“No, that’s only at the vet.” She clipped the leash to the harness then grabbed the cone, though she doubted they would need it.
Roxie pulled her to the door with an exceptional amount of strength for a dog still in recovery. Aaron took the leash and situated Roxie in his car while she rummaged in her purse for her keys and locked the door.
Aaron opened the front passenger door. “Ready?”
One look into his eyes told her that single word question held deeper meaning.
Was she? She slid into the seat without an answer.
He pushed a hand against the door to close it, but she stopped it with her palm. She lifted her gaze until her eyes met his. “Ready.”
Frankie’s was busier than normal for a Thursday night. They had a half hour wait for an outdoor table, half the wait time for one indoors.
Aaron nudged her. “I never thought I’d be grateful for the heat.”
“It’s not even as bad today as earlier in the week.” Without the humidity, it felt cool compared to summers at home in California. “This feels good to me.”
“Is it too taxing on Roxie?” His mouth twisted. “I didn’t think about that. If so, we can get it to go, take her home and eat where it’s cool.”
His concern for her dog touched her. She’d often heard that one can tell a lot about a man by how he treated animals. If that was true, Aaron was at the top.
“She’s used to the heat. If she gets too tired or hot, she’ll let me know.”
A couple next to them waited for a seat with their short-haired pointer. The woman cast a glance at Roxie. “Do you come here often with her?”
“This is the first time with her, but I’ve been before with friends.” With the lady’s permission, Rachel let Roxie near the pointer.
“We bring Milo once a month for a treat. It’s nice to have a restaurant that allows pets.” The lady grinned. “And no, we don’t think animals belong in all restaurants, but we like to include him on our outings occasionally. Our kids are at their grandparents for the week, and Milo misses all the attention, so we brought him out.”
“He’s a handsome dog, and incredibly well-behaved.” Aaron stood guard as Roxie and Milo sniffed each other. “I used to bring my dog before he passed, but he was always too eager to make friends. It took several training trips until he behaved like Milo.”
“He’s the same way.” The man chuckled. “We’ve been bringing him here since he joined our family seven years ago. He’s not always been this calm.”
The hostess called Aaron’s name, ending the conversation with the couple. A college-aged girl led them to a table on the side patio. She placed a menu for each of them on the table then left.
Rachel looped the leash around her chair and sat. She wasn’t worried Roxie would run, but she didn’t want to violate any leash laws. “That couple was nice. I can’t believe I never knew you can bring pets here, or that I never noticed any animals out here.”
“Did you ever sit outside?”
She thought about it. “I don’t believe so.”
“That’s likely why. They keep the diners with animals separate even while waiting.” He flipped open the menu. “We’ll have to order Roxie a peanut butter surprise for dessert. Chance loved them.”
“What is it?”
“A peanut butter and pumpkin biscuit. They used to only have them in the fall, but they were such a hit, they have them year-round now.”
She scrunched her nose. “Give me peanut butter, or give me pumpkin, but don’t give them to me together.”
“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger.” He threw his hands up. “I didn’t sayIliked it, but the dogs gobble it up.”
“I’ll take your word for it and let Roxie decide for herself.” She scanned the first page of the menu. “Have you had their chicken caprese sandwich?”
“I’m not a fan of basil, but I’ve heard it’s good.”
Mind decided, she closed the menu. “I’ll try it. What are you getting?”
“Pulled pork. This is the only place I know of that serves true Carolina style barbecue.” He pointed to Roxie. “What’s the guest of honor having?”
