Chapter 53 You Single by Any Chance?
Andrew glanced sideways. “Yo, man, what are you getting?”
Josh pushed off the counter, turned, and leaned one forearm on the marble. “I’ll get a Bacon Swiss Burger. Patty medium-well. For toppings, just grilled onions and mushrooms— no mayo, please.”
“All right, sir.” Aisha tapped the order in, nodded once. “Are you paying together?”
Andrew looked at Josh. Josh’s mouth curved into a slow, knowing smile— eyes glinting with mischief.
Andrew nodded at Aisha. “Sure.” Then he turned back to Josh, voice dropping into teasing territory. “I’ll make sure I get my money back from you.”
“No worries, bro. I got you covered.” Josh winked; the smile widened into a full grin.
“I’m serious, bro.” Andrew laughed softly— low, easy. “Next time we’re buying food, you’re paying.”
“I hear you.” Josh’s tone stayed light— he clearly wasn’t taking it seriously.
“Your bill is $11.99,” Aisha interrupted gently.
Andrew dug into his back pocket, pulled out his wallet, fished out a twenty, and slid it across the counter. “Keep two dollars for the tip.”
“Thank you.” Aisha’s smile brightened as she accepted the bill, rang it through, and handed back the change— eight singles and two quarters.
Andrew collected his paper bag— grease already spotting through the bottom— and the change. “Thank you.”
Josh did the same, murmuring his own thanks as he took his bag.
They turned together toward the exit— bags swinging lightly at their sides, shoulders almost touching.
Halfway across the dining room Josh bumped Andrew’s shoulder— sharp, deliberate.
Andrew glanced sideways. “What?”
Josh jerked his head toward the far corner. “Is that not Maggie?”
Andrew’s steps faltered. “Where?”
“There.” Josh nodded again— more insistent.
Andrew followed the direction. Maggie sat alone at a small two-top against the window— back to the wall, facing the room. Purple hoodie today, sleeves pushed up, black ponytail sleek and high. A tall vanilla milkshake sat in front of her, condensation beading on the glass, straw bent between her lips. Her phone glowed in her other hand; thumb scrolled absently while she sipped.
Andrew stopped dead. “What is she doing here all alone?”
Josh stopped too. “I don’t know.”
They both stared— openly, unapologetically.
“Have you spoken to her yet?” Josh asked, voice low.
“No. Not yet.” Andrew’s answer came quick, almost breathless.
Josh’s mouth curved into a slow, encouraging grin. “This is your opportunity, man. You might not see this opportunity with her again, she's all alone. Just walk up to her, ask for her number or socials. Worst thing she could say is no.”
Andrew drew in a deep breath— chest rising visibly— then exhaled through his nose. “You’re right.”
He thrust his bag toward Josh. “Hold this. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.” Josh took the bag, teasing smile widening. “Don’t choke.”
Andrew straightened his hoodie, rolled his shoulders once, and started across the dining room.
Maggie didn’t look up until he was two steps from her table. When she did, her straw paused between her lips.
Andrew lifted a hand in a small wave, pointed to the empty chair opposite her. “Hello. Is this seat taken?”
Maggie gazed up at him— eyes narrowing slightly in assessment— then shook her head once. “No.”
Andrew slid into the chair, leaned forward just enough to catch her attention, and waved again— gentler this time. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
Maggie sucked once more on the straw— long, deliberate— then set the cup down. She tilted her head, studying him. Recognition sparked behind her eyes. Her lips curved— small, real.
“My hero.”
Andrew’s shoulders eased; a relieved smile broke across his face. “I’m glad you recognize me.”
“Me too.” Maggie’s voice stayed soft, almost amused.
Andrew nodded toward the milkshake. “Why are you here alone?”
“I was reading in the library. Got tired. Came here to relax.” She gestured vaguely at the cup. “You?”
“I came here with a friend to get food.” Andrew nodded toward the entrance where Josh still stood— bags in both hands, watching with blatant curiosity.
“Oh. I see.” Maggie nodded once, polite.
Silence settled— awkward, thick. Andrew’s heart thudded loud enough he was sure she could hear it. He swallowed once, twice.
Then: “That guy at the club that day… who was he to you? Did you know him?”
Maggie’s smile turned wry. “He’s my ex now.”
“Oh.” Andrew nodded slowly, never breaking eye contact even though his pulse hammered at the base of his throat.
“Yes.” Maggie twirled the straw between her fingers. “I broke ties with him that day. It had been on-and-off between us for a while.”
“Oh. Okay.” Andrew’s voice stayed even— careful. “So you don’t speak to him anymore?”
“No.” She shook her head once— decisive.
Another beat of silence. Neither looked away.
Andrew exhaled— slow, shaky. “Sorry… can I ask you something?”
“Ask away.” Maggie’s smile returned— small, encouraging.
Andrew swallowed hard again. “You single by any chance?”