“I can’t believe you’re little Maddie Martin. Pudgy Mudgy. You used to be a little plump around the middle. Not any more though. You’re stunning.”
I look away, down at my plate. Heat is rising up my neck and covering my cheeks. A lot of kids called me Pudgy Mudgy. One thing about going to school in Bellam Springs I don’t miss. And I remember Evan. Never did like him. But for Kyle’s sake, I try to be nice. “Thanks, I guess.” I pick up my fork and spin it in my noodles.
“That’ll be all, Evan.” I hear the controlled anger in Kyle’s voice.
“Come on. I just—”
“Get out of here and leave us alone,” Kyle snarls, keeping his voice low. “Or I’m going to tell Uncle you’re being a pain in the ass.”
I glance up just in time to see Evan grind his jaws. “Fine.” He walks away. I watch, wondering about him. He looks like he’s about our age, but I can’t remember him. He seems to know who I am, though.
I glance at Kyle, admiring him. He’s wearing dark jeans, a gray shirt unbuttoned at the neck, and a navy blue jacket. He looks exquisite, just not as dressed up as everyone else. Everyone seems to know him, and I wonder if he brings all of his dates here. I push that away. I heard his anger when he spoke to Evan. Kyle protecting me. I can’t help but like it, like the way it warms my insides, makes me feel cared for. I’m going to focus on that.
“Sorry about my cousin,” Kyle says, playing with my hand still lying on the table. “Do you remember him?”
I shrug. “Kind of.”
“He’s pretty cool once you get to know him.”
“I’m sure,” I say, pulling my hand away. The way his cousin acted, so flippant about the awful nickname, I don’t buy it. I’m not sure I’m ready to be back in Kyle’s world. Even as much as I want to be with him. Maybe it isn’t a good idea.
“Okay, yeah, he’s pretty much always an asshole. I just never really noticed until now.” He cuts into his dinner, sticks some in his mouth, and chews.
I follow him: cut a piece of chicken, pick up some noodles, and take a bite. “Mmmmm.”
“Seriously. Uncle Ryan runs the best restaurant in Wyoming.”
I nod. Swallow, and focus on my plate. Talk of his family is making me uncomfortable.
“Do I hear my name being spoken in vain?” A man with dark hair, silver dusting his sideburns, and dark eyes walks up to the table. He’s an older version of Evan with a little paunch. His forehead is broad and his face is stern.
Kyle stands, clapping his uncle on the back. The man does the same to Kyle. I try to smile, but don’t quite make it. My heart starts to race. Something about him seems familiar.
Finally they stop embracing and his uncle turns to me. My breath catches in my throat. I’m not sure why. He sticks out his hand.
“You must be Maddie Martin. I’m Ryan Hadley. Nice to meet you.” He has an easy smile and a deep timber to his voice. I’ve heard his voice somewhere before, but I’m not sure where.
I rise, and take his outstretched hand. It’s warm. “Nice to meet you too.”
His smile falters slightly, and he drops my hand. “I’ll let the two of you get back to your dinner.”
“Thanks,” Kyle says. “The food is delicious, as always.”
Kyle’s uncle turns his gaze on me and I see a flicker of coldness in his eyes. “You didn’t like the escargot?”
I glance at Kyle for help. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it; I didn’t even try it. My stomach roiled at the thought. Kyle steps in. “She didn’t know what it was. I should’ve told her. It’s my fault.”
His uncle raises a dismissive hand. “Nonsense, boy. Think nothing of it.” He gives me a final glance before walking away.
I feel my head tilt in confusion and I sit. Kyle does the same. “I didn’t mean to upset him.”
“Don’t worry. My uncle is a little on the odd side.” He shrugs and goes back to his food.
I try to do the same, but it tastes like powder.
“Why did you start playing the piano?” Kyle asks as though everything is normal.
I want it to be normal. I do. He’s asked a standard question. Lots of people have asked the same one over the years. None were Kyle though. The son of a murderer.