When she got there, Marcus was thanking and tipping the delivery worker. “I thought we should eat on your patio,” he told her as he carried the pizza boxes. “To celebrate your yard’s revival.”
“Revival?” she echoed. “That sounds about right.”
“I already set out some plates and things,” he said. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not in the least. Thank you.”
“I looked around for paper plates to keep it simple but couldn’t find any.”
“I don’t like paper plates,” she confessed. “I’d rather run the dishwasher.”
“And I opened a bottle of sauvignon that was left over from my cellar foraging last night. I hope that was okay.”
“Of course. That’s a wonderful idea.” She followed him out the French doors to the patio. “Oh, the temperature is just perfect to eat outside.” She glanced to where the old table was neatly set with four places, a bottle of wine, and even a hurricane candle. “Wow, this looks great.” She glanced at him. “I’m thinking you’re a real renaissance man, Marcus. You’re good at so many things.”
He laughed as he poured a glass of wine and handed it to her. “Well, I’ve never been called that before, but I suppose I like a lot of different things. After all, variety is the spice of life.”
With wine in hand, she sat down and looked around her orderly and attractive yard. “It smells so good out here,” she murmured. “I don’t remember it smelling this good before.”
“I think it’s the lilac bush in your side yard.” He sat across from her. “As well as the freshly cut lawn and damp soil. But I agree it’s a good smell.” He lifted his glass. “Here’s to lots of happy times spent out here.”
She clinked her glass to his, then took a sip. “I feel sort of badI let it go while Paul was ill. And then I never came out after that. But seeing how pretty everything looks now, I’m sorry I didn’t do this sooner.”
“All things in good time.” He nodded with satisfaction. “But I have to say, even though it was a lot of work, the results are well worth it.” He glanced toward the house. “Are the other ladies joining us?”
“I think so.” She peeked into a pizza box. “But we don’t have to wait for them. I don’t know about you, but I’m ravenous.”
“Me too.”
And so they both dug in. They were already going for a second piece each when Windy and Laurel came out. “Save any for us?” she teased as she sat next to Marcus, helping herself to pizza.
“We waited for you like one pig waits for another,” Riva replied glibly. “That’s what my grandma used to say.”
“Looks yummy.” Windy dished out some salad.
“Good thing you didn’t dillydally too much or we might’ve polished it all off.” Marcus filled two more wineglasses.
“Imbibing again?” Laurel’s brows arched. “Riva, darling, I didn’t know you were this extravagant.”
“Blame it on me,” Marcus said. “I thought it was a celebration.”
“Here’s to your new and improved yard.” Windy toasted.
“Here’s to lots of fun times out here with friends.” Laurel smiled, her eyes fixed on Marcus. “I bet you’re good with a grill.”
He shrugged. “I’m probably a little rusty.”
“You should taste his tri-tip,” Windy told them. “He marinates it all day, then wraps it in bacon and cooks it on the grill. Believe me, it’s delish.”
They continued to eat and drink and visit, but Riva could tell the energy levels were down considerably from last night. Finally, they were done, and Riva couldn’t help but let out a yawn as she gathered up the empty pizza boxes. “I won’t tell anyone else what to do, but I’m exhausted.I plan to turn in early tonight.”
“Me too.” Windy was already stacking dishes from the table.They both went into the kitchen, but Laurel and Marcus remained outside, visiting. Riva had overheard something to do with a school board issue and what they felt needed to happen.
“Those two have a lot in common,” Windy said as she rinsed a plate.
“Yes. It just occurred to me they both worked for the school district.”
“And Laurel seems to really like Marcus.”
