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"Sure."Steph removed her coat with his assistance and he hung both on a wall hook.
Their former waitress, Clare, picked up two menus and was leading them to a table when Nathan poked his head out from the kitchen.“Hey.How’s Henry doing?We saw the ambulance and were worried.”
“He had a mini-stroke.Nathan, have you met Jason?He’s Henry’s nephew.”They nodded at each other and Jason slid an arm around her waist.
"I have to say the old man got very lucky.Had a TIA, a minor stroke that has the same symptoms as a full blown one.They haven't released him yet...”
Stephanie held her breath, hoping he wouldn't say more.
"Glad to hear it."Nathan gave them a nod then returned to the kitchen.
Clare seated them at a curved table for two at the back of the Bistro and next to a window."Your uncle's not the friendliest fellow I've ever met, but pleasant enough."She turned her gaze on Jason."Were you talking from experience?"
"Not personal, I'm glad to say.”Jason said modestly, “I’m a doctor."
"I knew you were in the medical field."Clare grinned, proud of herself."You have that look."
Stephanie nudged Jason's arm and added, "He's also a surgeon."
"Even better."Clare handed them the two large menus, and asked what they'd like to drink."Luke makes the best martinis in town, we also have a great wine selection as well as champagne.If that's in order?"
"Not yet, but hopefully soon."Jason gazed at her; his intentions clear.Her body heated and she fanned herself, hoping no one dining would see the blush.
“If you’re ordering wine with dinner, I suggest something from a shipment of Select reds from the Napa Valley.Bordeaux, merlot, or cabernet."
"Want to try a Bordeaux?"Jason asked Steph."I'm not as experienced with them but if Clare recommends it, I'll give it a shot."
"Sure.”Steph shrugged, not a connoisseur.“They all work for me."
After checking on the other guests Clare returned with the bottle.She opened it at the table and poured each a tasting sip.When they nodded their approval, she filled the balloon glasses one-third full, leaving the bottle centered on the table.
"This is delicious," Steph said.Jason swirled it around his glass a few times, took a sip and nodded."It really is."
They turned their attention to the extensive menu."For the size of the place, they have a lot of entree's here.We've had the lasagna and grouper, so lets try something else tonight."Under the table Jason squeezed her knee.
She almost squealed, then covered her mouth."Stop that or I'll never get dinner."
He leaned over and kissed behind her ear."We could take it to go."
"No.I love it here."
"Then we better choose.Don't want to spend all night, do we?"
"You're incorrigible," she said with a laugh.
They both kept their heads down to read the menu, but Stephanie had a hard time concentrating as she wondered what was to come next.
Nathan nudged his shoulder out the kitchen door with two small trays in his hands."I have a new escargot recipe that you might like to try.On the house, of course."
"Seriously?"Stephanie grinned."I'd love to sample it, how about you, Jason?"
"Absolutely.It smells great.Thanks so much."Jason waited until he left and beamed at her."Nice guy.Everyone is so friendly here."
"Of course.Just the name Harmony sounds so homey and peaceful."
Clare brought over a basket of garlic toast and nodded at their escargot."I sampled it earlier.It's amazing."
Stephanie squeezed a little lemon on hers."This is so nice of him.I can't wait to taste it."
