I lick a crumb from the side of my mouth. “I’m paying attention.”
“To the food?”
“To you.”
She smiles and looks back down.
A smoked scallop is next, followed by a savory soup. The pace of the meal pulls us into a dreamlike state.
No rush. No gaps. Each plate placed specifically before giving way to the next course.
“So, I got a text from Zane after the show.” She wipes her fingers on the napkin.
I look at her. “Good one?”
“Uh, yeah. He said Tyson Rainier is willing to record me.” She hides her face with her hand. “Can you believe it?”
“Of course.” I bring her knuckles to my lips and kiss them.
“I’m actually recording an album.”
I nod once. “It was only a matter of time.”
She scrutinizes my face as though she’s looking for something deeper. “That’s it?”
“It’s huge.” I nod. “You’re doing it.”
She holds my gaze a second longer. Glances down. “There’s more.”
“I figured.”
“Linus O’Donnell from Isis Management was in the crowd.” She shakes her head. “Zane also wants to set up a meeting for me.”
I lean back slightly, letting it settle. “They wouldn’t ask unless they’re serious.”
“I know.”
I push the hair away from her face. “What do you think?”
She doesn’t hesitate. “I want it.”
“Then do it.”
She studies me again. “You don’t need to think about it? This could change everything.”
“I don’t need to think about it at all.” I cup her face. “I’m not stopping you from following your dreams, ever.”
“I didn’t think you would.”
“Good.”
The next course of lobster risotto is placed before us. For the remainder of the meal, we eat in a quieter rhythm, plates shifting from one direction to another. Something fried and bright, followed by a smoky, layered dish. Waygu beef so tender I nearly cry.
Toward the end of the meal, Hope’s hand finds mine. The last plate sits between us untouched as we gaze into each other’s eyes.
Dessert is meant to close the meal, but we have other ideas. From the glint in her eye, we’re on the same page.
“Ready?” I ask.
