Page 41 of Mechanic’s Christmas Match

“Your server will be right over to take drink orders,” the hostess said, flashing them one last friendly smile.

Rory took his seat and looked over at Maggie, wondering what on earth he was supposed to talk to her about.

But she was studying the leather-bound menu like there was going to be a test.

How did I mess this up already? he wondered. Is the tie too tight?

It definitely felt too tight.

“Hey there,” a server said as he approached. “I’m Ned. I’ll be taking care of you tonight. Can I start you off with some drinks?”

“Just water,” Maggie said.

“A Coca-Cola for me, please,” Rory said.

“Very good,” the server said, hurrying off to fetch their drinks.

“Does anything look good?” Rory asked Maggie, whose nose was back in the menu.

“Oh,” she said, peeking out from behind it. “Everything looks amazing.”

“Great,” he said, relieved that she was happy with the selection.

The place smelled incredible, like the sizzle of steak on a cast iron skillet. He grabbed his own menu and tried to ignore the prices while he scanned the appetizers and entrees and began to have an idea.

“Here we go,” Ned said a moment later as he set a glass of water in front of Maggie and a Coke in front of Rory. “Did you two have any questions about the menu?”

Maggie shook her head.

“No thanks,” Rory said. “I think we’re ready to order.”

“Great,” Ned said.

Rory gestured to Maggie.

“Oh, I’ll have the garlic-lemon chicken breast,” she said.

“It comes with two sides,” Ned reminded her, pointing to the menu.

“Oh,” she said. “Um, a Caesar side salad and French onion soup.”

“Very good,” Ned said. “And for you, sir?”

“I’ll have the full rack of ribs,” Rory said impulsively. “With corn on the cob and mashed potatoes for my sides.”

He did love ribs, but normally he wouldn’t have ordered anything potentially messy like that on a first date. But since he didn’t really want Maggie falling for him, it was perfect. Maybe getting himself a little dirty would keep her at arm’s length until they got to know each other better.

When he looked up, she was trying to hide a smile.

“Sorry,” she said. “I was just thinking about something one of my students did today.”

“They must be a lot of fun,” Rory offered, hoping to get her talking about work.

“Yes,” she said, nodding.

There was an awkward moment of silence as he realized she wasn’t going to follow up.

“Did you always want to teach second grade?” he heard himself ask stupidly before taking a big swallow of his drink.