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Luna flushed at the admonition. Connor didn’t blame her—it could be intimidating being the object of the older woman’s laser-focused attention.
Instead of wilting, though, Luna flourished. She sat up straighter. “You’re right, Mrs. Valentine. I just wondered, since Connor and I came to this late in the game, if we could get a rundown of what the evening actually consists of. That might help us formulate a menu that would be appropriate for the occasion, but still on-brand for the diner.”
Connor leaned over and nudged Luna’s shoulder with his own. “Way to go,” he said softly. “This must be you in marketing consultant mode. I like it.”
Gen nodded. “Absolutely. The event is a part cocktail party, part talent review. There’s no sit-down portion, though. The entertainment is concurrent with the mingling.
“There’s also a silent auction component. Announcing the winners will cap the party.”
Luna nodded. “So, we’re looking at appetizers, then?”
“Yes, I think that would fit in well,” Gen agreed.
Luna looked thoughtful. “Since Main Street eats is a classic American diner, I’m thinking that appetizers based on classic American Christmas food would be a fun twist?”
“Oh, I love that idea!” Abby exclaimed, and Luna turned to her.
“Abs, maybe we could follow up this week and talk about wine and food pairings? They should definitely complement each other.”
“You’re reading my mind,” Abby confirmed.
Gen beamed. “Man. Coordinating is so easy when you’re working with the best people.”
“Thank you, dear. I appreciate that,” Mrs. Valentine said, but Connor could see the twinkle in her eye that showed she was teasing Gen.
He had the sudden urge to take Luna’s hand, or slide his arm around her shoulder. In fact, he stopped himself just in time.
There was just something about being in this meeting—the feeling of doing something good for his community, surrounded by his friends. And sitting next to his girl.
That was how he thought of her. “His girl.” He realized now that he had never really stopped thinking of her that way. He hoped that didn’t end up biting him in the butt…but, if he was honest, it probably already had.
Yeah. There was a good chance that the fact he’d never felt very connected or committed to another woman was because of the fact he’d never stopped thinking of her as his girl. At least now he realized it.
He looked over at her again, so bright and animated and engaged, talking about the food and the wine, and the evening, and how great it was going to be for the kids they’d be helping.
Damn. She was his girl. In his heart, she always would be.
Now the only question he needed the answer to was: what was in her heart?
