Page 15 of Between Two Shores

The men continued to chat, catching up on what had happened the last five years, while Beth quietly sipped her water. When Emily reappeared with their meals, Chris returned to the kitchen.

Lachlan pulled his chair in closer as he took the first bite of his mashed potato and lamb. He gulped as if he hadn’t chewed it first and looked up at her. “I still can’t believe, on the other side of the world, I’d bump into Chris. He looks happy.”

“I’d say he is. Always got a smile on his face. He mentors youth as well. Trains them in the kitchen, but teaches them life skills too. That’s how he met his wife, Cassie. She’s the CEO of Youth Connect.” She forked a piece of her salmon.

“That’s great that he can mix that into his role at work.”

“And it’s a beautiful story, how he got together with Cassie. She thought she couldn’t have children, but now they have adorable Johannah. I get to play with her on Fridays. Cassie has a playpen set up when she works in the office.”

Lachlan swallowed more food. “Cute. How old?”

“Two.”

“Wow. Time goes fast. My brother hadn’t mentioned anything about Chris. I don’t get to chat with him too much these days, so I guess we stick to only family news.”

“Tell me more about life back in San Diego.” She dug into her lunch while she listened.

“Mom and Dad run a real estate business together. Mark is seven years older than me. He’s a bathroom renovator. Married. Three kids.” He scratched his chin. “Um, Kayce’s divorced. She has two girls. And I’m the baby of the family. Thirty years old.”

Beth blinked. “Oh, I’m older than you. Only by one year, but the maturity difference is obvious.” She feigned a straight face, took a sip of water, but nearly dribbled, trying not to laugh.

“Ha. You’ll get gray hairs and wrinkles before me. That’s all.” Lachlan placed the last scoop of his meal into his mouth.

Chris approached the table again. “How was the lamb, Lachie? Soft and tender?”

“Amazing.” Lachlan leaned back and tapped his belly. “The best food I’ve had in three years.”

“Whoa. I’ve had rave reviews, but that’d be the best.” He crossed one arm and pointed to Lachlan. “Put that on Google Maps for me, bud.”

“I will.”

“And, Beth, you can put yours in the paper.” Chris winked. “Can I get you dessert? On the house. In fact, the whole meal on the house for my long-lost friend.” He slapped Lachlan on the shoulder. “Hey, didn’t you do hospitality after you finished high school?”

“I did.”

Chris flicked a cotton napkin over his shoulder. “Didn’t like it?”

“I enjoyed working in hotel restaurants. Smorgasbords were less pressure to keep up with. I ended up returning to further studies. I worked dinner shifts to pay the tuition. Then I got this job in the Navy.”

Chris nodded, and then his eyes lit up. “Hey, if you ever want a working vacation, I’d love to have you here. You can travel around the South West, lots of great fishing spots, camping, surfing. You used to like all that. Scouts, I remember. All those badges you had.”

Lachlan laughed. “You have a good memory, old man.”

Chris flicked his gaze to Beth and pretended to whisper, “And if you’re as lucky as me, to meet a beautiful Aussie girl, I’ll sponsor you toward Australian citizenship.”

Lachlan covered his mouth with his fist, coughed, but a smile curved his lips. “You’re a piece of work, Chris. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, man.”

Chris smacked his hands together. “Now, what would the lovely couple like for dessert?” His smile reached his eyes. Chris must be having so much fun, teasing Lachlan.

“Crème’ Brulee, for me.” Beth patted the corners of her mouth with her serviette, hoping to cover any flush on her cheeks.

Lachlan flicked the menu to the back page. “I’ll have Coconut Tapioca, please.”

“Good choice.” He flashed his teeth. “I’ll have Emily bring them out for you.” Chris strode away.

Beth smoothed out the tablecloth, and let Lachlan speak first.

He sipped his water.

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