Page 16 of Moonlit Harbor Nights

“Welcome back to The Lighthouse Grill, Terrence,” she told him, extending her hand for a handshake.

“It’s good to see you again, Vivian,” he said warmly, shaking her hand firmly.

“You as well.” Although she was smiling, she spoke a bit stiffly, and he could tell she had her guard up a little. “Did someone take your order?”

“Yes, Alexis did. I ordered the mashed potatoes and meatloaf.”

“Great choice. We make our meatloaf using some of our secret sauce. It’s really something special.”

He smiled at her, hoping she might decide to sit down across from him to catch up.

“Did you put in a drink order?” she asked him.

He shook his head. “I forgot to. I would like a glass of water, however.”

“You got it. I’ll be right back.”

She walked away across the dining room, and he turned to look out the window. The streetlights shone warmly outside, lighting up the sparkling snow. The windows of the businesses across the street glowed a cheerful golden color. A couple of cars passed along the cozy Rosewood Beach street, their headlights adding movement to the light display.

“Here you are.” Vivian set down the water glass next to Terrence. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, that’ll be all I need, thank you.” He smiled, wanting to mention that he’d love it if she had a moment to talk with him, but not wanting to be too forward.

She seemed to be hesitating about something, and after a moment she cleared her throat gently. “Is there any special reason why you stopped by?”

“What do you mean?” he asked, feeling the tips of his ears get pink.

“I mean, is everything all right? Are you here on health inspector business?”

“No, not at all,” he assured her hurriedly. “I’m just here to eat.”

Hazards of the occupation,he thought with an internal sigh.People get nervous when I show up at their restaurants.

“Oh, well.” Her smile lost its nervous edge. “We’re glad you’re here.”

He cleared his throat. “I know I’m the health inspector, and I know I was a bit stubborn about the timing of your air vents getting replaced, but I hope me coming here doesn’t make you nervous. I understand that it was a lot for you to have to get that done just before your Christmas event. But I’m not always a stickler. Sometimes I just go places to get a good meal, and I know I can get one here.”

“Oh, it’s all right, Terrence. I understand that you needed to do your job correctly. I appreciate it.”

He cleared his throat, nodding. He didn’t quite know what to say. “Doing things correctly is important to me.”

“I know.” She arched a brow at him. “You’re a man with high standards.”

“Some might say too high. Some do.”

“Some might say you’re too picky.”

He chuckled. “Health is very important. It doesn’t do to let even one thing slip. Those little things can add up to bigger problems later.”

“Spoken just like a nit-picky person.”

They laughed as they bantered, but he felt a trifle disappointed that she still saw him as just a nit-picky health inspector. He’d hoped she’d come to see him as more than that.

In the next moment, Alexis appeared with his food. “Here you are, Terrence. Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and a side of cooked carrots with whipped butter.”

“I’ll let you eat your meal. Nice to see you, Terrence.” Vivian smiled and walked away.

“Thanks, Alexis,” Terrence said as she set the plate down. “This all looks wonderful.”

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