“Why not? You’re an attractive man with a pleasant manner. I can’t imagine what her objections might be,” Cara cooed placing her hand gently on Matt’s forearm as she watched the owner slowly approaching them. “I hope it’s not because you’ve escorted me,” she gasped, placing her hand on her chest and straightening up stiffly.
“No, I’m sure she just didn’t see us,” he replied unconvincingly.
“What will you have?” Laurie asked bluntly as soon as she stood beside their table.
“We’ll both have the special,” Matt replied. “I’d like you to meet…”
“I’ll get it.” With a swirl of her skirts, she was gone.
“Well for heaven’s sake. I’ve never seen her act like that. I’m sorry Mrs. Whitmeyer.”
“It’s Caroline,” Cara corrected. “And don’t you worry, I’m confident I know exactly what’s wrong with Mrs. Dixon.”
“You do?”
“Yes, she’s jealous,” Cara informed him with a grin. “I think it’s perfectly lovely.”
“How can you say that? She’s being rude. That’s no way to keep customers coming back.”
“I doubt she’d like me to come back,” Cara said with a lilting laugh that had other patrons glancing at them in curiosity.
In a few minutes Laurie returned almost dropping their plates on the table. Gravy sloshed over the side of Matt’s.
“I’m sorry,” she hissed before turning away.
“Laurie Dixon, you come back here right now,” Matt commanded.
Stopping in her tracks, she stiffened and turned around.
“What is it, Mr. Whittaker? Have I forgotten something?”
“Yes, you’ve forgotten your manners,” he scolded quietly. “I wanted to introduce you to someone new in town, but you’ve been as prickly as a cactus. This is Mr…”
Cara quickly interrupted him, holding out her hand.
“I’m Caroline Whitmeyer, Mrs. Dixon,” she offered with a broad smile. “It’s very nice to meet you. Matt speaks of you often.”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Laurie answered. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.”
“Certainly, we wouldn’t like to hold you up, would we, Matt?”
“A…no I guess not,” he added, clearly confused by what he was witnessing.
“And I imagine we’ll have plenty of time to get to know one another, as I’ve just taken a job at The Duchess.”
Laurie’s mouth dropped open in surprise, and she nodded blankly.
As soon as Laurie walked away, Matt glared at Cara.
“Why didn’t you let me tell her you’re a married woman? What are you trying to do, ruin my chances with her?” he growled softly.
Cara laughed loudly enough for more looks to come her way. Reaching out, she gently cupped her hand against Matt’s cheek. Then she picked up her utensils and began eating.
“I’m doing the exact opposite,” she informed him before taking a bite of chicken. “This is delicious. You certainly won’t starve as her husband,” she assured him with a wink.
“I don’t know what you’re playing at, but it better work!”
“Oh, it will. Trust me. I have as much interest as you in seeing you walk that young woman down the aisle, maybe more. Now eat your dinner and try to look like you’re enjoying yourself.”
