Table for Two

by Jennifer Mckenzie

  “Oh, is Julia working?”

  Owen laughed, “No, but she’s trained me well. So, you want to come watch the game here or not?”

  He debated internally. Mal shouldn’t mind him being in the same area. It wasn’t as if he was going to crash her meeting and try to make out with her. He might think about it, but he wouldn’t actually follow through. And maybe they could have that late dinner once she was finished with business. He was always up for a second dinner. “See you around six, buddy.”

  He showed up at five. Travis didn’t see any reason to continue walking the familiar downtown neighborhoods. If Owen was busy, Travis was certainly capable of entertaining himself until his friend was free. And maybe Mal would show up early for her meeting and he could steal a few moments.

  “Travis.” Owen greeted him as soon as he walked through the door and welcomed him with a hearty handshake. “You’re early.”

  “Don’t let me interrupt. I’ll grab a seat.”

  “That’s the best spot.” Owen indicated a booth off to the side that had a good view of the TVs without being in the heart of the lounge. “What can I bring you?”

  “Just water.” His stomach growled. “Is there pizza on your menu?”

  Owen laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. “Yes. Julia and the chef tried to fight me, said it wasn’t high class enough. So I told them to make it fancy. You’ve got your choice of pears and Camembert, sweet potato and goat cheese, or pancetta, figs and Brie.”

  “Pancetta,” Travis answered immediately. “It’s almost like bacon.”

  “Fancy bacon, but don’t let Julia hear you say that.” Owen grinned. “She gets a little heated up about food.”

  “Noted.” Travis grabbed a seat in the booth Owen had indicated, his eyes scanning the half-full room for Mal. He didn’t actually expect she’d be here yet, but he figured it didn’t hurt to look.

  “She’s not here,” Owen said when he plopped down beside Travis and shoved a bottle of water in front of him.

  “Who?” Travis played dumb, which didn’t fool anyone. “When will she be here?”

  Owen shrugged. “Seven? You can go upstairs and ask her if you really want to know.”

  Travis considered it. “You don’t think that would be pushing?”

  “Yes.”

  “Feel free to think about it before answering.” Travis cracked open the water bottle and took a sip.

  Owen took a slug from his own bottle, then said, “You chased her into the kitchen during dinner at my parents’ place. I rest my case.”

  “That was one time.”

  “And you’re scanning the bar like a hunter searching for prey.”

  Travis realized that wasn’t far from the truth and stopped. “I can be cool.”

  “Not around my sister, you can’t.” Owen clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, I was sorry to hear about your gram. I know how close you were.”

  Travis swallowed another glug from his bottle. “Thanks. It helped having Mal there.”

  “I know.” Owen clapped his shoulder again. “I’m glad she was.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Travis looked at him. “Are we having a moment?”

  Owen didn’t laugh. “If you want.”

  It touched him, the sincerity that Owen offered. “Thanks. But I’m okay. I think I’d like to just feel normal for a night.”

  “Understood.” Owen’s finger squeezed Travis’s shoulder in a show of support before letting go. “But if you ever want to bond over ice cream and a chick flick...I am so in.”

  Travis punched him in the arm. “I see marriage hasn’t helped your sense of humor.”

  “Grace likes it.” Owen grinned. “You should try it.”

  The idea of sharing a life with Mal appealed to him. “It’s not the worst idea you’ve ever had.” He sent Owen a look. “That would be those frosted tips.”

  “I was young.”

  “You were twenty-five and old enough to know better.”

  “You were blond, too,” Owen pointed out as they’d both gone through an unfortunate bleaching period in their youth.

  “Yes, but I pulled it off.”

  “You keep telling yourself that.”

  “I will if you will.”

  Owen lifted his water bottle and tapped it against Travis’s. “Deal. Now let’s eat some pizza and pretend you actually came here to see me and not my sister.”

  “I came to see you,” Travis defended himself.

  “So, if I tell you she just walked in you won’t—”

  “Where?”

  “—ditch me?” Owen chuckled. “You are so busted. Also, I lied. She’s not here yet.”

  “Evil.”

  “Sneaky. There’s a difference. But maybe you should consider it.”

  Travis looked at him. “What? Ditching you? Where do I sign up?”

  “Well, there is that...” Owen faked a cough. “Meeting about the charity event tonight. Cough, cough.”

  “You think I should sit in?”

  “That’s brilliant, Travis.” Owen opened his eyes wide. “How did you think of that all on your own?”

  “I seriously wonder why we’re friends.”

  “Because you’d be lost without me.” Owen pulled out his phone and began tapping on the screen. A moment later, Travis’s phone vibrated in his pocket. “Get informed. Impress her.”

  “You act like you think I need help.”

  “I’m going to choose not to answer that.”

  “But we’re gonna watch the game.” He didn’t want to be the kind of person who ignored their friends for a new—or not-so-new—relationship.

  “There will be plenty more games, buddy.” Owen grinned. “Anyway, aside from getting to hang out with my sister, the event might be a good test or a soft opening for your new place, if you can get ready in time.”

  Travis blinked. “That’s actually a really good idea.”

  “You don’t have to sound so surprised. Bad enough I still get it from Donovan, though he’s shown marked improvement lately.”

  “Not what I meant.” Travis shook his head. “I just hadn’t thought past the renovations.” But he’d need a test run before a grand opening and something controlled, like a charity event, could be just the right fit. And any kinks would be more easily forgiven since it was for a good cause. Excitement buzzed through him. “You think Mal would go for it?”

  “I don’t see why not. Doesn’t hurt to ask.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  MAL SPENT TWO hours in her office preparing for that night’s meeting and handling the few issues that had arisen while she’d been with Travis at The Blue Mermaid. Although the charity event was still a couple of months away, organization was ramping up. There were media to contact, promotional materials to distribute, tickets to sell and the actual day’s set of requirements to arrange. So Mal had scheduled weekly meetings, which would probably become more frequent as the event neared.

  Not everyone participating needed to attend every meeting, but as the head of the organization, Mal did. Which was good. It gave her something to do. Something more than sitting at home alone, begging her new sister-in-law to meet her for a late session of Pilates or going to a late session of Pilates on her own. Although she supposed she had Travis to fill some of that time now.

  The thought sent a warm curl of pleasure through her even as she reminded herself that she wasn’t going to shape her whole life around another person. She would carve out some space for him, but she would have her own things too. Like Pilates and dinner with Grace, and the charity event. Maybe that had been part of their earlier problems. They’d been so wrapped up in each other that when outside life intruded they hadn’t b
een able to handle it. Definitely a thought that bore consideration, though not tonight.

  She should go down to Elephants and make sure Owen had set aside the table she’d requested. The one in the corner so the group could work without upsetting the after-work vibe of the rest of the patrons. She’d already pre-ordered some appies and other nibbles so they could eat while they worked. She’d discovered during an earlier meeting that ideas seemed to flourish and efficiency improved when there was food available. Plus, it was conducive to discussing menu trends they were considering for their own places.

  Mal spent another twenty minutes in her office and then went down to Elephants. The place was already full of patrons eager to watch the hockey game. Mal was only a casual fan, but even she knew that tonight’s game was important and could determine whether the team made the playoffs or not. She hoped the other attendees wouldn’t be too distracted.

  She took a seat at the table and unloaded her laptop and tablet, getting everything set up before the committee or the food arrived. One of the servers swung by and dropped off her usual, a glass of soda water with a twist of lime. Mal hadn’t even taken a sip when someone picked it up and took it from her.

  No, not someone. Travis.

  “Delicious.”

  Her face flushed as she was reminded of their afternoon together. How she probably still smelled of him and sex. “What are you doing here? Besides drinking my water.” She reached out, waiting for him to return it to her. Instead, he took her hand and kissed her palm. Heat sizzled through her.

  “I missed you.”

  “It’s been two hours.” She pulled her hand back.

  “So you’ve been counting.” Travis took a seat beside her.

  Mal was grateful that she’d chosen to push together a group of hightops to make one large table where her guests would each have their own chair, rather than using one of the oversized booths. She had no doubt that Travis would have pushed right up next to her in a booth. He was practically doing that in the chairs. “It hardly requires counting. What are you doing here, Travis? I told you I have a meeting.”

  “I know.” He smiled at her.

  “Well?” she asked when that seemed to be his only response.

  “I thought I might join the committee.”

  “Oh.” She hadn’t considered that. “I’m not sure you’re the right fit.” His place wasn’t even ready. While she appreciated the thought, they were trying to raise money and awareness with this event.

  “Do you still have a lot of work to do before the big day?”

  “Yes.” Too much, though Mal knew she’d find a way to get it done; she always did.

  “Then I’m the right fit.” He leaned forward and Mal felt her temperature go up another notch. Whether it was the heat his body was kicking off like a furnace or those arousing fragments of this afternoon coming back to her, Mal wasn’t sure. Didn’t matter. She was warm, she needed water and Travis had drunk most of hers. “I’m here to do whatever you need.”

  “Then stop flirting.”

  “Why? Is it working?” The corner of his mouth turned up and laughter flashed in his eyes. Mal swallowed and told herself he didn’t look appealing. Not at all. And she was sticking to that story. At least until her meeting was over.

  “This isn’t a joke. The event is something I and the committee take very seriously.”

  “I’m taking it seriously. Very seriously.” He leaned forward so his lips were barely an inch from hers.

  Mal felt a hitch in her chest and leaned back. She wanted to kiss him. She wanted to do more than kiss him, but not now. Not when the rest of her committee was due to walk in any second and would see him sitting with her, leaning into her, sexing her up with his eyes.

  “So, do you want to give me a proper welcome to the committee?” Travis reached out and stroked the back of her hand. Her skin tingled. “We make a good team.”

  They did. They always had. His finger lay across her hand, the tanned skin a direct contrast to her working-indoors-all-winter paleness. “You can stay for the meeting,” she told him and moved her hand.

  Travis moved it back and left it there even when the rest of the committee started to arrive.

  * * *

  TRAVIS SPENT THE rest of the week dealing with contractors during the day and Mal at night. He definitely preferred the nights.

  Though, on this fine Sunday morning, he was flying solo at his own place. Mal had needed to do some work at the office this morning and he needed to do laundry. Not glamorous, but necessary.

  Of course, when his phone rang he practically leaped to answer it. “Hello?”

  “Finally.” Sara’s cheerful voice came over the line. “I’ve been trying to reach you for days. We need to celebrate the purchase of your new space. Brunch today?”

  Travis didn’t hesitate in responding to his real estate agent. “Yes, please.” And not just because he didn’t feel like doing laundry. He’d just drop off the clothing at a dry cleaners and buy some new underwear.

  “Wonderful. And we can talk about getting you an apartment at the same time.”

  Right, they had briefly discussed that when looking at spaces for his business. But that had been before Mal. “I might need to hold off on that.”

  “Oh?” Sara’s voice rose at the end, her interest clear even over the phone. “I expect you to fill me in over brunch. I was thinking of Sophie’s.”

  “How about Elephants?” If Travis was going to spend his money at a local establishment, he’d prefer it go to the Fords’ place.

  “Eleven?”

  “See you then.” He hung up, his morning looking a whole lot brighter. Skipping out on laundry could do that to a person.

  He headed for Elephants, wondering if he might be able to convince Mal to join him and Sara. She’d already be on site at her office, and she needed to eat anyway. But when he called, it went to her voice mail. So he left what he thought was an awfully charming message inviting her to come down.

  The sun beat down, actually feeling warm as he walked the last block to Elephants. He was finally acclimating to the new, nontropical weather. But when he pulled open the huge wooden door, the coolness of the interior swept over him. And it was full, as he’d suspected.

  Plenty of people were recovering from the previous night, which was obvious from their hunched shoulders and bleary eyes. But there were plenty of other brunchers who’d obviously been up for hours and had probably already completed the trek up and down The Grouse Grind, a hiking trail that basically went straight up the side of a mountain.

  Travis looked for Owen, but didn’t see him or any of the Fords. He did, however, spot a pair of chairs at the bar and snagged them before someone else did as there were no tables currently available. He didn’t mind sitting there. In fact, he enjoyed it as it offered the chance to people watch and talk to the bartender about the industry.

  Conversation was at a low hum, the industry’s version of being out for a Sunday drive, but servers were hopping as they doled out omelets, breakfast wraps, hamburgers, water and coffee—and Caesars for those choosing a little hair of the dog. Travis saw people in what looked like last night’s clothing—tight jeans and T-shirts that mimicked tattoos, heels and low-cut tops—as well as those who’d probably gotten a good night’s rest. They wore yoga pants with matching hoodies, sneakers and casual sweaters and their eyes were bright instead of tired. It was a good mix of people.

  He kept an eye on the door, flagging Sara down when she entered wearing yoga gear, her blond hair tied back in a ponytail. They chatted about his plans for the bar as they ate their food—a veggie omelet with home fries and a giant coffee for him. Yogurt with granola and fresh fruit, and herbal tea for her.

  “Now, what about an apartment,” Sara said, dabbing her mouth with a napkin as their plates were cleared.
“You mentioned you wanted to be close to your bar?”

  “Yeah, about that.” Travis swirled the coffee in his mug. “I think I might need to wait before pulling the trigger.”

  “Oh?” Sara raised an eyebrow at him.

  “My previous needs have altered.”

  She continued to watch him with that raised eyebrow. “Are you looking to work with someone else? Because I can recommend another agent.”

  “No.” Travis was quick to answer. “Not at all. I want to work with you.” Her blond eyebrow lowered. “I’m just not sure that a one bedroom will be sufficient.”

  The confusion on Sara’s face cleared. “You met someone.”

  “Re-met,” Travis clarified. It felt good saying it.

  “Well, fill me in.”

  Travis looked at her. “You sure you want to hear all this?” He felt close to Sara, as she’d helped him reach the dream of ownership in Vancouver, but he didn’t expect she would feel the same about him. She must have lots of clients, and while it was good business to keep a positive relationship, Travis didn’t think that extended to him rhapsodizing over the awesomeness that was Mal—even if Sara was being polite by sounding interested.

  “Are you kidding? I live for this. It’s been years since I felt the butterflies of a new relationship. Or a reestablished one,” she amended.

  “Married?”

  “Five years.” She flashed the elegant silver band on her left hand. “So let me live vicariously through you. If you don’t mind me prying.”

  They talked until Travis’s coffee was gone and there was no water left in the small teapot for Sara to freshen up her cup. She gave him a big hug when she rose to leave. “You promise you’ll stay in touch, even if you aren’t buying a home?”

  “Of course.” Travis figured he would have liked Sara even if she wasn’t a barracuda when it came to negotiations. “And you can expect an invitation when the bar opens.”

  “With free drinks.” Sara grinned, ever the negotiator.

  “Until you’re under the table or wearing a lampshade.”