"Let's find a table, then we can talk."
We entered the Bronze Horseman, and I heard Em suck in a breath.
"This is so cool," she murmured, looking around at the restaurant. It had a classy, speakeasy vibe that in no way detracted from the coastal setting outside. The fire in the giant hearth crackled away while an acoustic mix of classic rock filtered through the noise of the diners.
"Welcome to the Bronze Horseman, table for two tonight?" A waitress asked, picking up two menus.
"Yes please."
She led us through the busy space, making a beeline for a snug little booth toward the back of the room.
"Cal?"
We both stopped, twisting to look at my sister and her date at one of the tables close to the fire.
Honey's gaze darted from me to Em and back. I caught the subtle move of her boyfriend, Sheriff Tristan Rodriguez, as he narrowed his eyes on Em, his body stiffening.
"Honey?" Emily asked, stepping toward them.
"Hey," my sister replied, rising from her table to greet us. "Emily, I'm glad to see you're doing well. I was going to drop by, but…."
Em tensed, her body rigid under my arm.
"But you've been historically horrible to Honey, and I refused to allow her to subject herself to a toxic environment even for politeness," Tristan said, moving to Honey's side.
There was a beat of silence after his comment.
"Umm," Honey murmured, glancing up at Tristan. "I mean—"
"I'm sorry," Em burst out, her hands coming up to wring nervously in front of her. "I know I don't remember the situations or the words I said, but I'm really sorry for the hurt and pain I caused. You're gorgeous and talented, and you were always kind to me when Cal and I first started dating. I just…." She took a step forward, then faltered. "I just hope that if we can't be friends, then we can at least start over."
Both Honey and Tristan blinked at her impassioned words. They glanced at each other, a wealth of information passing between them, and I couldn't help – even if he pissed me off a little – being glad my sister had found herself a good guy.
"I'd like that,” Honey finally said, turning back to Emily. She offered a small smile. "Did you two want to join us?"
"Another time," I replied, reaching over to draw Emily back to my side. "This is our first date since the accident. I don't think I want my sister and the town Sheriff playing chaperone."
My joke broke the tension, Emily leaned into me, her body loosening, while Tristan and Honey chuckled.
"Okay, brother of mine." Honey waved a hand at me. "Get out ofmydate."
I shifted away, wrapping her in a quick hug, aiming a chin jerk at Tristan before pulling back. "I'll call you to set up a time to catch up."
"Sounds great," she replied, offering Em a smile. "Have a good night."
"Thanks, you too," Em replied.
I slung an arm over her shoulder, and we followed the hovering waitress, no doubt gossip fodder for the rest of her night.
Em settled in the booth, and I sat across from her. The waitress handed us menus, took our drink orders and coats, recited the specials then disappeared. Under the table, I kicked off one shoe, finding her feet with mine. Em startled, her face lifting from the menu to laugh.
"Really? Footsies?"
I purposefully concentrated on the menu, pretending to be interested in the words. "No idea what you're talking about."
My toes wiggled, tickling her ankle, and she pulled back, giggling. "You're an idiot."
"Cal, Emily, hey! Long time no see, Team Jameson. How've you kids been?" Ella, the owner, sauntered up to our table, placing drinks on it with practised ease.
