Page 141 of Bend

“Coffee.”

“You can get coffee in a minute.”

I look back at him. “I’m sorry, did you just tell me I have to wait for coffee?”

“I said you can get it in a minute. There is a difference, pretty girl.”

“There really isn’t.”

“There is when you haven’t eaten yet.”

I fold my arms. “You’re being bossy awfully early.”

“And you’re being difficult awfully early, so I guess we’re both right on schedule.”

Sayshen glances over from the table. “He’s got you there.”

“Stay out of it.”

“I wasn’t even in it.”

“You inserted yourself. That counts.”

Draygon shakes his head, still smiling, then reaches for a plate he’s already put together and walks over to me with it.

I look down.

Eggs, bacon, toast, fruit, potatoes.

An actual fucking breakfast.

I look back at him. “What is this?”

He gives me a flat look. “Food, Echo.”

“I can see that, smartass. Why are you handing it to me like I’m five?”

“Because if I leave you to do it yourself, all you’ll drink coffee and call that breakfast.”

“That is breakfast.”

“No, that’s caffeine.”

“Same thing.”

“Absolutely not.”

I take the plate from him, mostly because it smells too good to keep arguing.

“You sleep all right?”

I narrow my eyes. “You know damn well I didn’t get much sleep.”

His mouth twitches. “Wasn’t what I asked.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Still didn’t answer.”