Magic in the Moonlight: A Sweet Summer Romantic Comedy (The Magic of Moonrise Cove)

by Jules Barker

  Sara’s face lit with a genuine smile. “Good evening! Welcome to Crowthorne’s. How many in your party?”

  “Just two,” Nate said.

  Laurel jumped in. “Hey Sara, we know we’re a little underdressed. Can you find an out-of-the-way spot for us?”

  “I’ve got just the thing.” Sara winked.

  She led them through the edges of the dining rooms and out onto the terrace, seating them with a lovely ocean view tucked in a corner where the railing met the wall. It was out of the way like Laurel had asked, but still one of the best seats. “John will be your server this evening and he’ll be with you in a moment. Have a lovely evening, you two.” She raised one eyebrow provocatively before leaving.

  “Do you know her?” Nate asked.

  Laurel explained how she’d found Sara’s ring. Nate was still fascinated by her magic.

  “So, what about being here, touching the tables and things?”

  “It’s okay. This is such a public place, so many people coming and going and not staying very long. Plus you don’t find super intense emotions at restaurants usually. I can filter out most things, even small surges, if I’m paying attention.”

  “If you wanted to, could you read the things on the table? Or the table itself?”

  “Sure, but I’m not sure how much specificity I could get.”

  Nate nodded. “Well, don’t. I’m not asking you to perform for me. I just like knowing more about it, more about how it affects you.”

  When the server came, Laurel ordered seafood pasta and Nate chose the petite steak and lobster tail, mostly because Laurel had a hard time choosing and he agreed to share. The sun wasn’t setting yet, but it was reaching the top of the mountain. The light softened around them as Laurel drank in the sound of the water fountain at the center of the flagstone terrace and the waves washing ashore below.

  It was one of the best meals Laurel had had in awhile. Maybe it was the time spent in the sun at the beach that worked up an appetite, but Laurel suspected it was the company most of all. She was so comfortable in Nate’s presence, but also felt sparkly, like little bubbles of champagne floated around her when she was with him. It might take time, but possibility was delicious. Laurel was thoroughly satiated and content when her phone dinged at her from her pocket.

  Simon. She ignored it and it dinged again a minute later.

  “Do you need to check that?” Nate asked as the server took his card. He’d insisted on paying—his idea, his treat.

  Laurel hesitated. Simon could be persistent when he wanted to be and he definitely seemed persistent now. “Yeah, I’d better. I’ll visit the ladies’ room also.”

  “I’ll meet you out front when you’re ready.”

  Laurel wove her way through the dining room to the restrooms. She hid in a stall and read Simon’s texts, asking if she had any intel yet. His last text said to call him.

  She replied.

  Not a good time.

  Are you even trying?