Page 14 of Evidence of Secrets

“God, no.” Laura shuddered. Her face and neck felt impossibly hot. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing? She was a grown woman; she’d call Hank when she got home. What was the worst that could happen? He’d say no. Not the end of the world.

“This has been fun, but I have to get home and work on the books for the restaurant.” Laura drummed her fingers on the table. “Although balancing the books is about as depressing as my love life.” And that was about it; she had no money, no man, and no life.

“Oh, you’ll be fine. Just call Hank, meet for coffee, kiss, get married, and have babies,” quipped Hailey.

The last sip of coffee projectiled out of Laura’s mouth like a rocket onto the table. She was mortified, but Hailey always made her laugh, and that statement had been so ridiculous. Laura looked around the coffee shop.

Good, no one witnessed her humiliation. Laura wiped the table with some napkins.

“You are so bad,” said Laura as she stood. “On that note, I’m leaving.”

Hailey laughed. They air-kissed and walked out into a humid day. That was Florida in the fall for you. Cool one day. Hot the next.

“Hey, girls.” Sam Knight was walking toward the coffee shop. They stopped to chat for a minute. “Laura, I was going to call you. I have an extra security camera from a job. It’s yours if you want it.”

Oh yes, did she ever. Maybe if they hid the camera in the kitchen by the back entry, she might see who was stealing. However, there was still that little problem of having no cash. “I’d love it, but I’m short on cash right now.”

“No worries. Pay for it when you can. It’s more important to catch the thieves. I’ll have Hank come by today or whenever and install it.”

“Today would be better since the restaurant is closed.”

Sam nodded. “Okay then. Consider it done. Let’s say around 1 p.m.?”

Hank! How convenient. She wouldn’t have to call him and maybe play phone tag. She would ask him out when he came over to install the camera. If he were going to reject her offer, at least they’d do it face-to-face in the privacy of her bistro—no awkward telephone calls. Maybe things were looking up?

CHAPTERTWELVE

Hank got to Salt & Sea with his equipment moments before Laura. He watched her walk down the sidewalk, saying hello to a passerby.

Today she wore a pair of beige pants with a blue, no, make that turquoise sleeveless top and sandals, unlike the other night at the fundraiser, when she was wearing a short, flirty, blue dress with a fringe on the bottom and a V-neck top. The heels she’d worn only brought her up to his shoulder. Either way, Hank thought she looked every bit the part of a successful business owner.

Her eyes lit up when she saw him. “Hi. I can’t thank you enough for doing this.”

“Oh, it’s my pleasure.”

When Sam asked him to come over and install the camera, it was the perfect opportunity for him to talk to Laura.

She unlocked the door, and they walked into the sunlit dining room. The room was restful even in the middle of the day. The potted plants he’d seen at the event now conveyed a feeling of serenity. It was quiet. He could barely hear voices from the sidewalk. However, he could smell the spicy scent of garlic and basil, making his stomach rumble.

“Oh, are you hungry?” she asked.

“No, I’m fine.”

“I was going to help myself to some leftover appetizers from last night’s dinner. Why don’t you eat something before installing the camera?”

Hmmm. He nodded. That was a good idea. He had a big breakfast, but a little something to tide him over couldn’t hurt, nor would it hurt to sit down with Laura and get to know her better.

She opened the refrigerator and pulled out several dishes. “Jackpot!” She turned to Hank and asked him to get a couple of plates from the shelf. He followed her to the dining room because there wasn’t a place to eat in the kitchen. Laura returned to the kitchen and brought out more food.

Hank looked over the array of dishes and nodded. “This looks like a feast. I don’t think I tasted all the food from the other night.”

Laura giggled. “That makes two of us. Have you tried the tomato tarts? They were a hit at dinner last night.” She pushed the tray of tarts over.

“I did at the fundraiser, and they’re delicious.”

“Here’s some different cheeses and salamis,” said Laura. “Ohhh. Yum.” She uncovered several more plates. “Here we go. We’ve hit the mother lode.”

Hank stared at her. Laura’s laugh and delight were infectious. The woman knew how to enjoy good food and didn’t mind leftovers. He couldn’t think of another woman he’d been with who delighted in leftovers.

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