Page 15 of Moonlit Harbor Nights

Terrence smiled as he drove. He admired the Owens family, especially Vivian. He felt that the way they’d handled the rivalry with the McCormick family was admirable, especially considering they hadn’t started the rivalry in the first place. Whenever Judd McCormick tried to spark a fire, the Owens were quick to put it out.

He thought about how Vivian had stood up to Judd McCormick at the Christmas event, not letting him continue to bad-mouth her pub. He was impressed with her, not only forstanding up for herself and her family but for doing it in such a polite fashion.

Terrence was a strong believer in politeness. He did his best to remain polite even when working with difficult business owners, and he’d remained polite with Judd McCormick when giving him a piece of his mind at the Christmas party, even though what he would have preferred to do would have been give him a good sock in the jaw. Through his work health-inspecting the pub, Terrence had grown to respect the Owens family a great deal, especially Vivian, and he didn’t like the way Judd tried to treat them.

He continued to reminisce about the past as he drove, thinking about a great many different things. He found that his thoughts kept circling back to The Lighthouse Grill, and he felt more excited about going there the closer he got to the pub.

A few minutes later, he arrived at The Lighthouse Grill. He parked his car carefully and then got out eagerly. He told himself that he should order something from the menu he’d never had before, but he felt a craving for the lasagna he’d had the last time he’d ordered a meal there.

He went into the warm, fragrant restaurant. The alluring aromas of garlic and French fries filled the air, and his stomach growled again.

“Terrence!”

He turned to see Alexis leaning against the wall near the front door, snacking on a basket of sweet potato fries. She was smiling broadly at him.

“Hello, Alexis.” He nodded at her, returning her smile.

“It’s great to see you.” She wiped her fingers off on her waitressing apron and shook his hand. “We haven’t seen you since the Christmas party, I think.”

“That’s right. I’ve been wanting to come back, but I’ve been so busy. Unusually busy for this time of year.” He had an urge tolook around the room for Vivian, to see if she was also there, but he fought it. He didn’t want to be rude to Alexis by looking away during their conversation.

“We’re glad you’re back. Where would you like to sit? How about a booth?”

“Sure. A booth sounds nice, thank you.”

He followed her over to a booth placed in front of one of the windows, allowing himself a glance around the dining room. He didn’t see Vivian, and he felt a trifle disappointed. As he sat down at the booth, he gestured to the basket of fries in Alexis’s hand.

“Why aren’t you taking a proper meal break, young lady? Don’t you get one, or do you have to just sneak fries?”

She laughed. “No, I get one. And I know our chef would be happy to make me a full meal. The trouble is that I—or, I guess, my baby—never really knows what we want to eat.” She patted her stomach, and Terrence chuckled.

“And right now it’s sweet potato fries?”

“Yup.” She grinned and popped another one in her mouth, then gestured to his menu while she swallowed. “Do you know what you’d like to order?”

“Hmm, there’s just one of me here, but I still might have some trouble making up my mind too. Last time I was here I had the lasagna, and it was incredible, but I also want to try something new.”

“Well, I can recommend coming back again soon.” She chuckled. “That puts less pressure on your decision today.”

“So true.” He smiled as he perused the menu. His eyes lighted on the option of meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and he immediately knew he wanted to order that, since meatloaf was one of his favorite foods. “I’ll take the number four entrée,” he told her, pointing to it. “With a side of cooked carrots.”

“You got it.” She scribbled down his order in her waitressing notebook. “And on the subject of sides—could I ask you a quick question?”

“Uh, yes.” He blinked in surprise, unsure of why Alexis suddenly looked so excited.

“What do you think of Brussels sprouts as a side?” she asked him, grinning. “Would you order that?”

“Hmm, I think I would. Well-cooked Brussels sprouts can be really delicious.”

“Thank you!” she sang out, looking thrilled. “We appreciate your feedback. Your order will be right up.” Smiling, she disappeared into the kitchen.

Terrence looked around the dining room again, wondering if Vivian might appear. A moment later, as if she’d read his thoughts, she stepped out of the kitchen.

He repressed an immediate impulse to wave to her. She noticed him watching her, and she blinked as if he made her feel a bit nervous. She glanced at him and then started to walk toward another part of the room.

I suppose she’s too busy to come talk to me,he thought, feeling disappointed.I would have liked to have a conversation with her, though. I felt as though we’d become friends over Christmas.

But a moment later she turned around and started walking toward him, smiling right at him. He waved at her then, smiling back.

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