Chapter 253: He's the Reason

She smiles as if I've just made her day and it almost leaves me breathless.

"We have a name for the restaurant," I tell her because I don't want to upset her and she looks close to tears.

"You do?" She's excited for me.

"The Conquering Nomad," I tell her. "What do you think?"

I don't know why her opinion means so much to me. Normally the only opinions that count in my mind are my own, Jack's, Landon's and my father's. It's strange that I seem to be adding her to that list without even realising it.

"That's pretty original." Her eyes are bright, and I know she is not lying to me. She really does like it. "I love it. Did you think it up?"

"Yeah..." Normally I'd boast at least a little bit, but for some reason, I don't want to boast about it to her.

"That's amazing, Jarrod." She extends her hand across the table and takes mine in her own. I'm surprised. It's usually me that instigates any touching, and she usually jumps a mile as if I've burnt her.