Page 30 of Luna

He laughed, then moaned in pain, holding his hand to his side once again. “I reckon they just might.”

Luna smiled, dipped her bread in the oil, and took a bite, relishing the meal. For dessert, Caterina had a flavorful, tender cake, made even more decadent with a sweet filling and shaved chocolate on top.

“This is incredible,” Luna murmured between bites of the cake, which was served chilled.

“So good,” Harley John agreed as he forked one bite after another. He smiled at Caterina when she stopped at the table to gather the breadbasket and dish of oil. “Another outstanding meal, Aunt Cat.”

She beamed and tipped her head to Harley John. “Glad you enjoyed it. As soon as Luna finishes setting the tables, would you walk her home, please?”

Before Luna could protest, Harley John rose to his feet and nodded. “Sure. I’d be happy to.”

“That isn’t necessary, Harley John. I’m sure you have better things to do than watch over me. I’m capable of getting myself home.”

He gave her an observant glance and shrugged. “I’m not arguing your capability, Luna. It’s just on a Saturday night, especially in the summer, it’s not the wisest plan for a pretty girl to be out alone.”

“You need an escort to walk you home.” Caterina gave Luna a nudge toward the dining room. “Quickly, set the tables, then you can go.”

Luna battled the urge to roll her eyes but refrained. She marched into the dining room and began draping tables with clean linens. Harley John took over the task, allowing Luna to set the tables. She figured if the movement caused him exceeding pain, he wouldn’t continue draping the linens. Then again, what little she knew about Harley John made her think he’d be the last to admit something hurt and give himself time to rest.

He was driven by something Luna couldn’t even begin to understand, but she thought at the heart of it was something to do with Sadie. Maybe he felt a need to prove himself worthy of Deputy Thorsen’s daughter.

Luna knew it wasn’t any of her business, so she refrained from dwelling on her musings and sped through the work of setting the tables. When she and Harley John finished, the dining room was ready for the customers who would be waiting at the door Tuesday evening.

“I should share my wages with you since you helped so much,” Luna said as she pinned on her hat, then waved to Caterina and the last of the staff as they prepared to leave.

“Nope. I’m happy to help. Makes me feel like I earn my keep. Caterina and Kade could rent the apartment for twice, if not three times, what they charge me, so it makes me feel better when I can help at the restaurant.”

“If they wanted more money for the apartment, I’m sure they’d let you know,” Luna said as they came out of the alley and crossed the street. “Caterina mentioned it gives her peace of mind to know you are there. She doesn’t have to worry about someone breaking in with you there, and she said you take good care of Rufus.”

Harley John smirked. “That old cat isn’t exactly a ball of fire these days. I think the twins used up at least eight of his lives, and he just wants to spend his last days in peace.”

Luna smiled in agreement as they reached Main Street and turned to head toward the river. “Caterina said something along those same lines. It’s nice Rufus can stay at the restaurant. I’ve heard he is still a great mouser.”

“He is. I saw him nab a mouse that had snuck in a crack one evening when I came in late. For a fat old feline, he can still move quickly.”

The rest of the walk passed with a lighthearted conversation about the various pets their friends and family owned.

“Here you are,” Harley John said as he stopped at the end of Tony and Ilsa’s front walk. “Have a nice evening, Luna.”

“Thank you for seeing me home, Harley John. I’m grateful. Enjoy what is left of your evening.”

“I will, and you’re welcome.” He turned, shoved his hands into his pockets, and headed back toward downtown.

Luna walked up to the porch, seated herself on one of Ilsa’s chairs, and removed her hat. Since it was nearly dark, she pulled out her hairpins and let the breeze blow through her hair. It felt … indulgent, but Luna thoroughly enjoyed it. She closed her eyes, leaned back in the chair, and breathed deeply of the fresh air.

“I thought I heard voices,” Tony said, startling her as he sank onto one of the other chairs.

Luna jumped, eyes flying open, then glanced over at Tony, where he was holding out a glass toward her.

“Thank you.” She sipped the cold lemonade and relaxed again. “I hope you weren’t waiting up for me to return.”

“Nope. I was sitting in the parlor reading when I thought I heard you speaking to someone. Did Harley John walk you home again?”

Luna nodded. “He did. He seems like a very nice person.”

Tony took a long drink of the lemonade, then nodded in agreement. “That he is. If it hasn’t been mentioned, Luna, you should know that Harley John loves Sadie Thorsen. Those two have loved each other since they were youngsters.”

Luna turned and studied Tony in the growing darkness, wondering what prompted the comment. “I’m aware his heart belongs to Sadie, and I’m glad. From what everyone has shared, Sadie is quite a wonderful and unique young woman.”

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