“Oh, not really. Kassy comes with me to most of my shoots. She’s the closest thing to the title, I guess.” A vision of Nick came to mind. “Well, either Kassy or the set director.”
“What’s his name—the director?”
“Nick. Neurotic Nick, to be precise. He’s a little… intense, but that’s probably what makes him good at his job. He’s not about to let me miss the countdown or be late on a cue.” She glanced at the approaching intersection as Jace slowed; they were at a strip mall dubbed by locals asRestaurant Row, known for its broad selection. On one end stood bakeries, breweries, and cozy cafes with outdoor tables and chairs in a charming commons area. Further down, more formal restaurants offered everything from Italian to Indian cuisine.
“All right,” Jace reached up to quiet the tunes after pulling up to the curb. “I was talking to the twins on my way to pick you up. Leo said I should let you choose the restaurant, which I planned on doing since I’d be happy with any of them, but Kip insisted that I should be the one to do that because women likeusto plan the date ahead of time.” He shook his head as dimples played at both of his cheeks now. Sheesh, he was attractive.
“I wouldn’t normally be into taking advice from my younger brothers, but one of them is married now, so he might know something I don’t.”
“It’s kind of the same with me and Kassy,” Amy said. She couldn’t help but get caught up on the fact that Jace had put a lot of thought into this. Talking to Kip and Leo about the do’s and don’ts. It was sweet. “I don’t mind picking,” she said, “as long as you really will be happy with whichever one I choose.”
“I’m really into the probability method. It’s what kept me alive all these years. And I’d say the probability of me liking whatever you choose is…” He tipped his head from one side to the next, squinting his eyes for a blink. “One-hundred percent.”
“Really?” She shot him a doubtful expression.
Jace lifted a hand like he was about to take an oath. “Scouts honor. I promise I like them all.”
“Okay,” Amy said. “Let’s go with …” she eyed the front of each place, picturing the ambiance inside, “the Greek Palace.”
“Oooh, except that one.” Jace pulled a cringe face.
Amy’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“No.” He chuckled. “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. I love Greek food.” He pushed open the door and climbed out. Amy pushed her own door open as Jace rounded the SUV. He offered his hand to her as she climbed down, then held on to that hand even after closing her door. Amy had broadcasted from a novice, adult tap-dancing class once; tight shoes pounding out that noisy, rhythmic clank. It seemed her heart had grown feet, donned a pair of tap shoes, and taken up a happy beat of its own.
A grassy park strip dotted with small trees lined the shops. Jace dodged the branches as he led Amy toward the sidewalk.
“Can’t believe the leaves are already changing color,” Amy said, eyeing the yellowed, curling tips.
“I know,” Jace said. “I miss autumn in Denver. Colorful leaves, crisp air. Pumpkins filling that patch at the orchard.”
Amy glanced over, surprised by what he’d said—sonormal. It was just that, Jace Burns had a way of coming across as, well, godlike. But just as she’d discovered back when he’d shown up in her foods class so many years ago, he was quite human after all. Relatable, even. “Did your parents let you pick out your own pumpkins each year?” she asked.
“Oh, yeah. We used to pick the biggest ones we could find, until Kip noticed this monster one that was like, a couple hundred pounds. My dad wasn’t about to take that one home, but we took pictures with it. Well,onit actually, since all three of us could fit on the thing.”
“That’s awesome. Ever since Kassy had the twins, I look forward to the season even more. They just make everything so fun. I swear I took a million pictures last time we went.”
“Wait,” Jace said. “Kassy had twins?”
Amy nodded. “Boys. They’re about to go into kindergarten.”
He blew out a whistle. “Dang, they didn’t waste time, did they? A miniature Kip and Leo running around, huh? What’d she name them?”
“Henry and Willis.”
“Are they a handful?” he asked with an expectant grin.
“Definitely.”
Already, they’d made it to The Greek Palace. Jace pulled open the door and motioned for Amy to go ahead. The restaurant was bright with white walls, yellow tablecloths, and blue painted chairs at each table. Jars filled with fresh daisies stood as centerpieces. The charming sight was complimented by the delicious scents of grilled chicken kabobs or roasted lamb, seasoned to gyro-worthy perfection.
An older gentleman seated them by the window with a couple of menus then hurried back to his place by the entrance. A handful of tables were empty, which said they’d come just at the right time. Soon there would be a waiting time as patrons arrived.
“So,” Jace said, resting his elbows on the table. “How do you like having your younger sister married with kids? Is that weird?”
“Very,” she said. “It feels like we’ve switched roles or something.”
“Exactly,”Jace said. “Kip’s only been married for six months and already he’s giving me advice and telling me everything I’ve been doing wrong with women my whole life.” He shook his head. “I don’t know whether to thank him or knock his head in the dirt.”
