Page 34 of Declan
“So, what’s your favorite?”
“The ribeye,” he answered without hesitation.
“Why am I not surprised?” she teased, a playful grin spreading across her face.
“Why do you say that?” he asked, chuckling.
“You seem like a meat and potatoes man,” she observed, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
He laughed. “I am, but I do like just about everything.”
“I had the seafood platter once, and it was absolutely mouthwatering. Then I tried the blackened trout, which was also very good.” She laughed. “When I saw that soft-shell crab on the seafood platter, I didn’t want to try it, but I made myself take a bite and it had the best taste.”
“Yes, I’ve had those before, but I always find myself drawn back to the ribeye or T-bone,” Declan admitted with a nod.
“Well, I’m glad you were able to get a reservation,” she said with a smile.
“I had to call Grant, but he managed to squeeze us in.”
“He’s the owner?” Elise asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” Declan confirmed with a respectful nod.
“I’d like to meet him to tell him how wonderful his food is,”she said, her enthusiasm obvious.
Declan smirked. “Well, if we see him there, you can.”
“I’d love it,” Elise replied with a laugh.
“Do that many women show up every Saturday morning for the dance class?” Declan asked, lifting his fork as steam curled from the lasagna on his plate. The rich aroma of the lasagna filled the kitchen.
“Every single time,” Elise replied, smoothing her shirt. “We’re only open from ten until one—three back-to-back sessions. I teach the first at ten, Elaine takes the eleven-to-noon slot, and Brandy finishes from noon to one. Each class has twenty to twenty-five dancers. I’m thrilled the rooms stay full.”
“Do they all cram into the same studio? Sounds hectic to swap rooms on the hour.”
Elise laughed. “No, thank goodness. We have three adjacent rooms, so each class has its own space.”
He grinned. “Who picks the music?”
“I do,” she said, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “Everything from pop to country, anything with a beat that keeps us moving.”
“I loved watching them,” he said, between bites. “They seemed like they were having a great time.”
“They always do,” she agreed.
“So, you taught them the choreography from scratch?”
“During the first couple of classes, yes, or we simply do a line dance. Each song has its own steps. Now they all know how to do them. I just dance along at the front of the class and encourage them, though most of them don’t need it.” She laughed as she shook her head. “They’ll sing along too, sometimes.”
He chuckled then took another bite of his food, closed his eyes and sighed. “This lasagna is unbelievable.”
Elise beamed. “My mother taught me how to make it. It’s just so simple.”
“Please thank her for me.”
“I will.”
When their plates were empty, Elise rose to clear the table. Declan pushed back his chair and joined her at the sink, turning on the tap and coaxing suds from the dish soap.
