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The server blinked. “Water with lemon for the table. If you’re ready when I return, I’ll take your dinner orders.” She hurried away.
Violet laughed. “I think Charlie is disappointed in us.”
“She’s probably expecting a terrible tip since we’re not drinking something exotic from the bar.” Noah wrapped his hand around Violet’s.
“We won’t stiff her,” Seth said. “Servers work hard for little pay. Any idea what you’d like to order, Teagan?”
“I’m a woman with simple tastes. A six-ounce sirloin, baked potato, and a salad.”
“Same for me,” Violet said, closing her menu.
Charlie reappeared, carrying a tray with four large glasses of water and two small bowls of sliced lemons. After distributing them, she asked, “Are you ready to order or do you need a few minutes?”
“We’re ready,” Noah said. He placed Violet’s order, then ordered the same for himself with a larger steak.
Seth followed suit as he placed his and Teagan’s order. Once the server took their orders to the kitchen, he scanned the room, looking for patrons he recognized. He was surprised to find so many people he’d encountered enjoying meals here.
More than one pair of eyes met his and immediately glanced away. Some of them were filled with curiosity. Others were filled with disdain or disgust.
He sighed. Great. Looks like the Ardmore elite had already heard of his questionable tactics. Nice to know that the public believed everything they heard on the grapevine or read on the news sites.
“Seth.”
He turned to Teagan.
“We’ll set the record straight,” she murmured.
But how much damage would be done before the department spread the news that he’d been working on an undercover mission?
She leaned close and brushed his mouth with hers. “I know this is hard. I’ve got your back, Seth.”
He leaned in for a longer kiss, mindful of their audience. The last thing he wanted to do was be distracted enough to endanger the others, especially Teagan.
“So, since we’ll probably be on an enforced vacation, what do you want to do tomorrow?” Noah asked, voice soft.
Seth gave a wry laugh. “I don’t know. We haven’t taken a vacation in years except for the occasional long weekend.”
“We’ll need to stay in the public eye as much as possible tomorrow,” Violet murmured. “Otherwise, we’ll have to do that much more work the rest of the week to raise our profile.”
“Agreed,” Teagan said. “Let’s think about activities tonight, then make a plan after the meeting with your lieutenant.”
The hostess seated two more parties at tables near Seth and Noah’s. Time to start a new, neutral conversation. “What are your favorite movies and television shows?”
They were still discussing the merits of various television shows when the waitress returned to their table with their food. She distributed their meals, then asked, “Is there anything else I can get you?”
Noah shook his head. “Everything looks great, Charlie. Thanks.”
“I’ll be back to check on you soon. Enjoy your meals.” She hurried off to a nearby table.
Violet cut into her steak. “Man, the chef did a perfect job preparing this steak.”
The others chimed in their agreement.
After they’d finished part of their meal, Violet said, “I think we pretty well covered movies and television shows. What about your favorite books or book series? Hit me with your best recommendations.”
That started another lively discussion. When they’d nearly finished their meals, raised voices caught Seth’s attention. Their waitress, Charlie, was doing her best to calm an angry customer with little success. When the male diner grabbed the server’s wrist, she flinched.
Seth was on his feet in an instant and heading toward the table with Noah on his heels.