A hostess I don’t recognize registers surprise at seeing Asher, then leads us to a corner table near one of the stained-glass windows. As we sit, I notice the window depicts not a religious scene but a pastoral one—rolling hills, apple trees, and a farmhouse in the distance.
“He had those commissioned from a local artist,” Asher says, following my gaze. “Each window shows a different Fork Lick farm where he sources ingredients.”
“That’s incredible.”
“He’s good at the details. Drove Colleen crazy when they were renovating. He wanted everything perfect.”
Before I can respond, a whirlwind arrives at our table in the form of Colleen Bedd, looking frazzled but happy, a small child clinging to each leg.
“Asher! Eva! I heard you were coming in tonight.” She grins, then grimaces as one of the twins grabs a fistful of her stomach. “Cassie, no. That hurts.”
“Mama,” the other twin says solemnly, reaching toward the candle on our table.
“And we don’t touch fire, Danny. We’ve talked about this.” Colleen takes a strategic step from the table, her clingers following. “Sorry, Bacon’s covering for someone who called in sick, so I’m on twin duty, which means I’m just trying to keep them from burning down their father’s restaurant.”
“They’re very adorable arsonists,” I say. They’re both watching me with the intense, unblinking stare that only preschoolers can pull off.
“They’re monsters,” Colleen says fondly. “Cute monsters, but monsters. Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and that Bacon’s doing a special tasting menu tonight. You’re in for a treat.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“It will be. He’s been testing recipes all week. Almost ran out of beer.” She shifts Danny behind her when he reaches for the candle again. “Also, Eva, I’ve been meaning to tell you… your content is so good. The stuff about Pierce Acres? I shared the Baabara video with everyone I know.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“If you ever want to do something for this place, let me know. Bacon’s allergic to social media, but I keep telling him we need more presence. Maybe we can talk sometime?”
“I’d love that.”
Cassie chooses this moment to squirm violently, and Colleen sighs. “And that’s my cue. Enjoy your dinner! Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” She winks and disappears toward the kitchen, both twins babbling at her in what sounds like a made-up language.
Asher watches her go with a faint smile. “She’s always like that.”
“I like her.”
“Everyone likes Colleen. She used to teach kindergarten.” He picks up the menu, then sets it back down. “The tasting menu is worth it if you’re up for it. Bacon knows what he’s doing.”
“You eat food that’s not frozen?”
He looks at me very earnestly. “I do when Bacon cooks it.”
After we order the chef’s choice, we’re alone with the candlelight and the soft murmur of other diners around us. “So,” I say. “This is a date.”
“Yeah.” He’s fidgeting with his napkin—a nervous habit I’ve never seen from him before. “I know I’m not… I mean, I haven’t done this in a while. But you deserve?—”
“Asher.” I cover his hand with mine. “This is perfect. Stop worrying.”
He lets out a breath. “I’m not good at not worrying.”
“I’ve noticed.”
The first course arrives—local cheese and roasted beets and a drizzle of honey. It’s delicious, and it gives us something to focus on besides the nervous energy crackling between us.
“Tell me something I don’t know about you,” I say.
Asher considers this while chewing. “I hate mayonnaise.”
“Okay, something more interesting than condiment preferences.”
