Mr. Clark nodded at me.
“I’ll have the bacon-wrapped scallops.” I shot Landon a wry grin as I handed back the menu. “Good compromise?”
“Perfect,” he whispered, squeezing my shoulder. “That sounds good. I’ll have the same.”
“Steak, medium.” Mr. Clark passed back his menu. “I’ll be different.”
The waitress smiled as she scribbled everything down.
“Anything to drink?”
“Pinot grigio, please.” I said, hoping that didn’t come out as desperate as I felt for a buzz to dull the anxiety of uncertainty.
“Beer, whatever you have on tap, please,” Landon told her, flicking his eyes to mine with a smirk. “See? Compromise isn’t bad,” he whispered.
“I told you as long as I can keep my bacon, I’ll be fine.” I nudged his side.
“I promised I’d lay off tonight, and I will.” He kissed my temple, “No eyeballing if you butter your bread.”
Conversation was easy, or easier, after that. Darlene was sweet and funny, and Mr. Clark was obviously head over heels for her. I was so full, I picked at my dessert when it came, but the entire meal was delicious, even if I had to work to get the first couple of bites down.
“Excuse me for a minute. I need to run to the restroom. Don’t let them take my dessert,” Darlene told Mr. Clark, pointing at her chocolate mousse cake.
He held up his hands. “I’ll guard it with my life, babe.”
She shot him a playful scowl before grabbing her purse and heading to the back.
“Darlene is really great,” I said when she was out of earshot. “When are you getting married?”
“We were thinking of going to Lake Tahoe. Neither of us wants a big wedding. Maybe you both can join us if you have the time.”
“I’d love to, Dad. Tell me a date, and I’ll make it work.”
“Me too,” I said, unsure how I would afford it and a little afraid to attend another wedding with Landon, considering the effect the last one had on us.
“That would be wonderful,” Mr. Clark said, grinning as he looked between us.
“Shit,” Landon hissed when he dug his phone out of his pocket. “This is my boss. I have to talk to him about the rental space lease. I’ll be quick.” He stood and jogged outside.
“I really hope he means it when he says that he’ll have balance at work when he moves up here.” Mr. Clark shook his head at Landon’s departure.
“I think it’s just busy with the move. He promised me the same thing, so I have no problem getting on him if he’s still working at all hours.”
“Good. He only listens to you anyway.” His smile shrank as he leaned in closer to the table. “You look beautiful. How are you feeling?”
I smiled back before my stomach sank.
“You know?”
He nodded. “About your diagnosis? Yes, Landon told me when I went to visit him.”
“He’s been worrying himself sick about me, but I’m feeling okay. Resting as much as I can but feeling a lot better than I was.”
“I’m very glad to hear that. I was worried about you too when he told me. I was going to call in a favor at my old job to set you up with affordable insurance until he told me how you were already covered.”
My eyes widened over the rim of my cappuccino as I was taking a sip.
“You know that too?”
