Page 23 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“I wondered why you’d even return to Ellenton. From what I’d heard, it sounded like you loved California when you first moved there,” said Lori, as he helped her into his car.

“I did. My ex still lives there.”

“What about your parents? Are they still there?” she asked.

He shook his head. “My father died two years ago, and my mother moved to Palm Springs for the warmer weather. She loves the desert.”

“I’ve never been, but I’ve seen photos of that area. Gorgeous.”

He grinned. “You’re a hometown girl, I remember.”

“Oh, yes.” She laughed. “I still am.”

“I saw your sisters. They looked the same.” His lips curved. “The Pierce sisters were always considered the beauties of the town.”

“I wouldn’t go that far,” said Lori. “I’m sure you met a lot of beautiful people in Hollywood.”

He shrugged. “After a while, they all look alike.”

“What brought you back here?” she asked.

“I remember how happy I was in high school and how I liked being outdoors any time of year doing some kind of sport.”

Guy helped her into his car and went around it to slide behind the wheel before taking off with a friendly roar.

He pulled up to a new Thai restaurant in town. “Is this okay for dinner? We talked about Moretti’s for pizza, but then I remembered you used to like this kind of food.”

“This is perfect. I’ve been meaning to try it now that it has new owners.”

He pulled into the parking lot of Thai Treasures, found a spot, and turned off the engine before they walked inside together.

At the entry, Lori took a moment to study the interior. The bright red walls made a pleasant background for framed photographs of Thailand. The black vinyl-covered benches and backs offset the wooden tables of the booths that lined the outside walls. Tables for four filled the center of the room. A vase holding bright yellow flowers on each table added color to the décor.

“Let’s get a booth,” said Guy.

“Yes, they’re a little more private,” Lori said.

A hostess approached and led them to the booth they wanted.

Lori took off her jacket and tucked it beside her as she sat down on her side of the table.

A waitress came over to them. “What can I get you to drink?”

“What would you like?” Guy asked Lori.

“I think a glass of white wine,” she responded.

“Please bring a glass of your best Chardonnay for my guest,” said Guy. “I’ll have an IPA.”

The waitress handed them each a menu, left, and returned with drinks and to take their order before leaving again.

“Here’s to old times,” said Guy, lifting his glass of beer.

Lori held up her glass of wine, and they smiled at one another.

“Tell me about your life here,” Guy said to her. “What do you do? I heard something about teaching.”

“I work at a daycare and preschool,” Lori said. “Bright Beginnings is an excellent center owned and operated by Janie Sherwood, a woman who moved into town after you left. She’s a delightful teacher, warm and loving. I’m very happy working there. I also have a couple of side jobs working as a Virtual Assistant.”