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“Yes, it is.”
The title track “Easy Times” was wafting from the speakers. The new band had just been starting out and was reminiscent of early Crosby, Stills & Nash. Luna commented on their sound. “It’s something about the harmonics—the overtones created when their three particular voices mix.” She listened again. “It’s interesting.”
“What?” Gaines asked.
“Vibrations.” Luna wasn’t sure how much further she wanted to take that conversation.Vibes. Energy. Woo-woo.
“The Law of Perpetual Transmutation of Energy?” Gaines glanced at her, waiting for a reaction.
Luna thought she was going to pee her pants. “Let’s throw in the law of electromagnetism, shall we?” She was cackling. “How about the laws of karma?”
“Which one?” Gaines kept his eyes on the road.
“How about the law of force?” Luna suggested.
“Seriously? Do you really want to have such a heady conversation? Now?” He looked in her direction.
She snorted. “No, not really. But thanks for asking. Maybe some other time.”
“Good, because I was grasping at straws!” He howled.
“Oh! You!” She gave him a little smack on the side of his arm. Just like she did with her brother. Except her feelings for Gaines were not at all fraternal.
“Ouch!” Gaines faked being hurt.
“Such a baby,” Luna fired back. She was genuinely enjoying their repartee.Go with the flow, girl.
Gaines seemed quite relaxed and talked about his new house and all the work he had to do on it. Luna was happy to listen to his smooth, even voice, with the sweet-sounding music playing in the background. It was a nice blend.
“Well, if you need any restoration tips, Cullen is your man.”
“I most definitely got that impression. He’s quite talented.”
“He is indeed. It runs in the family.” Luna smirked.
“ThatI have no doubt about.” He turned to smile at her.
That smile. Yikes.Luna had to catch her breath.
Luna continued to give him directions as they headed to Three Brothers. When they arrived, Luna was greeted by Louie, one of the brothers. “Luna! Nice to see you!” He nodded to Gaines. “Good evening.”
Luna introduced them. “This is Christopher Gaines.” She hesitated with any other information. Luna wasn’t sure if Gaines wanted his profession known.
Gaines nodded in return. “Smells fantastic.”
“Follow me.” Louie escorted them to the table where Cullen was sitting.
Gaines moved swiftly to be sure he pulled out Luna’s chair before Louie had the chance. Chivalry was not dead. Maybe a little pale but not dead. Louie handed them the plastic-coated menus.
“Don’t let the ambience fool you.” Luna was referring to the pizzeria décor of red-and-white-checkered tablecloths, straw-covered Chianti bottles with melted candles, which served as centerpieces although they were never lit. From where they were sitting, they could see into the kitchen, which was still bustling at that time of night.
Gaines looked around. “They’re pretty busy for this hour.”
“It’s a favorite stop after the early movie,” Luna advised him.
“So what do you recommend?” Gaines was perusing the menu.
“Their eggplant rollatini is fab,” Luna suggested. “But if you are in the mood for pizza, I have to say this is probably the best pizza you’re going to get outside of the New York metropolitan area.” She chuckled.
