Chapter 8 • A Side Of Chips

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"Will that complete your order?"

"Yes, oh can I have a pickle with my order, please?" JJ asks and I can't stop from grinning.

"Yes, ma'am," our waiter says.

I wait a few seconds until I know he's left our table until I reach over for JJ. She places her hand in mine and as I stroke the back of her hand with my thumb, a warm breeze blows through our private table with an umbrella top and with the rushing sound of the pool in the background, it's quite a romantic atmosphere.

"Did you hear that?" JJ giggles.

"Hear what?"

"My tummy growled. It was particularly loud so I thought you'd hear it."

"M'sorry, I didn't. I guess I was distracted, but I'm hungry, too. So this hotel has a four-star restaurant, hey?"

"Yes, I'm really excited to try their cuisine," JJ says. "The reviews online are quite impressive."

"Hmm, I guess Michal would probably like to eat here then."

"It would give him a run for his money," JJ jokes, squeezing my hand. "My mouth is watering for the chicken bacon club sandwich." Just that word alone makes me smile sadly at the thought of her. "Listen, I was thinking, I'm missing Romeo and Juliet terribly, so after we have our lunch and get back to our room, why don't we call Trish to check on them and then we can call your mum to check on Maggie. How does that sound?"

My wife's thoughtfulness and compassion make me speechless and I swallow harshly, turning in my chair to face her.

"That's a lovely idea, JJ. Thank you."

She wiggles her hand from mine and she places it on my shoulder. I lean to my left, anticipating a kiss and I sense her presence close to me. Our lips touch in a sweet kiss and a purposeful clearing of a throat interrupts us.

"Your drinks," our waiter says. "A ginger ale for the lady, and a water with a lime wedge for you, sir. Your food will be out shortly."

JJ and I thank him at the same time and she guides my hand to the glass. My fingers become wet thanks to the condensation from the ice and I bring the glass up to my mouth to take a drink. As I swallow the refreshing liquid, I feel for the table and set my glass down away from the edge.

"How's your ginger ale?"

"It's very good. Just what I needed to settle my stomach. Oo and here comes our food," she says and the light clapping sound makes me smile.

"The chicken bacon club sandwich on a brioche roll with a pickle spear on the side, and for you, sir, the spiced bean burger with chips. Can I get you anything else?"

"Napkins?"

"Right away, ma'am."

"While he's gone for a second, your burger is on the left side of the plate and the chips are to the right. Mm, they look really good; golden brown."

"Would you like some?"

"Oh no, love. I have a pickle . . . although I should've asked for chips as well. I didn't know they'd look so good."

"I'll trade you my chips for your pickle," I offer and she breathes out a quiet laugh.

"You're so sweet, but it's okay. Thank you for offering."

"Extra napkins for the table," our waiter says and I raise my hand to get his attention.

"Excuse me, can I get a side order of fresh chips, please?"

"Yes, of course. Straight away," he replies and JJ taps my shoulder.

"Why did you do that?"

"Because I can tell you really want some chips, and you'd never take mine, even though I offered them, so I did what I had to do to make my wife happy." She doesn't reply and I reach over to place my hand on her knee. "Are you happy?"

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