon, then order dinner and watch a movie. Do you want to come?”
Despite the anxiety I feel over spending time with unfamiliar people, I’m thrilled about Mia’s invitation.
One thing I haven’t been able to do since returning home is find a solid friend group that is easygoing, fun, encouraging, and supportive.
I haven’t spent much time with Mia but can already tell she’s all that and more.
This is exactly what I’ve been craving. I’m going to embrace it fully and stop listening to my worries.
I’m giddy as I answer her. “That sounds fun. I’d love to come. What can I bring?”
After all the details are set, I notice the time. “It’s already noon. I better go. I need to get some chores done at home.”
Mia stands and hugs me. “It was so good catching up. I’m so excited about our upcoming spa day.”
“Me too,” I say before I head for the door.
Later that night, Mia sends me a text.
Mia
Hey, Carina. It’s Mia. I’m so glad we ran into each other. Catching up was a blast. Two weeks seems like forever.
Me
I feel the same.
Mia
So…. I was wondering.
At her hint of uncertainty, nerves flare in my gut.
Me
Yeah?
Mia
Before I ask, you can totally say no. There’s no pressure.
Me
You’re kinda freaking me out here. What’s up?
Mia
Jen and I are going to grab burgers tomorrow night, and I wanted to know if you wanted to come.
Really? All that suspense for an invitation to grab burgers. I laugh and roll the tension out of my shoulders. Maybe she’s as hesitant about our budding friendship as I am.
Me
That sounds great. What time and where?
Mia
I’m so excited. I can’t wait. We’re meeting at Burger Heaven at six.
Me
And you’re sure Jen is okay with this?
Mia
Totally. She’s the one who suggested it.
Blowing out a sigh of relief, I smile and text back.
Me
I’ll be there. Thanks for the invitation.
“Wow,” I say when I enter the hippest burger joint on the island.
It had opened before I returned to Kodiak, and I’ve been wanting to try it but haven’t had the chance until now.
Red and black checkered tablecloths cover the tables, and high-backed booths line the sides of the very bright and eclectic eatery.
At the back of the restaurant is an open-concept kitchen so you can see the chefs assemble their burger masterpieces.
“Carina.” I turn to the sound of my name being called, and I find Mia and Jen seated at a table near the front.
Smiling, I head toward them. “Hi, Mia. Jen, it’s so good to see you.”
Shortly after I sit down, our server appears. “My name’s Marcie, and I’m your server tonight. Have you been here before?”
Both Mia and Jen nod their heads, but I shake mine and say, “Sorry, this is my first time.”
Marcie, an older woman with graying hair, offers me a kind smile. “It’s no worries. Welcome. We’re glad you’re here. Let me give you some time to look at your menus. Do you have any questions for me before I scoot off?”
We all shake our heads. As soon as she walks away, Jen gushes, “Is it me or isn’t Marcie the sweetest?”
Mia looks toward the kitchen. “You know she’s one of the owners.”
My heart squeezes as I wonder if she has to work.
I’ve heard that many places are struggling to fill positions since COVID.
“Really? Why is she working?” I look around the dining room.
“This place is packed. Surely they have to be making a profit and can afford to hire some younger person to wait tables.”
Mia’s expression softens. “They can afford it, but Marcie wants to stay connected to her customers. She feels that’s important.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. How do you know so much?” I ask.
Mia laughs. “I have one of her granddaughters in my class this year, and for the holidays her family gave me gift cards for here.”
“So, since you’re well-versed in Burger Heaven, what should I order?” I ask.
Mia hums to herself while she considers my question, and Jen laughs. “That’s easy. Everything on the menu is incredible. But my absolute favorite is the traditional with bacon, hand-cut fries, and a chocolate shake.”
My stomach loudly rumbles. “Sold. I’ll take one of those.”
“Have I given you enough time? Do you know what you want?” Marcie asks with a wide smile beaming from her lips.
After placing our order, I look at Jen. “So, Mia and I caught up the other day. Tell me everything I need to know about you.”
Jen chuckles. “Straight shooter, aren’t you?” I nod. “I like that. I teach fifth grade. I’m single and ready to mingle. While at college, I also studied cosmetology, and when I’m not at school, to earn extra money, I cut hair in my home.”
“And she’s brilliant,” Mia declares. “It’s also why our spa days are the best. Jen knows her stuff.” Jen’s cheeks pinken.
“I’m so excited about our spa day. I’ve had nothing more than a pedicure,” I admit.
When our burgers arrive, I’m stunned silent.
Before me is a work of art. Crispy, hand-cut fries surround my bacon cheeseburger.
My mouth waters as I gawk at the divine meal in front of me.
Sitting six inches tall, with what looks like a homemade sesame seed bun, is my massive, hand-packed burger.
Long strips of wide, perfectly cooked bacon stretch out in various directions.
The yellow-orange of the cheddar cheese I requested is bright.
Smoothly, it clings to the beef patty. Finishing it is a hearty slice of tomato and sweet onion sitting upon a bed of crisp, fresh iceberg lettuce.
“O.M.G,” I whisper as I pick up the behemoth. Turning it around, I groan. “I don’t even think I can open my mouth that big.”
Jen and Mia both laugh. “There’s a trick,” Mia says as she lifts a fry to her mouth, moaning her pleasure. “Those are the best. The seasoning they put on them is to die for.”
“What’s the trick?” I ask, desperate to try my burger.
Jen hovers her hand above her burger before she squishes it down, then laughs. “Tada.”
Shaking my head, I set down my burger and do the same. Bringing it to my lips again, I see I cut a good inch off its height. Opening as wide as I can, I bite into the perfect burger. Flavors explode on my tongue, and I moan.
“Told you.” Mia laughs before she pops another fry in her mouth. Why is she wasting her time with the fries when this heavenly treat is waiting for her?
I’m not ashamed to admit I polish the beast off in no time. Taking my first fry, I dip it into my rich, creamy chocolate shake.
Mia gasps, her blue eyes focused on my milkshake. “Carina, what are you doing?”
“Dipping my fries. Haven’t you ever done that?” Her eyes are wide and filled with disbelief. Based on her reaction, she’s never done it or even considered it.
“I bet it’s good,” Jen admits with a smile.
Mia’s eyes grow even wider. “What?”
“You mean to tell me you’ve never dipped your fries in your Frosty?” Jen asks doubtfully. Mia shakes her head no.
I clear my throat. “Well, it’s amazing, and this…” I say, pointing to my fries and milkshake. “Is even better. You should try it.” She eventually does and admits it isn’t too bad.
This has been the best night. I can hardly believe how well we all get along.
The camaraderie we share is like we’ve been friends for decades, not days.
My heart is full as we part ways at the end of the evening.
I can tell that Mia, Jen, and I are forming lasting friendships that would stand the test of time.