Chapter 118. She Treat Her Differently

Chapter 118. She Treat Her Differently
They finally got their table in peace by the time those boys got out from the diner sheepishly. Feeling like a loser, after knowing there’s not much they can do and what they did already made the people inside the diner uncomfortable.

For a few slow seconds, the four of them just talk about their days. While the men in uniform started to order what they wanted, they kept on guarding—until the smell of hot grease, fried potatoes, and melted cheese began to drift over like a promise.

Their order started to come in all at once. When Roxanne’s tray was set down, she stared at it like it was a feast meant specifically for her hunger.

The burger sat front and center—stacked and glossy, with melted cheese draped over the thick patty so perfectly it looked almost sinful. The bun looked soft but toasted, ready to break the moment she picked it up. And you could practically see the juices clinging to every bite, like the whole thing had been cooked to indulgence.

Beside it is a mountain of golden French fries, the kind that looked extra crunchy on the outside and tender in the middle—already gleaming with that lightly oily sheen that always meant they were worth every mouthful. A smear of ketchup waited like the final touch.

And then the side that made it impossible to not look like a hungry horse is a generous portion of mac and cheese, thick and creamy, the sauce clinging to the pasta like comfort is a substance you could scoop.

Even the drink looked eager to be swallowed, a cold, fizzy cola sweating over ice, ready to chug down the whole delicious disaster. Roxanne let out a small breath, amused and a little stunned by herself.

She looked over at Alexandra, then down at the pile of food covering the table. For a moment, she simply stared, trying to understand how one person is supposed to finish everything sitting in front of them.

She had completely forgotten how generous the portions could be at a Texas diner, especially compared with the carefully measured meals she had grown accustomed to in New York.

“That’s huge,” Alexandra says, her eyes widening as she looks at the plate in front of her.

Samantha immediately laughs. “Honey, that isn't huge. Them’s normal portions.”

Alexandra looks at her plate again, then at Samantha, as though she’s waiting for someone to admit that this is some kind of joke. “Normal?”

“Yep. You wanted Texas food, didn’t ya?” Samantha says with a grin. “Well, this is how we do it. Ain’t nobody round here gonna leave the table hungry.”

Madelyn looks between them and giggles. “Alex, you should see the portions at Earl’s when my brother gets behind the counter. He’ll put enough food on one plate to feed three people.” Samantha continues.

“I can see that,” Alexandra says, still staring at her meal.

Roxanne smiles as she watches Alexandra pick up her fork and examine the food with genuine curiosity. “I don’t think we need to order another one, right?” Alexandra asks.

“Let’s just share.” Roxanne replies and gives Alexandra the utensils.

Both Madelyn and Samantha stare at how Roxanne let the older woman cut the burger in half, amused at how different Roxanne is already in four years; she’s not coming back to Texas. Because the old Roxanne will just devour everything.

“You look concerned.” Madelyn says softly.

“I’m trying to understand how this is considered one serving.” Alexandra muttered as she took a napkin and still stared at the burger.

Samantha laughs again. “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

Madelyn points toward the dessert menu. “Wait until you see the pie.”

Alexandra slowly turns toward her. “There’s more?”

“Always,” Samantha says proudly.

Roxanne covers her mouth, trying not to laugh. Alexandra gives her a playful look. “There’s a pie? Bigger than this?”

"But they taste good, and it comes with ice cream," Roxanne replies hopefully.

“This place serves the portions that are bigger than some meals I’ve had at formal dinners.” Alexandra says.

“That’s because this is real food,” Samantha says, leaning back comfortably. “We don’t believe in leavin’ anybody hungry.”

“Let’s just eat.” Roxanne picks up her fork and finally digs into her own plate.

The first bite brings back memories she has almost forgotten, from long afternoons spent on the ranch to family dinners before everything in her life becomes complicated. The food is simple, rich, and comforting, carrying the kind of warmth she cannot find in expensive restaurants.

Next to her, Alexandra takes her first bite of the burger stacked with tender brisket, and her eyes widen almost immediately. “Oh, wow,” she says softly.

Roxanne looks at her with an amused smile. “That good?”

Alexandra nods, taking another bite. She has eaten countless burgers in New York, even from restaurants considered among the best in the city, but none of them tastes quite like this.

The smoky brisket, melted cheese, grilled onions, and warm bun come together perfectly, making her understand why Roxanne seems so happy to be back in Texas.

Samantha grins across the table. “See? Now you get it.”

Alexandra takes another bite, and Roxanne watches the small smile spreading across her face. “I may need to rethink everything I thought I knew about Texas.”

Samantha raises her glass with a proud grin. “Now you’re talkin’.”

Roxanne laughs softly, feeling something warm settle in her chest as she watches Alexandra enjoy the simple meal beside her.

They continue eating for a few minutes before Madelyn finally looks up from her plate, curiosity getting the better of her. “Wait, how come you told that guy you could ruin his whole family?” she asks. “I mean, he’s one of the richest farmers around here.”

Samantha snorts softly. “I can tell ya why. His family’s got plenty of money, but they ain’t got anywhere near the kind of reach the Romanovs do.”

Madelyn glances at Samantha. “I know your family’s got a huge farm around here. Y’all practically own half the county. But you?”

She turns toward Alexandra, her question completely genuine, without a trace of disrespect. “Why would you be able to ruin his family?”

Samantha answers before Alexandra can. “Because she can ruin my family too.”

Alexandra simply shrugs. “True.”

Madelyn’s eyes widen. “Who are you? How do you have that much power?”

Roxanne immediately looks at her younger sister, silently hoping she’ll stop asking questions before she digs herself into a hole. Madelyn, however, only looks more curious.

Alexandra laughs softly, when she looks at Madelyn, she can see the resemblance immediately. Madelyn has the same eager eyes Roxanne had at sixteen, the same curiosity that always made her ask questions before thinking about whether she should. The difference is that Madelyn is far more rebellious.

“Me?” Alexandra says gently. “I’m Alexandra Romanov. You can Google it later, once you finish eating.”

Madelyn blinks, and Samantha nearly chokes on her drink. “Well, shoot,” she mutters. “That oughta keep the girl busy for a while.”

Madelyn looks down at her plate, then back at Alexandra. “You’re serious?”

“Completely.” Roxanne can’t help smiling.

She knows that tone, Alexandra has never spoken to her that gently when she was Madelyn’s age. Back then, Alexandra would have shut down every question with a single look. But now, watching her speak to Madelyn with patience and amusement, Roxanne realizes Alexandra is treating Madelyn like a child.

There are so many things she’s going to ask her about later tonight, because Alexandra has never treated Roxanne like this. Because she remembers Alexandra always pushing her away.