"How are your ribs feeling?"
"Sore but the pain is more manageable."
I was glad to hear that at least. "Do you want to sit on the couch to eat instead of the kitchen?"
She looked almost relieved at the suggestion. "That would be great."
"Make yourself as comfortable as you can, and I'll go grab some plates and bottles of water."
It took me a few seconds of opening random cabinet doors before I was able to find the plates and utensils. But once I had everything, I made my way back to the living room.
Vanessa had already pulled the food out of the bag and was setting it up on the coffee table.
"That smells delicious." I took the seat next to her and looked over at what was in Vanessa's takeout container.
"Is that a Thanksgiving meal?"
I'd never seen that on Bee's menu before.
"It sure is. She made it once for Thanksgiving and I told her how much I loved it that she always makes it for me when I'm feeling down."
Well, damn. This woman really did have everyone wrapped up tight.
"Do you want to try a bite?"
I didn't have to think about that for even a second. "Yes, please."
Vanessa chuckled as she handed me half of the club sandwich and watched as I took a bite. "Holy shit that's good." I covered my mouth and moaned.
"I know, right."
I was a little jealous that I hadn't asked Bee to give me the same as Vanessa. Instead I had a boring old buffalo club.
Actually there was nothing boring about any of the food Bee made. For a small-town diner, the food was pretty damn amazing.
The first few minutes we ate in comfortable silence. The both of us enjoying the food and each other's company. It wasn't until Vanessa was halfway done with her meal that she finally spoke.
"So tell me a little bit about you."
It was such a generic statement. I didn't even know where to begin.
"What would you like to know?"
"What brought you to Willow Creek?"
That was easy enough to answer. "Aaron did. Maverick spoke to us about starting the security company and was looking for a place to set up shop. Aaron was the one to suggest Willow Creek because he wanted to be closer to his mother, but we all know the real reason."
"Valerie," we said at the same time and laughed.
"You got that right. It's always been her."
"You do have to admit they have an adorable love story."
I scrunched up my nose at that. I wasn't sure adorable was the word I would use, but I could see how a female would think so.
"If you say so."
Vanessa shook her head with a laugh.
