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“Unlike me,” Elizabeth said, “Jane can actually cook. You're in for a treat.”
* * *
As soon asthey were in the car, Will kissed her. “You smell delicious.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you hungry? We could go to lunch now, or we can wait. It's up to you.”
“I’m pretty hungry. I only had coffee this morning.”
“Me too. Lunch it is.”
They wound their way through the city, and as they drove, he asked for details about yesterday’s softball game. He was amused at how excited she was that they’d won, and enjoyed how animated she became as she rattled off her stats. They pulled into a parking garage near the Seaport and finally found an empty spot on the fourth level.
“Where are we going?” she asked as they walked.
He took hold of her hand. “I thought we could go to The Howling Crab.”
“Oh, I haven't been there in ages! I love that place.”
He smiled. He wanted to go somewhere low-key and fun instead of upscale and stuffy, and knew it was the perfect spot. The restaurant was noisy and crowded, and after a short wait they were led to a table. They each ordered a beer, and after the server left, they studied the menu. Will rested his hand on Elizabeth’s leg, and she entwined her fingers with his.
“See anything you like?” he asked.
She laughed and then cleared her throat. “As a matter of fact…I do.”
The sparkle in her eyes warmed him. “You're teasing me.”
“You're an easy mark. I can't help myself.”
He leaned toward her, and his gaze dropped to her lips. “I can't help myself either.”
The server chose that moment to make an appearance with their beers, and though they separated, their gazes remained locked.
“Have you decided what you want?” the server asked.
Will smiled, still unable to tear his gaze from those beautiful green eyes. “Um, we haven't had a chance to look too closely at the menu. Can you give us a few more minutes?”
“Sure. Take your time.”
They ended up ordering mussels and a large salad to share, aware that they shouldn’t overdo it, per Jane's orders.
As they ate, Will took the opportunity to learn more about Elizabeth's parents, and asked what her father did for work.
“He taught biology at the high school, and retired two years ago. Now he has a little part-time job at the library. If he didn't have that, he'd be climbing the walls. I think he needs an escape once in a while.” Her expression softened. “He was always so supportive of Jane and me. He's that way with Lydia too, and I know he wants her to find her own way, but I think his patience is wearing thin.”
“Is he the reason you went into environmental science?”
“Not really. I mean, he always taught us to respect the power of the ocean, and when we were little and learning to swim, we had to prove that we could handle ourselves in the water. But during high school, when we had our career days and things like that, I remember visiting the scientific centers in Woods Hole and thinking the work they did there was so interesting. That’s when it all clicked into place.”
He smiled wistfully. “That must have been a good feeling, knowing what you wanted and being encouraged to pursue it.”
“Sorry. I shouldn't have gone on like that.”
“Don’t be sorry. I love running my father's company and shouldering the Darcy legacy. I’ve had some amazing opportunities, and I enjoy what I do.” He smiled. “And I never would have met you if I was off being a musician somewhere. What about your mother?”
“Oh, my mother. Where do I begin?” She paused. “She's...unique. She loves us, but sometimes she can be a little much. Jane is the apple of her eye, the beauty. She loves that Jane is a city girl; she thinks it's so glamorous. Parties, clubs, posh society—little does she know that Jane doesn't have much to do with any of that. And Lydia can do no wrong in my mother’s eyes. I think my mom sees a lot of herself in Lydia.” Elizabeth sighed. “And then there’s me, the homely scientist who works in a swamp with the hippies and the nerds and plays softball and rides her bike to work, no boyfriend anywhere to be found.” She laughed softly, but her cheeks pinked. “Not exactly every mother's dream.”
