Page 58 of Here & Now

“Among other things…”

They exchanged a smile that reminded him of when he’d held her in his arms and kissed her. Was she remembering it too?

As they were walking out of the store, the hostess’s voice came over the speaker. “Zane, your table is ready. Zane.”

“Perfect timing,” he said.

The hostess led them to an umbrellaed table on the outdoor patio. As they followed her, they passed a table where Sasha and two older adults were sitting. She smiled and waved at him as he went by, and Bree stiffened.

“Your server will be right with you,” the hostess said.

He purposely sat with his back to Sasha’s table. He’d gone out with her a few times last year, but other than living on the island, they had little in common. They’d made out on the beach one night, but he hadn’t slept with her. Based on Bree’s expression, he doubted she’d believe that.

“Did you and Sasha…?”

“Hmm?” He feigned interest in the menu, though he knew it by heart.

“You know.”

He did know, but he found it amusing that she wouldn’t say it. “Have sex?”

She glanced around frantically, but nobody was paying attention to them.

“You might not believe this, but no, we didn’t.”

“How come?”

His jaw dropped. One minute, she acted shy, and the next, forthright. He could hardly keep up with her. “Um…”

She glanced over his shoulder at Sasha’s table. “I guess she’s attractive if you like big boobs and big hair.”

He burst out laughing, and this time, a few people looked their way. Then a waiter approached them.

“Hey, Zane. Long time no see.”

“I was here last week,” Zane said.

“I was kidding. Who’s your friend?”

“Bree, this is Jason. His family owns the café.”

She gave Jason a full smile, the kind Zane was starting to yearn for. “It’s great to meet you. I’ve been coming here for years, and I love the food.”

“I’ll pass that on to my folks. They love hearing it.”

Zane looked at her and Jason and scowled, but neither seemed to notice.

“I don’t remember ever seeing you here,” she continued.

“I only help out when they’re short-handed. Mostly, I work for a parasailing outfit on Captiva.”

She leaned in. “Really? I’ve never been parasailing.”

Zane noisily cleared his throat. “Sanibel Outfitters offers parasailing too.”

She scowled at him and returned her attention to Jason.

Jason reached into his pocket, pulled out a business card, and handed it to her. “If you decide to try it, give me a call.”