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She knew Jake had a strained relationship with the man. “Is it hard to have to work for him?”
“Yes.” He didn’t even hesitate. “But maybe by next year I can start working for myself. And the Wilsons should be calling, soon.”
She knew the date was approaching but avoided the subject, because she could see he was anxious about it. She was too. She had fallen in love with the place. Reaching for his hand, she squeezed it. “Everything will work out.”
She believed it this time. Jake was her good luck charm. Things seemed always to be better with him around.
When they arrived at the restaurant, she shook her head. “Jake, The Dock Café is too expensive. Really, let’s just go.”
“I’ve already made the reservation, no backing out now.” He came around to open her door, offering his hand. She’d learned early on to just let him do these little things for her. Her independent stubbornness still sometimes reared its head, but it gave him such pleasure that she couldn’t deny him. He opened doors and pickle jars, pulled out chairs, offered his jacket, and always his hand.
The Dock Café was one of those restaurants she had always heard about, but never could afford. When she sat down at the table and saw the menu prices, she grabbed her purse.
“Seriously, Jake, there are a lot of nice places for half the price.”
He laughed, placing his hand on her anxiously clenched ones. “Hannah, I want to eat here, with you.”
She relaxed, sliding her purse onto the empty chair next to her and opening her menu again.
“Can I get you something to drink?” the waitress asked.
Hannah looked up from her menu and almost dropped it on the table. Marie Higgins stood there in a white button-down and black apron. Her eyes filled with rage the moment she realized who she was looking at.
“How dare you show your face in here!” she hissed through clenched jaws.
Hannah was frozen in her seat. She’d had no idea that Marie worked there. Jake sat up straighter in his seat.
“You need to take yourself off this table,” he said in a low, firm voice.
She huffed and jerked her head at Hannah. “That piece of trash needs to leave this establishment.”
Jake had half risen from his chair and opened his mouth when a manager appeared at his elbow. “What’s going on here?”
Tears sparkled in Marie’s eyes. She ignored the manager, all her attention on Hannah. “I lost my son, and you come here with your lover to smear it in my face!”
Hannah grabbed her purse and bolted. She heard Jake yelling after her, but she just kept going. She headed off through Lowell Park, down the walkway along the river, past the strolling tourists. She didn’t know where she was going, her legs just churned away on autopilot.
“Hannah!” She could hear him running to catch up, but she couldn’t stop, she wouldn’t stop, not until Marie was far away.
He finally reached her side. “Hannah, please, stop.”
“I can’t.” She couldn’t explain it, but she felt that she needed to keep moving to hold herself together. She was so embarrassed. Everyone in the whole restaurant had been looking at her. They’d all heard what Marie had said.
He seemed to understand she needed time, and just fell in beside her.
“Hannah, no one believes what she said.”
She nodded, then shook her head. Her big date, her happy moment, ruined. She should have divorced Troy years ago, instead of waiting around like a fool. Now Jake’s reputation was being tarnished.
“I’m so sorry,” she blurted.
“For what?” He pulled gently on her elbow to slow her down. “Look at me. Please.”
She finally stopped, and the tears came flooding into her eyes. “This is all my fault.”
“Absolutely not. She’s just a nasty, bitter woman.”
He put his arms around her and pulled her into a hug. She’d never thought that such a simple gesture could be such a comfort, could feel so right. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe he was right for her, butshewasn’t right for him.
