Page 69 of Falling Together

I nod, already pulling into the restaurant parking lot. “Of course you do. Your friends love you. It’s easy to see.”

She gives me a shy smile as I hop out and jog around to open the door for her. I take her hand and lead her inside the restaurant.

Old Edison bulbs hang from the ceiling, casting it in low light. Dark wood-paneled walls give it a warm ambiance.

“Welcome to Land and Sea. Do you have a reservation?” the host greets us.

“Prescott.”

“Ahh, yes.” He grabs two menus. “Right this way.”

Dropping my hand to Georgia’s back, we follow him through the restaurant to a booth in the back. I don’t miss all the eyes that turn to look at us as I trail behind her.

“Here you are.” He places the two leather-bound menus on the table. “Your server will be with you soon. Enjoy.”

“Did it feel like every single person was looking at us?” I ask, sitting across from her.

“You weren’t imagining it. I’m sure it’ll be the talk of the town tomorrow.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been the talk of any town,” I say, picking up the menu and opening it.

“I’ve been there a few times.”

“What’d you do?” I ask.

“Hi there. I’m Elliott and I’ll be your server tonight. Have you dined at Land and Sea before?”

“Neither of us have been here,” Georgia answers.

“Welcome.”

He goes through his spiel of specials, but it’s hard to pay attention because my focus is on Georgia. On how she’s glowing in the light from the candle flickering between us.

I don’t know how I got so lucky for her to yell at me that night about the kids ruining her dress, but I’d relive that moment over and over again if it brings us here.

“Thank you. We’ll need a few minutes,” Georgia says.

“Take your time.”

“Did you catch any of that?” she asks.

“About the specials? Not at all.”

She rolls her eyes at me before grabbing her water glass and taking a sip.

“There’s a chicken, seafood, and steak option for the specials, plus there’s a cocktail tonight, but I didn’t listen to that since I can’t have it.”

“Did any of it sound good?” I ask.

She smiles at me, nodding her head. “I’m starving, so I say yes. But the chicken with the balsamic sauce sounds amazing. And okay for me to eat.”

“The filet sounds good too,” I say.

“Are you even going to look?” Georgia huffs out.

“They could bring me a burnt steak and I’d be fine with it because I’m here with you.”

Even in the low light, I can see her blush. I can’t wait to see it in more places. I have no doubt we’ll end up at one of our houses tonight after dinner.