The order up came before Duncan could speak.  Then came the quick peck on the cheek.  Or was it the other way around.  His thoughts had been jumbled all morning.  But now, seeing Aliyah, he realized he had to get a grip - unless he wanted to make a fool of himself.  Gary had made sure Aliyah got home safe.  Duncan had mixed feelings about that.  And he needed to sort those out - and fast.  He glanced at Gary, then looked at the menu.  He was starving….

As he looked his mind started multitasking - brainstorming.  He didn’t do this often.  But sometimes doing two things at once - distracting himself - helped.  He thought hard about the previous night - the ‘relationship’ situation.  He did not want a one night stand.  But the truth was, he didn’t own her or have any claim on her.  Maybe all she had wanted was a one night stand.  Guys had been doing that to girls for ages.

He needed to grow up a little.  Was he making more out of last night than he should?  Probably.  Had he done something wrong?  Well, maybe inexperienced, but not wrong exactly.  Was she trying to let him down gently?  He hoped not.  He did not like that idea.  The morning after was when most relationships died.  He’d heard that somewhere.  Sooo …

When she came back he had his order ready, grinning as he gave it.  He had decided the best way to approach this was with confidence.  She probably wasn’t expecting that.  

“Omelette for the day?  Hmm,” his eyes danced a little mischievously.  “Got it.  King of Hearts with salsa and guacamole extra.  Annndd … Flap Special with blueberries and whipped topping, with 2 extra eggs - the eggs are over easy as usual and bacon for the meat, coffee and large OJ.  Not sure what Gary s having, but I seem to have worked up an appetite.”

Gary’s eyes bugged out and he snorted a laugh.  Even he was a little surprised at Duncan’s recovery.  It took him a second to speak.  “My metabolism is slowing down.  God he’s making me feel old.  Uhm, just the Flap special.  Over easy sounds good for me on the eggs as well.  Oh, uhm … bacon.  And coffee.”

Duncan held off asking about her break or next date.  He needed to give her just a little time to think.  If she didn’t like the casino setting, crowding her was just the wrong approach.