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“You order. I’ll decide quickly.”
I did as he suggested and gave the server my order. Admittedly, I did it a bit slower than I might have normally, just so I could give Johnny a couple more seconds to make his selection. By the time I finished, he was ready and gave his order.
Once our server walked away, I thought there would be a bit of awkward tension or silence between us. This had been completely unplanned, so it wasn’t as though either of us had had an opportunity to prepare for it. Much to my surprise and delight, there wasn’t an ounce of tension to be had.
There was a moment of silence that stretched between us, but it wasn’t anything awkward. Johnny seemed completely content, even happy, about sitting across the table from me. I couldn’t say I didn’t feel the same about him.
For me, the evening hadn’t started off the best with news of River being sick, but there was no question it was turning around.
“Care to tell me what that look on your face is all about?” Johnny asked.
I didn’t exactly know what the look on my face was, but I knew how I felt, so I didn’t stop myself from sharing it with him. “I’m just really glad this night wasn’t a total bust. I feel like I’ve been looking forward to this vacation for a while, so I was hoping to make the most of every night I’m here.”
“What makes this vacation so special?” he pressed.
Shrugging, I answered, “I guess it’s what I’m considering my last bit of fun before I get out into the real world. I just graduated from college, and work starts next week, so I want to soak up all the fun before that happens.”
Understanding washed over him as he nodded at me. “What did you go to school for?”
“I got a degree in business,” I replied.
“Are you going to be working somewhere in Dogwood?” he pressed.
Our waitress returned with our drinks and appetizers, pausing our conversation, but once she walked away, I shared, “I’ll be in Dogwood. I’m opening my own business.”
Johnny seemed surprised by the news. “Really? What kind of business?”
“Event planning.”
“Event planning?” he repeated.
I nodded. “I’ve always been very organized, and I like people. Plus, I have a bit of a creative side, so I thought event planning would be a perfect way for me to blend all of those things together. I figure I’m young enough to give it a shot. If it doesn’t work out, I can always find something else to do.”
Smiling at me, Johnny said, “That’s impressive. I hope it turns out to be everything you want. Have you planned any events yet?”
I shook my head. “Not officially. I’ve helped with planning some family functions for cousins, and we did throw a wedding anniversary party for my grandparents last year that I sort of took the reins on, but I’m hoping to lock down my first official paying client next week after I meet with her.”
“Well, good luck. I’m sure it’s going to go well.”
“Thanks. What about you?”
“Me?”
“What do you do, besides rescue women from the dangers on the beach?” I asked, unable to stop myself from smiling at him.
His lips twitched. Then he inhaled a deep breath and sighed. “It seems impossible that’s what I could be doing with my life, doesn’t it? It’s important work, you know? But I’m thinking about retiring now that I’ve made the best save of my life on the beach yesterday.”
I felt my face flush. I loved how this was going between us. Johnny had shown his interest in me from the start, and even now, with asking the questions he had about me. But what was making me so happy was how he didn’t seem to have any trouble matching my energy. When I teased him about rescuing women on the beach, he rolled with it, made it fun, and found a way to make me feel good about it.
I liked that he wasn’t taking himself too seriously, and that he was willing to be just as playful.
Cocking an eyebrow, I asked, “The best save of your life?”
“No question about it,” he insisted.
Nodding as more warmth moved through me, I pressed, “So what are you going to do with yourself now if you decide to give that up?”
Johnny sat back, a smile on his face, and clarified, “This was only a side gig. I work as an IT consultant for a company back in Doveport.”
