She followed him inside, looking around curiously, much as he was himself.
How long had it been? God, he couldn’t remember. But this place held good memories for him. Back then, he’d had friends, and they’d had the usual adventures, most of which he couldn’t quite recall. But his spirit had been lighter, laughter came more easily, and the sound of the music always eased his restless thoughts.
The music had changed, but the clientele? Just the same. As were the scents that wreathed his nostrils and started his mouth watering.
“Just the two of you, then?” A young waitress, who looked to Lucas like she was about twelve, cocked her head on one side.
He nodded. “Just the two of us.”
“’Tis busy tonight. The Velvet Flywheel’s here. Always fills up with them on the stage.” She craned her neck. “I got a spot over on the far wall, a two-seater. Not many of those here, mostly four and up. Bit snug, but kinda private... You want?”
“We do,” said Verity. She glanced at Lucas. “Er, we do, yes?”
He nodded. “Absolutely.”
It took a bit of weaving between tables, and dodging servers with trays of delicious smelling somethings held aloft, but at last Verity slid along a soft leather banquette and sighed,relaxing into the corner. Lucas followed her, liking that the cosy arrangement put his thigh right against hers.
The young lass reappeared with two menus. “Here you go, then. Just push the blue button when you’re ready to order and someone’ll be right there. Have a fun time.”
“Thanks.” Verity smiled as she untied her bonnet and slid it off her head. “Ahh.”
“Uncomfortable, are they?” He looked at the straw confection as she tucked it beside her against the wall.
“Not really. Just a nuisance. I can relax much better without it.” She gazed around. “This is an interesting place, Lucas. Was it like this when you were here?”
“Almost. Although I have to say it’s a lot cleaner. It started life rough, and college lads didn’t exactly demand polished marble and shining steel.”
“Well, I like it.” Verity nodded her head. “Any recommendations?”
Together, they studied the offerings, Lucas enjoying the feel of her shoulder against his, and catching a slight hint of lily of the valley. “Something to drink first, perhaps? Odds are it’ll be a while before we get a meal, given how busy it is...”
“That sounds like a good idea.” She glanced down again. “Er, I’ll pass on the Rivet. Never developed a taste for ale. But I’d love to try the house white wine?”
“Good choice.” He too studied the menu. “How hungry are you?”
“To judge by the trays we passed, I’m hungry enough for half of one of those dishes.” She chuckled as one of the servers walked past at that moment with a plate almost overflowing with something that smelled like heaven. “See? That is a lot more than I could eat, but my mouth’s watering already.”
“Well then, how about a Smoked River oyster plate to start with, and then we share the Brass Finch pie? I’m pretty surethat’s what just sailed past us.” He leaned closer and whispered in her ear. “They do that to get everyone’s attention, and make sure they know how good it’s going to taste.”
“Orders as advertising. I’m impressed.” She leaned back. “But yes to the food, I haven’t had oysters in some time. And if the pie is anywhere near as good as it smells? I might just move in here.”
Lucas looked at her—relaxed, laughing, cheeks faintly flushed, eyes bright as she took in the busy bistro.
And something inside him moved. Moved like it had never done before.
He wanted to ignore it—demand it go away—because if it didn’t, his carefully ordered life was about to fall apart before his eyes.
And he admitted he was afraid...afraid he wanted that to happen far too much.
Chapter Eleven
“Mmm. I had forgotten how much I enjoy oysters.”
Verity squeezed a little lemon juice on top of another, then slid the briny-tangy sweet treat down her throat.
“We’re fortunate in Sectorvale,” observed Lucas. “There, they come right out of the Norwald Straits. Fresh as can be.”
Wiping her fingers in her napkin, Verity leaned back. “What’s Sectorvale like?”
