Page 52 of Nate

“Thanks.” He shrugged. “They’re just blue.”

Markie laughed. “Oh, no, they are notjustblue. They’re…” She waved her hand.

“Blue.”

“Beautiful blue. I have just plain old brown eyes.”

“Oh, no, they’re notjustbrown.” He grinned.

“Brown is brown.”

“Markie, are you fishing?”

“No, I am not fishing for a compliment. I’ve even thought of wearing contacts.”

“Don’t you dare. They’re pretty. Dark and exotic. Striking.”

“Thank you.”

Nate smiled when her cheeks turned pink. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”

“I don’t take compliments very well.”

“Why not? You’re beautiful and not only that, but you also have a great sense of humor.”

“Now, that I do know.” Markie chuckled.

The hostess returned with their drinks. “Your server will be right with you.”

“Thank you,” Markie said, then looked at the menu again. “I don’t know what to get.”

“The seafood platter is really good, if you like seafood, and you can’t go wrong on the blackened trout.”

“I do like seafood.” She set the menu down. “That’s what I’ll get.”

Their server arrived, took their order, then walked off. Nate watched as Markie glanced around the restaurant then back at him.

“This place packs them in, doesn’t it?”

“Yes. It’s hard to get a reservation.”

“So, it is good to know the owner.”

“Yes, but even sometimes, he can’t do it.”

“Well, I’m glad he was able to this time. It’s a great place.”

“Yeah, Grant has a great restaurant here.”

“How long have you known him?”

“Years. We all hung out together growing up.” Nate grinned. “I bet you know him too.”

Markie shook her head and frowned. “How would I know him?”

“Well, maybe you don’t.”

“You’re not making sense.”

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