Page 58 of Perfect Three

Jack moved the dishes so Brad could fit the bread on their table.

Brad ripped off large chunks of steamy bread, buttered a piece, and handed it to Lucy.“Tell me what you think, Lucy.”

She thanked him and bit into it.It was just as he said.It was so fresh, the outside crispy and yet the inside so soft.“Brad, this is wonderful!Makes me wish I could bake bread.”

“It’s not that hard, Lucy.Just a bit of time and effort, really.”

“Mm, one day.”She snickered.“I just have to learn how to cook first, and the bit about not burning food.”

Brad and the others laughed with her.“Yeah, that probably would help, Lucy,” he agreed.

“I’m going to teach her if she’s willing,” Jack said.Turning to Brad, he added, “Brad can vouch for me.”

“Yes, I can.He’s a good cook.I’ve had him in the kitchen often when we get caught shorthanded.”

Brad stayed with them for another five minutes then excused himself.

The three of them were silent while they tucked into their meals.Lucy finally pushed her plate aside after mopping up the last of the chicken gravy with another piece of the delicious bread.The two men finished, although Lucy noticed Jack picking up the tiny bits that were left on the platter.

One of the wait staff came over and cleared the table when Jack said he’d finished.

Sebastian ordered them a coffee each and they sat back, relaxing.

The restaurant was fully packed now.There was an early evening chill that occasionally came in February.A cool southerly change had blown in around lunchtime bringing rain with it and it was still overcast.Lucy gave a shiver.

“Cold, Lucy?”Sebastian’s voice held concern.

“Not really.I prefer the cooler weather.Can’t wait for winter.”

“Have you ever skied?”

“No, but I always thought I’d like to try.”

“We generally go down to the snow fields a few times during the season.You’ll have to come with us.Jack’s a lot better skier than me, but I enjoy it immensely.”

Jack nodded.“Seb’s dad often comes, too.He’s pretty good.You’d like him.Very droll sense of humor.”

They sat lingering over their coffee until Sebastian spoke.“You look tired, Lucy.Think we’d better get you home.”

She thought the stress of wondering how the day would turn out was now catching up.

The two men stood and Sebastian pulled out her chair, helping her to her feet.He kept his hand on her arm as they walked back toward the garage.

Jack opened one of the doors and they entered.He held the car door open for her then climbed in the back seat while Sebastian got behind the wheel.

In no time at all, they were back at her front door.Lucy was certainly tired but happy now she knew the two men were just as pleased to see her as she was to see them.Plus, they were hoping for something long-term.When they walked her to the door, Sebastian held out his hand for her keys and unlocked it.He pushed it open and Lucy turned to face them both.

“Thank you.It was a lovely night.”

“How about coming on a picnic on Sunday?”

“I’d love to!”

“Okay, we’ll pick you up about eleven.”

“Get inside.See you Sunday.”

He gave her a soft kiss then waited as Jack added his own goodnight and a kiss.

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