Page 54 of Sexting My Ex's Dad

For some reason, the fact that he’s agreeing has me giddy.

It doesn’t take us long to get to the little diner, and ‘hole in the wall’ is right. There’s nothing special about it – the bricks are worn down, and one of the windows has an unfixed crack in it. It’s probably a far cry from what Elio is used to.

“This is where you want to eat?” He frowns, looking over it. “I’m not sure it’s even a restaurant - it looks more like a dump.”

“Trust me, Elio, it’s going to be worth it,” I assure him.

“If you say so.”

As we push open the door, we’re hit with tantalizing smells - bacon, muffins, omelettes. It’s honestly mouthwatering. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to try it.

“This place certainly has character,” Elio comments, a bit of an uneasy look on his face.

“If you want to leave –”

“Don’t talk for me.” He gestures me in front of him. “Find us a table.”

His bossiness should get on my nerves, but all it does is excite me.

I move us over towards a cozy corner booth with red vinyl seats. We slide in across from one another, and I take a moment to look around. The diner looks a bit better on the inside than it does the outside but just barely.

“Coffee?” A blonde waitress with a slim waist offers a pot in her hand.

“Yes,” Elio answers, and the waitress fills both of our mugs up - but not without sending a flirtatious look towards Elio and walking away with red cheeks.

I should be upset with her, but how can I be when I’m just as starstruck? I’m just lucky to have him for however long that lasts.

“Not even a glance, huh?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.

He frowns. “At what?”

“The waitress?”

“Why would I when you’re right in front of me?”

His words leave me shocked, and I have to drink my coffee to hide the expression on my face.

Elio takes a sip of his coffee and lets out a satisfied sigh. “This reminds me of when I was a kid.”

“So you do like it here?”

“No.” He sets the mug down. “I’m used to it though, this diner coffee. It’s all my mom used to be able to afford when I was a kid.”

Elio wasn’t always rich?

“What happened to your mom?”

He looks me dead in the eye. “She’s dead.”

And the finality of his words make me drop the subject.

“Stella, have you thought about looking for a new place?” Elio asks casually, his blue eyes gazing at me intently.

I glance over at him, surprised by his question and the implication behind it. “What do you mean?”

He shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant. “Well, with your newfound financial security, you could consider upgrading your living situation. Maybe something more spacious or in a better neighborhood.”

“I just moved into my apartment.” A small frown forms on my face. “Besides, I don’t think it’s any of your business where I live anyways.”