As far as brothers went, Julie deemed hers the best of the lot. He was pleasant, charming, intelligent, and quite handsome. Some could even call him devastating to women. So it was without surprise that she observed her employer serving Matthew with an extra slice of pie.
"You ate that last one so fast, I don't think you really had dinner." The matronly red-head peered at the man curiously.
From the looks of him, Matthew had indeed skipped dinner. The slight flush that always accompanied an unexpected truth crept over his cheeks.
"Don't worry, Franky. I'm sure he'll eat something soon. He is in my section after all." Julie stepped out of the break area and approached her sibling as Franky drifted off to yell at some rowdy kids.
"Thank God, sis. I think she's trying to fatten me up for some type of slaughter."
When Julie couldn't help a laugh from slipping out, Matthew looked at her curiously. "Sorry. Picturing you on a platter with an apple in your mouth. So you want some ice cream to go with that pie?"
***
He couldn't help it if anywhere he went, he knew someone. He had only to enter one place and Peter's name would ring out from some acquaintance or other. It just happened this time that this particular place was owned by one of those. "Hello, Franky; and how are you?"
"I'm good – yourself?"
Spotting Julie waiting at the far end of the diner car, he smiled. "I am great."
The older lady smirked at him. "What'll you have?" She followed his gaze and her expression turned to one of mischievous glee. "Or should I say what'll have you?"
Taken aback, Peter couldn't help but wonder, "That transparent, am I?"
"It helps being in the loop." She tilted her head toward a man seated at the counter. "Take a seat. Someone'll be with you shortly."
Peter didn't quite understand her but did as he was told happily.
Well, that is until he got a better look at the man also seated at the counter. The same bloke that he first saw Julie with picked at a sumptuous looking sundae only partially consumed. Uncertain, he took the stool adjacent.
The unknown man raised his head and noticed Peter. Nonchalantly he pointed to his desert. "Damn things. You always get the biggest one because that's what you want. Then you can't finish it because of all the other food you ate before it. Or pie that was practically shoved down your throat." In a small way, Peter acquiesced to the strangers comment. "Silly – it's made for you to have a date with you so you don't waste your money."
"Or for those with an enormous sweet tooth." Julie sidled up to her brother and patted his back. "Eat up, Matt, else I'll finish it on you, break rule or no." Her cheeks flushed when she noticed the Peter, sitting and quietly taking her in. A few swift strides later she was placed firmly on the opposite side of the counter. "Something to drink?"
"Usual, doll."
Julie's moved away to place the order and Matthew caught her flustered hand motions as she poured him a cup of joe. Such activity could have a few meanings, but he decided to make a closer inspection of the man.
