“Sit with us!”
I hear her voice again. “Sorry! I’m meeting my sister. Have you seen her?”
“I wish!” I think that was Beaver Tree Service.
“I’ll just see if I can get a table.” Her low, sweet voice sounds closer now.
I look up from my phone right as she enters through the archway into the area where I’m sitting. Seeing Elinor, I break into a huge grin like a lovestruck fool. I can’t help it. She gives me a small smile, like she finds me amusing, and walks straight to my booth.
“Edward? What are you doing here?”
“Meeting Brandon for dinner.”
“That’s funny! I’m supposed to meet Annie, and she went with Brandon and Pepper to the aquarium.”
“Maybe they were planning on us all eating together?” I suggest. “We’d better find a bigger table.” The booth I’m sitting in is very cozy.
“Um . . . I don’t think . . .” Elinor begins. My phone buzzes, but I ignore it.
“Don’t overthink it,” I say.
“Sorry,” she laughs. “But overthinking is what I do best!” Her phone buzzes. As she glances at her phone I sneak a peek at mine.
Brandon: Have to bail! Sorry! Bad traffic! Don’t wait on the nachos—they’re best eaten hot.
Traffic? Is there really traffic between here and Monterey? I drove the route not more than an hour ago, and it was smooth sailing.
“Looks like Brandon’s standing me up,” I say to Elinor. “You can have this table if you want.”
“Well, what do you know,” she says with an annoyed smile, “my sister just texted to say she won’t make it.”
A server sets a massive platter of nachos on the table between us. He looks at Elinor with some surprise. “Elinor! How nice of you to grace us with your presence. Who’s this bloke?”
“This is Edward Frechette, a business acquaintance. Edward, this is Joe Middleton, the mayor and part owner of this establishment.”
“Good to meet you, Edward.” Joe shakes my hand vigorously before turning suddenly serious. “I’m warning you. We love the Greenwood girls, especially this one. So help me, if you hurt her...” he ends with a laugh, but I’ll admit I’m intimidated.
“Easy there,” Elinor says. “Edward and I are definitely not together.” Does she have to sound so adamant?
“Fine, fine. Just let me know if he’s any trouble.” Then, to me: “I’ll be watching you.” And he does the whole pointing-two-fingers-at-his-eyes thing.
“Should I be nervous?” I whisper as soon as the guy leaves. “He looks like he owns a shotgun.”
Elinor laughs. “You should be fine. Anyway, since Annie’s a no-show, I’ll just go home and have a quiet evening.”
“Stay! Please!” I sound a little desperate. “I can’t possibly eat all these nachos,” I joke to soften my plea. “I mean, you blow-dried your hair and everything.” She looks at me funny. I shrug. “I heard everyone complimenting your hair, and... it really does look nice.”
Her eyes light up, the only sign that my compliment affects her. “Okay, sure”
She sits down opposite me. The booth is so snug that our knees bump.
“May I?” She points to the nachos.
“Of course!”
She reaches for a chip, and I follow suit. The nachos are loaded with carne asada, two types of cheese, and fresh pico de gallo. They hit the spot.
I take out my notebook and pen.
