“Would you like some wine? We have beer and soft drinks, also.”
“Nothing for me. Just water,” Lucas said. He looked at Frankie.
She shook her head. If he wasn’t ordering alcohol, neither was she. “I’m fine with water, too.”
“I’ll get your server to bring some glasses right over with some of our fresh focaccia bread. Enjoy your meal.”
“Thanks.” Lucas tipped his menu down. “I don’t like to drink when I’m doing a restaurant review. I don’t want it to cloud my judgment. Besides, I know what wine tastes like. Unless they’ve made it themselves, it’s not really what I’m here for.”
“Smart,” she said.
The server, who looked very much like he might be the owner’s son, brought a basket of bread and two glasses of water. “Good evening. Are you ready to order or would you like a few more minutes?”
“A few more minutes,” Lucas said.
“Take your time.” The young man left.
“What do you think?” Lucas picked up his menu. “Let’s order different things so we can share.”
“Good plan.” Tom had never wanted to share. At least not his own meal. He’d been fine to try what she was eating but heaven forbid she wanted a taste of his. “But if there are specific dishes you want to try, I’m happy to let you do all the ordering. Food is kind of your thing.”
His brows lifted. “You’re sure?”
“Definitely.” She put her menu down.
“All right, I can do that.” He blew out an exaggerated breath, his brows bent dramatically. “I hope the pressure doesn’t get to me.”
“I think you’ll manage.” She laughed, suddenly aware of just how much she was enjoying the evening. Pressure was the last thing she felt with Lucas. There was no worry that his mood might abruptly change. Or that she might catch him giving another woman an appreciative look. Or that he’d decide the moment was right to analyze one of her habits, pointing out the flaws that went with it.
With Lucas, everything was just…easy.
She lifted her glass of water. “Here’s to a great meal, a fun night, and a new friendship.”
He lifted his glass. “I’ll drink to that.”
The server returned and Lucas ordered for them. She happily sat back and let him do his thing. When the food arrived, each dish was more delicious than the last. She was impressed, but she waited for his reaction. He loved it, making her smile.
They ate and laughed and talked about all kinds of things and ate some more.
By the end of the night, she was still smiling despite how full she was. The owner insisted on sending them each home with a piece of tiramisu, since they’d been too full to have dessert at the restaurant.
Frankie groaned as she put her seatbelt on. Lucas laughed as he started up the car. “I know just how you feel. That was a great meal, wasn’t it?”
“Fantastic. Some of the best Italian food I’ve had in a long time. I might have to take my daughter here when she gets in.”
“Your daughter’s coming to visit?” He pulled out of the parking lot.
Frankie nodded. “Yep. Tomorrow, actually.”
“I’d love to have you all over for dinner again. You, her, and your sister. Unless you just want time alone with her, which I totally get.”
“Are you joking?” Frankie scoffed. “Do you realize how many mom points that would earn me? Dinner at Lucas Prime’s house? My daughter might faint. I’m in. I’m sure Harper will be, too.”
“All right. I’ll check my schedule, make up a menu, and text you tomorrow for approval.”
“Whatever you want to make is fine. We aren’t picky. And our schedule’s free. Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m looking forward to the company.”
