Page 22 of Sipping Seduction
“It’s definitely an interesting medium.” Andrew flipped the piece over.
I’d signed it to Evan along the edge. The engraved words had almost worn off, but I could still make them out if I looked closely enough.
To Evan,
A little reminder of home.
Love,
Frannie
“It meant a lot to me while I was stationed overseas.” Evan almost looked like he was being serious and not just trying to embarrass the hell out of me.
Didn’t matter how much it meant to him, I’d never forgive him for showing my date. It was almost as bad as having my mom whip out my baby book, though that would never happen. A sense of loss spread through me. My mother would never have the chance to embarrass me in front of a guy. She’d never meet my fiancé or loan me something blue before I walked down the aisle, either.
The hollow ache in my belly threatened to swallow me up. I handed the sun catcher back to Evan and linked my arm with Andrew’s, more determined than ever to try to make things work with him. At least one of my parents might be able to witness my wedding day.
“We really ought to go. I hope you and Pete the Dog have a great night watching the game.” I narrowed my eyes at Evan—my way of letting him know we’d be discussing this stunt later.
“Where exactly are you headed?” Evan ignored the death glare. “You said you had reservations somewhere?”
“There’s a new place down in the valley that’s about to open. They have a farm-to-table offering. Everything’s organic and made fresh onsite. I scored a table at their soft opening. We’ll let you know how it goes in case you want to check it out when they officially open.” Andrew held out his hand to Evan. “It was nice meeting you. Thanks for letting Frannie move in for a little while. I know it’s a load off her mind knowing she can stay with such a good friend.”
Evan pumped his hand up and down. “You don’t have to thank me. Frannie always has a place here.”
“Bye, Evan.” I tugged Andrew toward the door. It was time to break up the testosterone-fueled meeting. “Don’t wait up.”
I didn’t look back until Andrew had tucked me into the front seat of his car and I’d buckled my seat belt. Then I glanced up at the door. Pete the Dog stood in the doorway with Evan right behind him. The irritation I’d felt earlier faded. He was only looking out for me. I’d have to try to be a little more understanding. I lifted my hand and waved as Andrew pulled away from the curb.
CHAPTER11
Evan
As soon as they left,I opened a browser on my phone and searched for a new farm-to-table restaurant in the valley. I wanted to know where he was taking her. Not so I could go spy on them, but so I’d know where to go pick her up if things went south. At least that’s what I told myself.
There were two places that might fit the description he’d given me, along with a few other restaurants that had opened in the past year. I guess I’d been so used to my routine that I hadn’t paid any attention. Figuring the best person to ask about hot new places in the area was my little sister, I pulled up Ruby’s number and waited for her to answer.
“What’s wrong?” She didn’t bother with a greeting, just launched into assuming I’d only call in case of an emergency.
“Hey, Ruby. Nothing’s wrong. Can’t I just call to catch up with my little sister?”
She let out a sigh. “Seeing as how the last time you actually called was to tell me the Army was sending you home, you can’t blame me for thinking something’s wrong.”
“I’ve called you since then.” Hadn’t I? We talked almost every day at the distillery and were in the same family text chain.
“I’ve calledyou,” she said. “It’s not the same thing.”
“Potato, potah-to,” I mumbled. “It doesn’t matter who calls who, as long as we check in with each other every so often, right?”
“What’s going on? It’s Saturday night and I’m out with friends.” She sounded a little irritated, but any one of my siblings would drop everything to pitch in if one of us needed it. Our parents had always drilled into us to put family first.
This was the tricky part. I’d have to phrase my question just right or I’d have Ruby all over my ass wondering why I needed info on new fancy restaurants. “So, a friend of mine wants to take his girlfriend somewhere nice for their anniversary next weekend. She mentioned something about a new farm-to-table place in the valley that’s supposed to be opening soon. Do you know anything about that?”
“What friend?” Ruby asked.
“Does it matter which friend?” There were a number of names I could toss out if necessary, but Ruby probably knew more about what was going on in their lives than I did. I’d lost touch with the guys I’d hung out with in high school. They’d gone on to play college football or stayed in Beaver Bluff while I moved half a world away. When I got back to town, the ones who’d stayed had settled down and had wives and kids. The ones who’d gone away hadn’t come back. I’d lost touch with everyone except my family and Frannie.
“Yes, it matters. If it’s James, then he has to be careful to go somewhere that doesn’t serve shellfish because his wife has a wicked allergy. She accidentally got a piece of shrimp on her seafood salad and ended up being rushed to the ER because her throat closed off.”
