Page 82 of The One You Want

Gray tugged on her hand. “Let’s wish them a happy life.”

Marc stood as they approached the table. “Gray,” he said by way of hello to his cousin, with barely any warmth. For Rose, he smiled. “It’s so good to see you again, Rose. Especially now that everything is out in the open.”

“Marc,” she said, and nodded, keeping her response neutral and giving Maggie a warm smile. “I love your dress.”

Maggie’s smile brightened. “Thank you.” She brushed her hand down the pretty purple and white floral sun dress.

Gray didn’t say anything to Marc; instead he held his hand out to Maggie. “You look amazing in it.”

Maggie shook Gray’s hand, then Gray held Rose’s chair out for her. They ended up seated with Rose and Maggie opposite each other by the window, and Gray and Marc opposite each other on the end.

“Your server, Rochelle, will be here in just a moment to take your drink orders. Until then, look over the menu, including the chef specials, and have a wonderful evening.”

“I could use a drink,” Marc said to the table at large. “Come on, guys, let’s just have a good evening and a nice meal and forget the rest.”

Maggie tried to do just that. “Can you believe this place? It’s amazing. And the view...”

Rose stared out the window with her friend. “We lived here most of our lives and never dined like this.”

“Thank you, Gray, for picking the restaurant. It’s beautiful.”

“My pleasure, Maggie. I’ve wined and dined business associates here a few times when they came to town to golf at Pebble Beach.”

“Do you play?” Maggie asked.

“Not as well as I’d like, but it helps to lose sometimes to the people you’re trying to win business from.”

“There are some amazing tennis courts here, too. Have you played down here?” Rose asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

“A few times. I prefer playing in Silicon Valley. It tends to be cold and foggy here in the morning. As you know.”

“True.”

The waitress arrived. “I’m Rochelle. Welcome. Can I get you something to drink?”

“Thank god, yes,” Marc said. “I’ll have a double scotch on the rocks.”

Rochelle nodded and looked to Maggie, who stared at the smaller drink menu. “I’d love to try the peach sangria.”

“You’ll love it. It’s sweet and fresh and so summery tasting.” Rochelle looked at Rose. “And you?”

Rose shrugged one shoulder. “You sold me. I’ll have the same.”

“And you, sir?” Rochelle asked Gray.

“Is Jack behind the bar?”

Rochelle beamed. “Yes. He is.”

“Please tell him Gray Pearson is here and would love one of his whiskey cocktails.”

“Absolutely. He’ll be so happy you asked.” She turned to the table at large. “Would any of you like to start with an appetizer? The lobster fondue is my favorite.”

“Oh, let’s,” Maggie said.

Gray leaned in to Rose. “You’ll probably like the crab artichoke poppers.”

Rose smiled at him for remembering her love of spinach artichoke dip. “That sounds amazing.”