His pale brows arched. “Now that you mention it… Do you think they’re up to something?”
Meredith shrugged. “I don’t know what it could be. It’s not as if they can get into any mischief at the hotel. Is there?”
He chuckled. “Not with Geoff watching them.”
“So you’re not worried?” She studied him.
“No.” He shook his head. “And there’s extra security at the hotel.” He glanced out a side window. “In fact, I’m sure they’re safer there than out here on the street.”
“Are we unsafe?”
He turned to look at her. “Are you frightened?”
She chuckled. “Not particularly. I hardly think Vienna is any more dangerous than some of the places I visited in Papua New Guinea.”
“Ah, I want to hear more about that, Meredith.”
As they rode to the restaurant, she told him some interesting tales of her adventures in Papua New Guinea. And it turned out, she recognized the names of his relatives working in the country. “I’m sure I took care of their two sons at one of the children’s group homes,” she told him.
“Small world.” He pointed out the window. “Looks like we’re here.”
He led her into an elegant restaurant where the maître d’ welcomed them, taking them directly to a fully set, candlelit table by a fountain. But Meredith was lost as he spoke French to Spencer, probably describing something on the menu.
“He is recommending the specialty of the house,” Spencer told her. “Unless you’d like to order from the menu.”
She waved a hand. “I trust your discerning taste.”
Spencer, speaking fluent French, seemed to settle the details with the man, and a bottle of French Sauvignon Blanc was produced, along with a bucket for keeping it chilled. A waiter opened and poured a sample for Spencer who, after a sniff and a swirl and a sample, gave the man an approving nod. Glasses were poured for both of them.
“Here’s to Vienna,” Spencer said, holding up his glass, “at her best.”
“At her best,” Meredith echoed. “I have a whole new appreciation for the city now. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.” As they sipped their wine, Meredith felt eyes upon them. For a moment it made her nervous. Perhaps they were in danger. But then she realized it was curious onlookers and decided that perhaps they did look like celebrities. Or royalty. Whatever the case, it was rather fun, and she couldn’t wait to describe this evening to her dad.
“You mentioned going to Papua New Guinea with a male friend.” Spencer sat down his goblet. “But the way you said it suggested there’s more to the story. A romance perhaps?”
Meredith grimaced. “It was that obvious?”
He barely shrugged then smiled. “I suppose I’m just a curious fellow.”
“I went with a guy named David. We were both teachers back in the States. We’d been dating for almost a year, and we were both interested in overseas missions. After attending a missions conference together, we applied to the same mission and were accepted to serve for a two-year term.”
“A romantic adventure?”
“It seemed to be. The plan was to experience it together and get engaged over there. Then we’d get married and travel through Europe on our way home.”
He frowned. “What happened?”
“David changed his mind.”
“About you?”
“About everything. He’d only been there a few months when he began to unravel. Some thought he was suffering from culture shock. I’m not sure. But I felt pretty blindsided when he abruptly decided to go home.”
“But you stayed?”
“I wanted to fulfill my commitment.”
“Admirable.” He nodded with a thoughtful expression as he topped off her wine.
