Page 38

“Down to the waterfront, if that’s okay. I snagged a table at Nautilus.”

She looked up at me, eyes wide. “I’ve always wanted to eat there. I’ve heard it’s amazing, but they only have like two tables and one seating per night. How did you get in on such short notice?”

“Anthony owes me one. We loaned them capital to get the restaurant going last spring.”

Anya’s lips twitched. “Of course you did.”

It only took a few minutes to walk to the restaurant. Nautilus was unassuming from the outside, a simple storefront with ample windows and heavy glass doors, but on the inside, the restaurant welcomed guests with tasteful greenery, big black columns, and a sleek black and chrome open kitchen. Eight place settings rimmed the chef’s counter. One large table and two smaller tables took up the rest of the tiny floor. It looked like what it was – an exclusive enclave where the chef and waitstaff used phrases like “amuse-bouche” and “sous vide” as everyday conversation.

Anya’s eyes sparkled, her head swiveling as she took in every meticulous detail. The fresh bouquet of bright red poppies. The carefully folded black napkins.

Even the air smelled refined. I detected a hint of dill and capers.

Anthony welcomed us. The older man extended a broad grin to Anya as he pulled out her chair. “I’ve been hounding Drew tocome visit us since we opened. I’m so glad you could pry him away from the farm for a night out.”

“The pleasure’s all mine. I’m dying to try your tasting menu.”

“You’re in for a treat.” Anthony collected our drink orders and scurried to the kitchen, returning with our wine glasses and first course. “Crab bisque with a compressed apple brown butter crumble.” He set the bowls down with a flourish.

Anya giggled. “What’s wrong, Drew?”

“I’m remembering why I haven’t been here before.”

“Too fancy?”

I smiled, just the barest twitch of my lips. “It’s not that. I just needed the right person to enjoy it with.” I tangled my fingers with hers on the white tablecloth. “Can you imagine me bringing Gran?” I shook my head. “I don’t think Anthony’s ego could take it. She calls cilantro ‘frou-frou crap.’ Eating something with micro greens might send her to the great beyond.”

“She’s one-of-a-kind. You know she’s trying to convince me to add a hot yoga class at the studio?”

“Really? That doesn’t sound like her.”

Anya’s eyes glittered with good humor. “I keep telling her I don’t have the equipment to heat the room up for it, and she keeps insisting the thermostat doesn’t have to go that high to get everyone naked.”

My shoulders shook. Newbie that I was, even I knew hot yoga didn’t mean clothing-optional.

“Your family is great. Even Gran. Are your parents enjoying their trip?”

Anya looked almost wistful as I spoke about my folks and their latest updates.

“What about your family? Are you close?”

Her eyes shadowed. “No.”

I wanted her to elaborate.

“What was it like, growing up as an only child?” I asked.

“Lonely. My parents were always working.”

Her tone was clipped. She was clearly uncomfortable. Gone was the half-smile that always seemed to brighten her features. The stubborn part of me wanted to dig deeper, but I’d intended tonight to be fun. A chance to get to know each other without the pressure of living together. Grilling her about her childhood was the opposite of that.

“If you’re not taking Gran up on her brilliant idea for nude hot yoga, do you have other promotional plans for the summer season?”

Anya lit up as she spoke about her ideas for a paddle board yoga class. “I just need a place to host it.”

“I can introduce you to Eric at the private marina off Wabass if you like.”

A tiny smile flirted with her lips. “Let me guess – he owes you a favor?”