situation, just that it’s okay to tell me.”
Donal returned with their salads, putting a stop to their conversation. “Thank you,” Anna said, then dug into her salad as soon as he stepped away.
Ryan seemed to mimic her movements. After several bites, he said, “It’s not an easy topic for a first date.”
Did he think of this as a first date?
She decided to let that comment slide. Maybe he simply needed someone to discuss his son’s problems with. Being in the public eye, Anna found that it was not uncommon that strangers felt like they knew her and would often reveal personal issues because they felt at ease. She had also had moments when she needed a shoulder to lean on, someone to take over the parenting when Christina’s behavior pushed her to the brink of a nervous breakdown. Fortunately, it didn’t happen all that often, as she was a pretty easygoing kid. Thankful for Mandy’s friendship during those times, she briefly wondered where she’d be without her, as Anna thought of her as family and couldn’t imagine a life that didn’t include her. Then there was Mona and Jeb, housekeeper, gardener, and as close to a mother and father as she had. She’d met them at the diner they owned when she was in college, before they sold it and came to work for her.
Once again, Donal arrived at their table in time to prevent further discussion. “They tell me this is fresh from Alaska,” he said, placing the plates on the table. “You’ll tell me if this is accurate?” He grinned, letting them know he was teasing.
“Absolutely,” Anna said, wanting to ask for another drink.
Ryan took a bite of his salmon, dropping his fork. “This is cold.” He forced himself to swallow the rest of the salmon.
“Yes, the menu said it was served chilled,” she reminded him.
“Well, I guess this is on me since I was distracted,” he indicated.
“It’s not for everyone. Why don’t you ask Donal for something else?” Anna pointed at his plate.
He shook his head. “I’m not really hungry. The salad was enough.”
Feeling silly sitting there with him watching her eat, she took a few more bites of the salmon, then pushed her plate aside. “A shame you don’t like this, as it’s excellent, just as Donal said.”
The bubbly waiter returned to the table, offering a variety of desserts, but neither indulged. “Thanks, Donal. You can tell the chef the salmon was fantastic. And the salad was, too,” Anna said. The waiter removed their plates and gave a slight bow.
“So, you want to watch the dancing contest? Together?” Ryan asked, as they left the main dining room.
“As long as we’re just watching. Like I said, I’m not much of a dancer.”
“I haven’t danced since”—he paused—“my wedding day.”
Anna didn’t know how he expected her to respond, so she said, “I think that’s the dance one always remembers most.”
“That was a very long time ago, and I’m here with you now,” he said, then took her hand in his, as though it were the most natural thing in the world to do. She didn’t mind either.
“What do you think about skipping the contest and going to my cabin for an espresso?” she asked, feeling so light-headed that she wondered if she’d manage to make it to her room.
“I think it’s the best idea I’ve heard all evening,” Ryan answered.
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