“Why is it the best table?” Percy asked, already moving toward it.
Kirk pulled out a chair for Isla before answering. “Because it has the best view of the mountains, the flowers, and the sky. A perfect trifecta.”
“What’s a trifecta?” Percy climbed onto his chair, eyes wide with curiosity.
“It means three good things together,” Kirk explained as he took his own seat. “Three things that make something extra special.”
“Oh,” Percy nodded seriously. “Like my three favorite dinosaurs: T. rex, Velociraptor, and Triceratops.”
“Exactly like that,” Kirk agreed.
Isla settled into her chair, enjoying the warm breeze that carried the mingled scents of herbs and flowers. “So, you’ve always lived in Bear Creek?” she asked.
“Born and raised,” Kirk confirmed. “The Thornbergs have been here since the town was founded. My great-grandfather built this restaurant, and we’ve been serving food here ever since.”
“That’s quite a legacy,” Isla said, impressed. She did not know who her great-grandfather was, let alone what he did.
“It is,” Kirk agreed. “Though sometimes it can feel like a lot to live up to.”
Before she could respond, the door to the restaurant opened, and a man who could only be Kirk’s brother emerged carrying a tray. The family resemblance was unmistakable, though this man was broader, more physically imposing than Kirk, if that were even possible.
“I’m Matt,” he announced, setting the tray down. “Kirk’s brother. I’ve put together something special for you folks.”
Isla’s heart sank. Special? Had they somehow found out who she was? She hadn’t mentioned her food blog or her review assignment. But word traveled fast in small towns, and her readership had grown considerably over the past year. Someone might have recognized her.
“That’s... very kind of you,” she said carefully, wondering if Kirk’s friendliness and Matt’s special meal were calculated attempts to influence her review.
“Just a little Bear Creek welcome,” Matt said, arranging three plates on the table. “Nothing fancy, just some of our signature dishes featuring Kirk’s chilies. For the little man,” he added, placing a plate in front of Percy, “I went easy on the heat.”
Percy peered at his plate with the suspicion children reserved for new foods. “What is it?”
“Chili-honey glazed chicken with sweet potato fries,” Matt explained. “The chicken’s glazed with honey from bees who live in hives way up in the mountains. And Kirk said you tried the chili chocolate at Win’s shack, so I used a chili with a similar heat and flavor.”
Isla looked sharply at Kirk. So he had mentioned their stop at the Spice & Honey Shack. What else had he told his brother?
Wait, she was being paranoid. She should simply enjoy the meal for what it was.
Kirk seemed to sense her unease. “Is something wrong?”
Isla hesitated, fork poised over her plate. Should she just be upfront about why she was in town? Clear the air? Or would that make things even more awkward?
“No, nothing’s wrong,” she said finally, deciding to keep her cards close to her chest for now. “This just seems like a lot of special attention for regular tourists.”
Matt gave her a smile. “Kirk told me you liked his chili chocolate, and I have been wanting to try this recipe out. So when Kirk brought me the fresh chilies, and then you walked through the door… I thought, why not? But if you would rather choose something from the regular menu, then I’d be happy to make it for you.”
Kirk lowered his voice, sounding conspiratorial as he said, “What Matt is really saying is that he’d value your honest opinion, since the rest of us tend to love everything he makes.”
“Honest opinion, huh?” Isla said, doubting Matt would really want the honest opinion she usually gave to her fans. “Well, this looks delicious,” she said, looking down at her own plate, abeautifully arranged dish of what appeared to be seared fish with a vibrant red sauce. “Thank you.”
Matt nodded, looking pleased. “Enjoy. I’ll check on you later.” He disappeared back into the restaurant, leaving the three of them alone again.
She took a bite of the fish and couldn’t suppress a small sound of appreciation as flavors exploded across her tongue, delicate white fish, the bright heat of chilies balanced perfectly with citrus and herbs.
“This is incredible,” she admitted, professional detachment momentarily forgotten.
Kirk smiled, a smile that reached his eyes and transformed his entire face. “I’ll tell Matt you said so.”
As they ate, Isla found herself relaxing despite those first flickers of suspicion. Kirk answered Percy’s endless questions about the mountains, the town, and, yes, the chilies with patient good humor.
