Sebastian fidgeted in the booth and tapped his fingers against the menu. Becky avoided him by flipping through the jukebox songs.
Dixie, a familiar waitress, came over. She wore her hair in a black beehive, and her curvy figure was squeezed into her white uniform like a forties pinup girls. When she wasnt reading a tabloid magazine at the soda counter, she was heckling her customers. She had a heart of gold but little patience for the teen clientele.
Whatll you have? she asked.
Sebastian hadnt had time to open his menu; he was too busy perusing Becky. What are you getting? he asked Alexander.
The malts are fabulous, Alexander said.
Order anything youd like, Sebastian, I said.
Anything? Or anyone? Sebastian gave a cheeky wink to my best friend.
Sebastian waited for her response. Embarrassed, Becky blushed and giggled. Sebastian took that as a positive sign and he, too, grinned.
Alexander chuckled and I sneered. I was the only one not finding any humor in his comment.
Four chocolate malts, four burgers, and two atomic fries, I said to Dixie.
Sounds good to me, Becky said.
How do you want the burgers cooked? Dixie cracked her gum so loud it sounded like a car backfiring.
Rare, Sebastian said.
Alexander kicked Sebastian underneath the table.
Rare? Becky asked.
We dont serve hamburgers rare here. With the tip of her pen she pointed to a small disclaimer on the bottom of the menu. This isnt a five-star restaurant, if you hadnt noticed. You can order your burgers burnt or not burnt.
Then four not-burnt burgers, Alexander said with a grin.
Dixie blew a pink bubble, winked at Alexander, and wiggled toward the kitchen.
We all cracked up, and when our laughter subsided there was an awkward silence.
Sebastian checked out Becky, which caused her to fiddle with her napkin.
Alexander and Sebastian grew up together in Romania, I told her. Just like us, best buds.
Thats great, Becky said demurely. She wrung the napkin again.
Since no one else was talking and I was dying to find out more about Alexander, I figured this was as good a chance as any to steer the conversation in that direction.
So what did you two guys do for fun in Romania? I asked.
Alexander shrugged his shoulders. I dont knowwe just hung out.
And played golf? I asked.
No. Alexander laughed. We did the things kids do
Yesbut you werent normal kids.
Becky appeared puzzled.
I mean, since Alexanders grandmother was a baroness, I said, covering my comments.