Unexpected | ??

45- Two Sneak Ins

My mom looked up from her tablet in shock. "Mel's? You do realize that's where you got food poisoning?"

"Yes, mom," I laughed, realizing she had no idea how often I went there. "New owners though and it's so good."

"Ah, well we'll have to go together one day. I've always loved that place but I never went back because you were super stubborn. Just the thought of it was enough to make you gag."

I smiled thinking about how much I changed since then. "For sure."

Honestly, the only reason I even thought about going there was because Dean wasn't here. If I knew he was, I'd avoid the place like the plague.

Well...

Still, I'd have to face his sister but that seemed more doable. She seemed nice and I doubt she'd let Dean get in the way of her job.

Except for the fact that he forced her to not give me milkshakes.

My dad strolled in with my uncle. Both were dressed in khakis and polo shirts, making their inner frat boys come out. "Okay, we're heading to the country club. See you later." My dad swiftly kissed my mom and ruffled my hair before heading out.

"Shall we?" Sam asked, shrugging one arm around me and one around his sister. He changed out of his swim trunks into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. His blond hair was damp from his shower, making it look super curly. "Where's the bugger?"

"Justin!" I screamed, hoping he'd hear me from wherever he was. Seconds later, I heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

"You kids have fun!" my aunt called out. We mumbled a thanks before making our way to my Jeep.

"How was shopping?" Justin asked.

Both Sara and I grinned. "Good, we spent a lot of money," she told them.

"R.I.P to dad's bank account," Sam whispered, earning a glare from his sister. I rolled my eyes and turned up the music to prevent any sibling rivalries.

We all vibed to the songs as I sped down the familiar roads. I rolled the windows down, letting the cool breeze flow through our hair. We screamed the lyrics to the song we knew and yelled random crap for the songs we didn't know. It was a fun time.

The small diner came into view and I was surprised to see a lot of cars. I guess people were sick of leftovers already. Natalie greeted us when we walked in with her usual smile. Luckily there were a few booths open so we didn't have to wait.

I slid into one, with Justin on my side. Sara sat across from me, and her brother next to her.

One by one, Nat took everyone's order. Then she looked to me and asked, "The usual?"

"Yes and please bring me that milkshake," I laughed, earning a smile from her. At least things weren't awkward between us. Dean or no Dean, I was glad to see this place was still welcoming for me.

My cousins had their brows arched and their heads cocked. "Usual? How often do you come here?" Sara curiously asked.

"A lot," I confessed. "It's a good place, okay?"

They both nodded in acknowledgment, looking around the cozy restaurant. It was seriously packed and I wondered if anyone besides Nat was working in the front.

"How'd you even find this place?" Sara asked as she looked around the place. Her eyes were sucking in every detail, from the cliche red booths to the neon decor scattered around.

I pursed my lips before answering, "Well, I came here a long time ago with my family, but I got food poisoning." Both of them paled. "Don't worry, there are new owners. I've eaten here plenty and I haven't gotten sick."