30

Joel POV

I sat across the table from Miranda at McDonalds. I know it sounds terrible, but yes, this is what I wanted for my first meal out. Something I had missed, yet I knew would be recognizable and familiar. Miranda got up to place our order at the counter and I watched her walk across the dining room. Damn, she has a nice ass. I placed my back to a window so I could have a view of the whole dining room and I watched Miranda like a hawk as she stood in line, people standing too close to her for my liking, but I had to understand that out here, things were different. I didn't always have to choose the defensive position, eyes toward the door, in case something terrible went down. Out here people in general were disrespectful and didn't understand personal space, but it wasn't intentional or dangerous, it was just an example of their poor pragmatic skills. I remind myself it wouldn't be beneficial to her or me if I overreact to someone standing too close or bumping me. Then aga