Lavender and Larceny (Treehouse Hotel Mysteries Book 6) by Sue Hollowell

Author:Sue Hollowell [Hollowell, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-03T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Paul and I settled into a booth at the Smokehouse Restaurant. This remained one of the only eating places in town that you could take someone on a date. At least a date where you sat inside and not in your car. The hostess had provided us with water and menus. I took a sip from my glass and peered at Paul over the rim as he perused the menu. That dude really was a looker. His eyes met mine, and I quickly lowered my glass, pretending like I wasn’t staring at him. He smiled and returned his gaze to his menu.

“Well, hello you two.” I jumped as my sister Joey approached our table from behind. “Mom told me to expect you.” She placed two more coasters on the table and set cocktails on them.

I looked up at her. “We didn’t order those.” I glanced at Paul and raised my eyebrows.

“Nah, but they do look good. What are they?” he said to Joey.

“They’re from Mom,” Joey said. “When she called to tell me you were coming, she bought a round of drinks for you to celebrate. What are you celebrating?”

“Argh! That woman. She’s so pushy. Nothing, Joey. It’s just a date,” I said and picked up my menu, hoping to end this line of questioning.

“Just a date?” Paul laughed.

I sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. She just can’t help her meddling. We’re two grown adults. I think we can handle our relationship ourselves.” I returned my attention to the menu.

“So now we have a relationship?” Paul teased.

I glared at him over the menu. He held up his hands. “OK, OK.” He looked at Joey. “Can you give us a minute?”

“Of course. Just let me know when you’re ready.” Joey eyeballed me, but I kept my nose in the menu. There weren’t many people here on a weeknight, so there was little chatter, but the background music soothed my raw nerves.

Paul reached a hand across the table and held my wrist. “I’m sorry to tease. I know Mabel’s pushiness annoys you. I didn’t grow up with it, so it doesn’t land the same for me.”

I lowered my menu. “Thank you.”

“And we will take whatever we have at a pace that’s good for you.” His smile melted me. That guy fit right into our family. “Just know that I like you. And I’ll be patient.”

I laughed. “Well, you’ve already won over my mom, which is no small feat.” His hand was still on my wrist. His work-worn, calloused touch warmed my arm.

“Looks like you two have made up.” Joey again startled me with her appearance. “So what can I get you for dinner?”

“Mom didn’t order that for us too?” Neither Paul nor Joey said a word, unsure if I was serious. “I’m just kidding. Lighten up, you two.”

We handed Joey our menus and placed our orders. The perils of a small town. You couldn’t go anywhere to get privacy. Since I had returned to Cedarbrook to help Mom run the hotel, my life was an open book.

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