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"Yes.The last server decided she didn't want to work over the holidays and gave a week's notice.I was here visiting family, saw the Help Wanted sign, and thought...why not?"
"Me too.An accident led me here."Stephanie folded her hands on the table."I expect to be leaving mid-summer."She stole a glance at Jason.
Jason cleared his throat."Well, you're here now.And my mouth is watering already."
"Lasagna,” Clare said.“It’s Nathan's most popular dish.I'll tell you all about the specials for tonight, but first, may I get you something to drink?"
Jason nodded toward Stephanie."Wine, or a specialty cocktail?"
"Cocktail," she answered."What is Luke's specialty tonight, Clare?"
"His eggnog martini is amazing.It's creamy, with vodka and amaretto, and a dusting of nutmeg.He’s also created a lighter, fruity drink called Mrs.Claus Sleighride.It's a tequila punch with mango, orange, and passion fruit, oh, and cranberry juice.Sweet, but it carries a punch."Her cheeks flushed."Trust me, it goes down easily."
"I'll try one of those," Stephanie said, grinning at Jason.
"I'll have a glass of merlot.I'll be driving."
Clare left and put the order in with Luke, who tilted a martini glass her way.
They read the holiday season menu which was quite extensive for a small restaurant with only twenty tables.Twinkle lights draped from wall to wall which created a romantic but casual ambiance.
"So, what is it that you want to discuss?"Stephanie asked after Clare dropped off their drinks.
"Anything and everything."Jason rested his elbow on the table."I feel like we’ve only touched the outer layer of what happened between us."He tipped his balloon-shaped wine glass to her long slim drink.
"I like being here with you," she said quietly, wondering why she’d cracked open Pandora’s box.Some things, like her attraction to Jason, should stay locked up.
His eyes searched hers."So do I."He leaned back and sipped his wine.
Her pulse quickened.This was a mistake, she told herself.It was the exact opposite of her heart's desire.Their timing once again couldn't be worse.
"Now, what are you thinking?"Jason asked, studying her.
"I'm having conflicted thoughts."
He nearly choked on his mouthful of wine."Of course, you are.I've never known you to just accept things."
"So, what exactly do you want to discuss?"She turned her head to look out the window, watching people arm-in-arm pass by.
"Us."He put his hand over hers, but she withdrew it.
"Okay, but it's still a touchy subject."She bit her bottom lip, watching his face."By the way, you should know that I felt the same as you right from the beginning."
He smiled and she so wanted to kiss him.
"We had something strong and real, but life got in the way.High school, residency, Jessica and Covid.It was a lot.We should have realized that at our age it wouldn't be easy even without major catastrophes."
The old familiar pain hit her again."Yes, I know.We should congratulate ourselves for just making it through as well as we did.And like you said, it wasn't our fault.We were just kids, weren’t we?"
He swirled his glass of wine, looking at it instead of her.What was he thinking and feeling right now?Regret, or acceptance?Possibly both.If they did become friends again, how could their futures mesh into one?
Clare returned to take their orders."So, how's the drinks?"
"Mine’s good.Light and fruity as you said, but I'm not getting that kick yet."
"You have to drink more," Clare suggested with a smile—and a quick glance at Jason.She turned their attention to the menu."Have you decided on your entree yet?"
"No."Jason cleared his throat."Would you mind telling us about the specials?This menu has so many options."
