Page 85 of A Dance With Obsession

“Well, isn’t this place cute!” Marie says excitedly as she takes in the quaint little restaurant.

We park beside my dad’s truck. I wait for him, my mom, and Sam to get out before I open my door. Marie and Walt have gotten out and are waiting at the front of the Tahoe for everyone else.

I feel Nora’s small hand on my forearm, so I turn to face her.

“I’m sorry if they’re prodding made you uncomfortable. They just…” her words trail off.

I place my much larger hand over hers. The electricity between us sends a warm sensation through my body, and damn, does it feel good after days of hardly no contact.

“It didn’t make me uncomfortable at all, cupcake. Sutter Creek isn’t so bad, and having you here only makes it better.”

I don’t wait for her to respond. Everyone else has gathered with Nora’s parents, so I exit the Tahoe and make my way around the back to open Nora’s door.

When I do, I offer my hand to help her out of the SUV. I glance at her face for only a second. Her cheeks are still pink, and it makes me chuckle.

She takes my hand without a word and mumbles, “You would think it was funny,” then slides off the seat.

Once her feet are firmly on the ground, I tuck her arm under mine and head toward the restaurant door. I decide to let it go for her sake more than mine. I can tell how uncomfortable it makes her.

She barely limps anymore, which is a good sign. I think she’s healing nicely, and her doctor’s appointment in a week should confirm what I already suspect. Nora has been a good girl and followed her doctor’s orders to rest her ankle. I hope she gets the all-clear because I know she’s dying to get back to dancing.

I don’t look back to see if everyone is following us, but I hear Sam say, “It’s about time.” I’m unsure who she’s talking to, but I can’t help but agree with her.

Inside, we’re seated quickly. The seven of us take a large table in the back of the restaurant. Our parents sit side by side on one side of the table, Sam, Nora, and me are on the other.

I pull out a chair for Nora, allowing her to get settled first. As I step back, I bump into a chair. When I turn, Sam is standing there with her hand on the back of the chair immediately next to Nora. She has a goofy grin on her face and gestures for me to sit. I don’t argue; I wanted to sit beside Nora, anyway.

Why the hell is she acting so strange?

When I sit, I feel eyes on me. I look up to find four sets of parents’ eyes boring into me. Marie and Mom both have sly smiles on their faces. I furrow my brows at them but stay silent. I think I know what they’re up to, but I won’t say it out loud.

My dad chuckles and opens his mouth to speak, but mercifully, the waitress arrives at our table right on time, stopping him from saying anything.

“Welcome to Patty’s. My name is Stormy. I’ll be taking care of you tonight. What can I get everyone to drink?”

Stormy eyes each of us around the table and quickly jots down our drink order.

“If everyone is okay with it, I’d like to order the family meal for the table. Camilla and I eat here somewhat often and are familiar with the choices.” My dad waits for any protests.

“That’s okay with us,” Walt speaks up for himself and Marie.

Dad doesn’t wait for Sam or me to answer but does make eye contact with Nora.

“Oh, of course. I trust your judgement,” she says without hesitation.

“There isn’t a bad item served in this place,” he says before turning his attention to the waitress once more. “We’ll have fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed greens, green beans, corn on the cob, and fried okra. And for dessert, we’d like both peach cobbler and the apple pie.”

I look over and see Marie and Walt, both wide eyed. I chuckle, but it soon turns into a full-blown, booming laugh. Nora laughs with me when she realizes her parents’ surprise as well.

Stormy doesn’t bat an eye at the large order. Like Dad said, they come here often.

“I’ll get that order put in. Is there anything else?” Stormy asks.

“I certainly hope not,” Walt adds with a laugh.

Stormy shakes her head and smiles as she walks away from our table.

“Well, Dad, I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. With that appetite, there’s no way you’re a sick man. I’m starting to think maybe this ‘flare-up’ was just a rouse to get me home,” I tell him teasingly.

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