Human Blend by Lori Pescatore Read Free Book Online

Austin still wasn't sure what she meant, but
seeing the smile on her face was worth the confusion.
    The waitress came to their table with two
glasses filled with water. “Hey, Austin,” she greeted. “You must be
the new girl, I'm Cindy,” the waitress said to Julie.
    “Hi, Cindy. I'm Julie.” Julie realized that
everyone now knew of her existence in this small town. She didn't
panic. No one knew anything of her previous persona, except what
she herself had manufactured. She was confident in her ability to
have covered her tracks, but still fought the urge to look over her
shoulder.
    Cindy handed Julie a menu, a one page
laminated sheet with printing on both sides. “You want one, or are
you having your usual?” she asked Austin.
    Julie gave Austin a knowing look. Austin
grinned back. “I might... want something else,” he said, looking at
Julie the whole time.
    Julie laughed and shook her head. “Creatures
of habit,” she said, quietly, but Austin had heard. He fought to
hide the smile as he recalled the similar situation they had at the
breakfast place. He took the menu from Cindy.
    “Can I start you off with something to
drink?” she asked.
    “The water is fine for me,” Julie said, as
she scanned the menu.
    “Diet Mountain Dew,” Cindy said at the exact
time with Austin. Julie stifled a giggle that was dying to escape.
Austin made a face that was a cross between a grimace and a smile.
“Coming right up,” Cindy said and walked away.
    Julie tried to focus on the menu but kept
stealing glances at Austin. Finally she spoke, “Austin, stop
fighting yourself.”
    “I'm not fighting myself, I'm trying to
decide what to get,” he replied.
    “It's okay to get the same thing, just get
what you like,” Julie encouraged.
    “What are you getting?” he asked.
    “I'm actually considering getting what I had
last night.“ Julie said. “The hotel makes an incredible bacon
cheeseburger,” she mentioned.
    “Did you go down to the restaurant when I
left?” Austin asked.
    “No, room service,” Julie said.
    “Oh, my buddy Rick works there delivering,”
Austin said.
    Julie pretended to be concentrating on the
menu to avoid looking at Austin. The menu was suddenly plucked from
her hands. “He hit on you, didn't he?” Austin asked.
    Julie did not want to have this conversation
right now. “Look, Austin,” Julie began.
    “It's okay, “ Austin interrupted, “It's his
M.O. He thinks he is Joe Gigolo, that woman will just fall at his
feet. Sometimes they do,” he finished quietly.
    “He's a bit full of himself,” Julie said. She
originally had no intention of mentioning the encounter to Austin,
but now it seemed unavoidable. “I pretty much told him that and he
apologized,” Julie recited. She left out the part where he was
doubled over in pain.
    Austin looked reflective. “I'm sorry. I'm
sorry you had to go through that,” Austin said.
    “Austin why are you apologizing for something
your friend did? You're not responsible for him,” Julie reminded.
She hated to see the frown on his face. Julie reached across the
table and touched Austin's hand, to bring his eyes back to hers.
“I've dealt with guys that think like your friend, Rick, before.
Their arrogance is broadcasted far and wide. They think their
confidence and Neanderthal ways will get them what they want. Maybe
on someone who is unsure of themselves, it might work. I don't
consider myself under that umbrella. Rick found that out right
quick,” Julie finished. She hoped she didn't come across like a
know it all. She just wanted Austin to understand, she could take
care of herself. Judging by his smile, she succeeded.
    “Should I be worried if he came out alive?”
Austin asked, and they both had a good laugh.
    Cindy brought Austin's drink over. “You guys
ready to order?” she inquired.
    “Yes,” Austin answered, quickly. “We are both
going to have a bacon cheeseburger,” Austin ordered. Julie
smiled.
    “How do you want them