“We can find our way,” he said.
“If you’re sure they won’t mind,” I added.
They did not mind. They were almost finished eating, but they shifted over in the wooden booth and ordered drinks with us—beer for John, white wine for Meg. No one seemed surprised to see us together. Why should they? Meg thought of Trey like a brother.
“Thanks for letting us crash your table,” I said after we were seated. “Who knew Bunyan had a nightlife?”
“It’s nice having somewhere in town we can go on date nights,” Meg said.
I smiled. “Besides Alleygators.”
“There’s a place for Alleygators in Bunyan,” Trey said. “A place for everybody. That’s what good growth is about.”
“Lots of new businesses opening up in town,” Meg said. “The gift shop, the bookstore...”
The town I grew up in had changed. We talked about the changes—the new stoplight at Church and Vine, the restored bed-and-breakfast near the waterfront to accommodate the tourists stopping for a dose of small-town charm on their way to the coast. The farmers’ market had expanded its hours and was looking for a permanent enclosed location.
Kitty came back with our drinks, trailed by one of Eric’s new culinary students, the pink-haired teen with multiple piercings.
“Hey, Nan,” I said. “Nice eyeliner.”
She gave me a side-eyed look—Do I know you?—and slapped a flatbread on the table. “Shrimp with spring onion. Uh. Compliments of Chef.”
Trey smiled at her. “Thanks.”
She blushed to match her hair. Another victim to the Laurence charm.
“Oh, I couldn’t eat another bite,” Meg protested, taking a slice.
“Sometimes business isn’t about profit. It’s about community,” Trey said, picking up our conversation.
“Unless you’re applying for a loan,” I said. “Then it’s all about profits and assets.”
“How are negotiations going with Phee?” Meg asked.
I sipped my drink. “They’re not.”
“Have you looked into other funding?” John asked.
“The bank already turned me down.”
“What you need is a wealthy investor,” Trey said.
I laughed. “Are you volunteering?”
He shrugged. “It’s worth a discussion with Granddad. He’s into local business development.”
Was he serious? I shook my head. “I’m not a local business.”
Meg smiled. “Not yet.”
“Well, let me know if you change your mind.” Trey winked. “I know a guy who can get you a break on a lease.”
I was not his charity project. Still, it was nice, the four of us together around the table. Relaxed. More like family dinner than a date.
Except every time Trey turned his head or shifted his knee, my thoughts scattered and my pulse went crazy. It was like we were connected, and every touch tugged something inside me. He laid his arm across the back of the booth, and I shivered, feeling that invisible pull along every sensitive nerve. My shoulder prickled from the near-touch of his fingertips.
Meg’s gaze tracked from his hand to my face. “So,” she said brightly. “What are you guys doing here tonight?”
