Page 92 of Firecracker

“Yeah, of course. In fact, it makes total sense.”

“I like supporting local businesses too. Oh! I had the best idea today!”

He grinned. “What?”

“The breakfast I’m catering for Jamie…I was trying to figure out a way to make it special, and I was thinking about all the vendors at the farmers’ market…I could use all local products. Jams and honeys…breads…cheeses…”

He watched her eyes light up talking about it. “Thatisa great idea.”

“I’ve wanted to buy all that stuff, and support those people and try their products, but I can’t afford to myself. But for this…it would be perfect!”

“Yeah.” It really was a good idea. “You’re amazing, Arden.”

She shook her head, smiling, dropping her gaze back to the menu. “How about escargots? Or mussels? Or…yum, this caramelized onion strudel sounds good too.”

“Let’s get two appetizers and share them.”

The more he got to know about Arden, the more he realized how superficial the crush he’d had on her back in the day was. Okay, not totally superficial; he knew she was more than a pretty face. But the intelligence and caring and strength he was seeing now made her even more beautiful in his eyes.

He was so fucked.

Letting out a short sigh, he too turned his attention to the menu, although he already knew he was going to order the steak frites. The steak which was sustainably raised beef.

“This place is pricey,” Arden whispered to him.

He shrugged. “Don’t worry about it.” He could afford a nice meal out once in a while.

She bit her lip, looking conflicted, then nodded, reminding him of her money situation.

The server arrived with their wine, pouring a little for Arden to taste. She gave a nod of approval, and the server filled their glasses, then disappeared again while Arden continued to peruse the food selections. Finally she decided and closed the menu, setting it aside. Picking up her wine, she leaned forward and lifted her glass in a toast. “Thank you for this.”

He touched his glass to hers with a gentle clink. “You’re welcome.”

She sipped her wine, glancing around. The best word to describe the patio was “romantic,” which was totally what he’d been going for, but he could see the wariness in her eyes.

He tasted the wine. “This is really good.”

“It is.”

They made some small talk until the server came to take their order. For her meal, Arden requested the salmon.

“So have you talked to Mila?” she asked him, picking up her glass again.

“Not really. Jamie told me about her and Garth breaking up. Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“No?” She lifted an eyebrow.

He shook his head. “I’ve been wondering about things between them for a while now.” He related some of the incidents he’d noticed.

“That’s very perceptive of you.”

He shrugged. “Just observant. Is Mila okay?”

“Yes. We got drunk together and talked it all out. She’ll be fine.”

“Jamie and I are gonna go see Garth and beat him up.”

She laughed. “You are not.”

---