As the enticing aroma of Charley’s tacos wafted through the window of her Focus, tickling her nose, Devyn slowed.
Maybe she should stop for lunch. Her errands were finished, the groceries were all nonperishables that could wait to be stored, and Lauren was sharing pizza tonight with the costume committee members at Grace Christian while they altered and modified the outfits Diane had sourced from the resale shop.
And tacos would be far preferable to foraging for leftovers later at the house.
She pulled into the first available parking spot, slid from behind the wheel, and ambled over to the stand.
“Well, if it isn’t the famous ballet dancer.” Charley wiped his hands on a towel and beamed a welcoming smile at her. “You must be in need of a taco fix.”
“Guilty as charged.”
He set the towel aside and opened the cooler. “One order or two?”
“One. Lauren’s eating dinner with the costume crew tonight.”
“I’m glad she’s getting back into the swing of things.” He pulled out two fillets and set them on the grill. “She and I have chatted when we’ve run into each other around town. She told me she’s going back to work soon.”
“Yes. On a limited basis at first. But still, her recovery is nothing short of miraculous.”
“Indeed it is.” He began chopping garlic. “The world is full of miracles—or blessings, if you prefer. Recovery from a serious accident certainly qualifies. As does the unexpected gift of a world-class choreographer for Hope Harbor’s amateur production ofOklahoma. Or two sisters reuniting.” He tossed the garlic on the griddle. “From what I gathered during my chats with Lauren, the two of you are taking full advantage of your visit to get reacquainted.”
“We are. Thankfully, the timing worked out great for me. I don’t know what I would have done if the accident had happened during the season.”
“I expect you would have found a way to come out here.” He selected an avocado from the basket on the counter and began peeling it.
“True. But I couldn’t have stayed as long.”
“Or gotten involved in the show, or met a little girl who needed the very pick-me-up your presence is providing.”
She squinted at him.
How could he know about that?
“Are you talking about Isabel?”
“Who else? She was here with Ben and Aaron earlier this week, and she was chattering away, like she used to. Your name came up more than once.” He cut a slice off the avocado. “And not just from Isabel. Ben was singing your praises too.”
What about Aaron? Had he also mentioned her?
Unfortunately, there was no way to ask that question without revealing her interest in him.
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know them.” She kept her tone conversational.
“I think the feeling is mutual—with all three Steeles. I haven’t seen Aaron smile much in the past few years, but there was a sparkle in his eyes whenever your name came up.”
She appraised the taco chef as he pulled three corn tortillas from his stash and flipped the fish.
Had he picked up on the attraction between them, as Lauren had?
If so, surely he realized that road led nowhere.
“I understand you and Aaron had a dance lesson Sunday after rehearsal.” Charley laid the tortillas on the grill beside the fish.
It was a comment, not a question. A one-word answer would suffice if she wanted to change the subject.
Or she could take the opening he’d given her to talk about the situation. Tap into the wisdom he always seemed to offer to those who confided in him.
Since sage input would be welcome—and Charley’s discretion was legendary—the latter would be the smart choice.
