The Gold Digger's Ledger novel · Chapter 10 of 24

Chapter 10: Over the Number

Hearth Grill had red leather booths, brass lamps, and a smell of char.

I had walked past that smell for four years.

I had never gone inside.

I wore the only dress I owned that Gus would call stupid.

It was green, I'd bought it on sale for ninety dollars, and I had never worn it.

Gus wore the velvet jacket.

Tristan wore a suit and watched me read the menu without looking at his own.

"The porterhouse for two," Gus told the waiter. "Two. Miranda will have one to herself."

"Gus."

"Don't argue with a man who has decided to be extravagant."

The rolls came in a basket.

I ate one before the waiter had set it down.

He came back with another basket.

Then the steak arrived on a wooden board, sliced and still hissing, with the bone laid beside it.

Baked potato. Creamed spinach. A salad nobody asked me to finish.

I ate until my jaw ached.

I ate until the hole behind my ribs finally went quiet.

Then I put down my fork and realized I was full.

It was the first time in nine years.

I sat back against the red leather and looked at the empty plate.

Then I was crying, which I was getting tired of doing in front of these two.

Gus passed me his handkerchief without a word.

Tristan reached across the table and wiped my cheek with his thumb.

"There," Gus said, lifting his water glass. "That is what a dinner is for."

"To being full," I said, and my voice cracked.

"To being full," said Tristan.

We had cheesecake.

I had two bites and gave the rest to Gus, who ate it with joy.

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