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“Two,” I say, knowing I’ve arrived a few minutes early. I look around to ensure Kat isn’t already seated when two slender arms encircle me from behind.
“Hi, my gorgeous friend.”
Spinning to greet Kat with a hug, she immediately pulls back at arm’s length. “You look incredible. And it’s not just the dress and hair. You’re glowing.”
I blush, thankful for the compliment.
Leaning in quickly, she whispers, “Did someone get—”
“No!” Swatting her arm, I turn back to the hostess, who’s patiently waiting for our shenanigans to stop. “I’m sorry.”
“No apologies. Right this way, ladies.”
We’re escorted past a showstopping long table, which I can only assume they use for larger parties. As we’re seated, I see a beautiful auburn-haired girl in her twenties holding a bouquet of sunflowers by the hostess station. A handsome young man enters with several buckets of similar bright yellow flowers. He gives the young woman a sexy wink before following who I suspect must be a manager or owner of the restaurant down a hallway.
“Anyone you know?” Kat asks.
“No. The sunflowers had me mesmerized.” I reach for a white linen napkin and drape it into my lap as I continue to take in the beautiful place.
Kat hands me the drink menu. “I’m glad you were okay coming here. Nick will be so disappointed. Hopefully, he can make it before we’re done. This place is all about the local farmers, fishermen, and artisans in the area. Those two were probably local growers of some sort.”
“Ah, you caught Alex and Tuesday, did ya?” Looking up, I find a handsome gentleman with a heavy Irish accent dressed in black.
“Who?” I ask.
“The couple at the front. They work with Cygnature Blooms florist. I think Tuesday is thinking of branching out on her own. We’ve been working with her to supply centerpieces for our tables.”
“Oh, I know that florist,” Kat interjects. “Nick’s bought me flowers from there. They’re amazing.”
“I’m Rodney. I’ll be your server this evening. Could I get you started with a drink?”
I quickly look down at the drink menu and choose a Malbec.
“I think I’ll try the Red Veil.” Kat beams up at Rodney.
“Good choice, ma’am. I’ll get right on these. Here are your dinner menus. Let me know if you have any questions.”
“Oh, I have one,” I interrupt. “Where does the name come from? SHAGBARK? It’s so unique.”
The gorgeous Irishman grins. “It comes from a type of hickory tree that grows along the James River.” Pointing to the different wood accents about the space, he continues, “They included little touches of Shagbark everywhere.”
Rodney steps away after a brief nod, and I lean back in my chair, enjoying this moment with my friend. It’s stifling what grief can steal from you. For so many years, I’ve barely gone through the motions. Merely trying to get through each day without Dan. But there’s so much life left to live at thirty-eight. I fight the urge to feel guilty over new experiences, knowing he wouldn’t want me to wallow alone. It’s only dinner. So why do I feel so guilty when I do things, knowing he can’t.
A pretty, full-figured brunette arrives at our table with our cocktails. There’s a confidence about her actions that makes her even more attractive. “I have a glass of Malbec from Argentina and a spicy Red Veil. Hope you enjoy.”
I look at Katarina’s drink with curiosity. I need to be a lot braver with exploring new things. “What’s a Red Veil?” I ask as I take a sip of my wine.
“It says it’s made of tequila, lime, grapefruit, and simple red pepper. Whatever that is.” She giggles. “Since you dressed the part, I thought I’d bring outmyspicy in my drink tonight.”
“Oh, Kat, this place seems fantastic.” Opening the menu, I find all of my favorite southern dishes. “I think I’m going to go old school and get the fried green tomatoes with the shrimp and grits. How ’bout you?” I ask, closing my menu.
“I think I’m going to get the summer seafood pasta. But if Nick shows up in time, I might add an oyster appetizer.” Kat waggles her brows at me, and I nearly spit out my water. Oh, to have a relationship like the two of them. I admit, even before Dan got sick, he was never terribly romantic. It’s not a criticism, just a fact of who we were together. We were friends first, then quickly grew into a couple. I’ve never had a passionate love affair—long term or otherwise. But I appreciate what we had. Some are never that lucky.
“Kat.”
“Yes.” She makes a serious face that looks like she’s sucking on a lemon. But that could be the drink.
“I have to show you something. I’m trying not to get caught up in it until someone objective looks over it.”
