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“You don’t look fine. In fact, you look upset. Do you want to stay here and talk, or would you like to go for a walk? Downtown Mission City at dusk is lovely.”

I glanced at my watch. We’d been here for almost three hours.Huh.“I should get going. You know…”

“Makenna, Grey, and Cody all have your phone number, right?”

“Well, yeah.”

“And no texts or calls?”

I shook my head.

“So walk with me.” He rose and held out his hand.

Without thinking, I took it. He guided me up and then let go and led me back toward the front of the restaurant.

“You gentlemen have a lovely evening.” Stavros beamed.

“We had a lovely time. The food was perfection.” Demetrius smiled right back.

“And Timothea was very attentive.” I had to contribute.

“She’s a good woman. I’m lucky to have her.”

“I heard that, Uncle Stavros.” Timothea pushed through the kitchen door with a tray of food. She grinned at us before heading to a table.

Stavros patted Demetrius on the back with a familiarity I found disconcerting.Would he pat me on the back if I came back? Would I be okay with that? Or does Demetrius give off a vibe that makes it clear he doesn’t mind?Because plainly he didn’t.

We headed into the evening—gray now, the sun having dipped out of sight.

“I love the fresh air. You just don’t get this in the city.”

I inhaled—something I’d never considered doing in downtown Mission City. Out at Pride Camp? All the time. In the city? No. “In the soupy summer days, the pollution hangs over the downtown.”

“Oh, I didn’t know that.”

I nodded. “Not in the tourist brochures. My parents’ house is just above the line, although it’s all relative. Properties in the mountains have fewer issues. That’s why Pride Camp’s location is so awesome.”God, did I just sayawesome? So lame.

“Something to consider. I suppose I should look into finding a realtor.”

“Oh, Arnav said…” I wracked my brains. “Cadence. Cadence Crawford.” Even as I said the name, I laughed.

Demetrius cast a glance my way.

I pointed to the bench at the bus stop.

Cadence Crawford. Mission City’s top realtor.

“Top realtor. Cool.”

“I’d put more weight on Arnav’s personal recommendation, myself. I mean, he and Foster spontaneously mentioned the guy. That’s better than any award or…whatever.”

We continued walking.

“So you’re serious about moving?”

“Yeah, I think so. I mean, even just to put out some feelers. To see what I can get for the money I have saved. Plus, I’d sell the condo in East Van. I want to ensure there’s enough for the kids’ education, but I can borrow against the house. Or I might even be able to pay for their schooling myself. The one disadvantage of living this far from Vancouver is they might have to go away for college.”

“There’s a university over in Abbotsford. It’s a great school.”