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“We sure do,” Phil said. “And for you, madame?”
“I’ll take a veggie wrap. Do you still have some of that vegan mac and cheese?”
Phil smiled, then nodded. “We do. And even if we didn’t, I’d make it happen for ya. I’ll go ahead and put your orders in.”
As Phil walked away, Luke turned to Emma with a raised brow. “Are you vegetarian?”
“Actually, I’m vegan. It’s been about ten years now.”
Luke’s eyes widened. “Oh, geez. I should’ve ordered something less meaty. Let me see if I can change that—“
Emma reached out and grabbed his arm. “No, it’s fine. I lived with Chad for years, and he was the biggest carnivore I knew. Trust me, I’m used to it.”
Luke relaxed his shoulders. “Okay, I’ll take your word for it. So, I hope this isn’t too intrusive, but what made you go vegan?”
She leaned toward him, her eyes brightening with passion. “Well, I think people are vegan for different reasons. Some for health, some for the planet. But for me, it was for the animals. Years ago, I was having dinner with friends and as I looked down at the veal on my plate, it just hit me. I thought to myself that this represents what is most awful in this world: fear, suffering, and death. Right then, I realized all animals are someone, not something.”
Luke tilted his head.
She inhaled deeply, continuing her story.
“Eating some animals while loving others never felt right to me. When it comes down to it, ultimately, being vegan is the belief that an animal’s life is worth more than a sandwich. I’d like to think most people believe that.”
Luke’s jaw dropped a fraction and his eyebrows rose. “I’d never thought of it that way before. It makes sense, though. I love how you acted on your convictions. You’re inspiring.”
Emma smirked at his compliment. “Thanks for that. I know I’m pretty awesome.”
Luke chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest as he leaned against the plush cushion of the booth. Her eyes sparkled as they met his, and the sunlight through the diner’s window illuminated the subtle shade of pink on her lips. He was entirely lost in the moment.
Emma broke the silence with a playful grin. “But enough about me. Now it’s your turn. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”
As they awaited their meals, Luke shared anecdotes of his life in Chicago, while Emma recounted tales of her upbringing in Hadley Cove. He hung on to her every word, admiring how her love for life came alive through her animated gestures. With Emma, conversation was refreshingly simple, and her sharp sense of humor brought out fits of laughter he hadn’t experienced in ages.
After they ate, Emma stood up and grabbed Riley’s leash. “I think it’s time for us to head back home. It was fun hanging out, Luke.”
“I had a lot of fun too. Thanks for the invite. And all your help with Jeremiah.” His heart sank at the thought of her leaving.
Emma shot him a reassuring smile. “Don’t even mention it.”
As Luke watched her walk out of the diner, he felt a pang of longing in his chest. Her presence had left behind an invisible force he couldn’t quite rationalize, yet it was undeniably felt. His mind rushed with thoughts of Kate, her memory the yardstick by which he measured all things.
Is it too soon to feel this for another woman?
11
Emma
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Emma shifted beneath her blankets, uncertain whether she had really heard that sound at her door or if she had dreamt it.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
No—she definitely wasn’t dreaming.
She swung her feet out of bed and into her slippers, then moved through the hallway, grabbing her robe as she went. Riley, ears perked, was already alert and sniffing at the front door.
“Open up! It’s me,” called a female voice from the other side.
