Speak To Me

(Rylan)

I nervously tapped my foot on the floor, my eyes watching the gorgeous waitress carefully as she walked away.

"Rylan..you're fucking allergic to shellfish.." Jamie suddenly stated, making my eyes dart towards him as I quickly sat up straighter.

"Not exactly..I mean..my throat gets a little itchy..and makes it harder to breath..but I think I can fight through it." I shrugged, making Jamie burst into laughter as he shook his head in disbelief. "Damn dude..you've got it worse than me..don't get me wrong, I admire your dedication to impress the girl..but you had so many other options you could've chosen from." Alder added. "I can just share with you." I stated, causing Alder to laugh now.

"Yeah..we will see about that." Alder muttered under his breath..and I had a feeling I would go home hungry after this.

But I don't care, I just want to keep seeing that girl..Tilly..that's a pretty unusual name. I wonder if it's short for anything..I feel like it's fucking adorable though..and she is definitely gorgeous. Something about her feels so familiar to me..I just have no clue why.

While Jamie and Alder got down to business, I waited and waited for Tilly to come back to the table..and when another girl I didn't recognize came..I was bummed.

Did I freak her out and she asked someone else to take her place? Or did something come up and she had to rush home? I'm usually not this nosey..okay..fine..I'm super nosey and I couldn't help but ask.

"Um, excuse me. What happened to our other waitress if you don't mind me asking?" I stated while she began refilling our water.

I could feel Jamie's amused look from here and refused to acknowledge it.

"Oh..well, it was nothing personal. I just asked her to help with another table. I hope that's not an issue."

"Well actually.." I began.

"No..it's no issue at all..thank you." Jamie interrupted before looking at me in disapproval.

I just pouted and crossed my arms in front of my chest, feeling annoyed. At least she didn't change tables because of me.

Once the food arrived, and Alder oh so kindly gave a freaking dinner roll..I decided just to use the bathroom and hoped to catch Tilly on the way through. Maybe I can ask for her number..is that too weird? Or..if I play this right..I can start coming in every day and hope she gets comfortable enough with me that we naturally become friends first.

As I was going through all sorts of scenarios in my mind, I suddenly heard my name being called, making me snap out of it.

"Rylan Walters, is that you?" A soft feminine voice called out..making me turn my head as instant regret rushed through me.

Shit..Madeline Carter..my ex. What are the fucking chances..seriously?! Is it one of those things where you think it and that thought magically manifests into reality?!

Of course she wasn't alone either..she looked to be with another girl and two guys.

"Over here! It's me, Madison." She added before waving me over.

I waved back, trying not to groan as I walked towards her.

"It's been ages! I was just thinking about you the other day. You do know I'm back now right? I moved back a few months ago..in fact..this is my fiance Frank." Madison rambled out, making me smile tightly as she introduced me to the man sitting beside her. "Ah, nice to meet you Frank." I mumbled and was about to step back when Madison began speaking again.

"Oh, I ran into your mother the other day. We talked for hours it felt like..she kept asking if it was single and I thought for a moment she was trying to set us up again. When she said you were single, I couldn't believe it!" She laughed, making the girl next to her laugh as well.. Of course Mom talked to her..fucking great. That's all I needed was for Madison to think I was some pathetic loser who couldn't move on from her..

Then I had an idea..one that didn't fully form before it blurted out of my mouth.

"Um actually I have a girlfriend.." I rushed out, causing Madison to blink up at me in confusion.

"You..do?" She asked, not believing me at all..which, I guess she is right..but I felt offended by the fact that she is this fucking shocked.

"Yes, and she actually works here." I added..and then, like an angel coming from the heavens up above..there was Tilly.

"Oh, hi..do you.." She began and without thinking, I quickly wrapped her in a hug, placing my mouth right next to her ear.

"Please pretend to be my girlfriend..just for a moment..I will explain later." I whispered, making Tilly stiffen beneath me before I felt her head nodding up and down softly.

Wait..was she agreeing to this?!!

"The..the waitress..is your girlfriend?" Madison asked, making me pull away before snaking my arm around Tilly's waist as I glanced down at Madison cooly.

"Yep, is there a problem with that?" I asked, making her face turn beet red as she cleared her throat before shaking her head no.

"Of course not..I just thought your mom.."

"Well..my mom doesn't need to know everything about my personal life..does she?" I asked, turning to glance down at a stiff Tilly as she just stood there, looking nervous as hell.

"Right babe? We are just enjoying each other before our families try to get involved." I added with a laugh, making Tilly nod her head before smiling up at me.

Fuck..how is she adorable and sexy all at the same time?

I bent down, kissing her forehead as I watched her cheeks practically burst into flames.

"Well, you should get back to work..I don't want to get you into trouble again. Oh, can I see your phone too? I just wanted to check something." I asked her, making Tilly's eyes dart from me to the table before reaching into her back pocket and pulling out her phone. "Um..okay.." She mumbled, passing me the phone as I turned it on..luckily she didn't have a lock screen or anything.

I pulled up her keypad before typing in my number and calling my phone. I let it ring for a few seconds all while we stood there awkwardly in front of the table.

"So, you are back for good then?" I asked Madison before turning off the phone and handing it back to Tilly with a wink.

"Yes, maybe we should grab dinner one night. I mean, the four of us of course." She added before darting her gaze between me and Tilly as she laughed awkwardly. "Uh, yeah, sure." I added and turned back to Tilly.

"Well, better get back to work babe. Call me tonight when you get home?" I asked, making Tilly nod her head hastily before looking up at me with wide eyes. "Bye.." She said before raising her small hand and waving at me with the cutest look on her face.

With that, I walked away, my heart beating erratically in my chest as I couldn't hide this goofy grin that now filled my face.

Why was that the most thrilling thing I have ever done in my life?

Thank you Tilly..I owe you one..