Page 63 of Falling Again
For all her bluster, CeCe flushed at his suggestion. She kissed Evan with nearly as much passion as Natalie and Anthony just displayed inside their BMW. “You’re such a romantic,” she whispered.
Anthony clapped his hands, either to end the conversation or get the love birds’ attention. “Well I know Russ over at the paper. When I’m back in the office on Monday I’ll remind him how much of a draw the diner is. I’m sure he’ll be happy to do another piece.”
“Really? Thanks, man.” Evan stepped forward and clapped Anthony on the shoulder. It was a simple gesture, but one the younger man wouldn’t have done months before.
Natalie loved watching Evan coming into his own in Buckeye Falls, and she meant that beyond his love for her friend. Evan was her main contact when their clients wanted new websites, and he was making quite a name for himself. Natalie was pleased—and more than a little proud—that N&G was doing more for the folks in Buckeye Falls than merely planning events.
CeCe gave Natalie a look from behind their bonding men. It was a look that saidYou may be able to run now, but I will find you and get all the juicy details.
Reaching over for Anthony’s hand, Natalie steered him to the diner’s entrance. “We’ll let you two get home. It was great bumping into you.”
CeCe pointed to Natalie and followed through with her non-verbal threat. “I’ll call you.”
“I’m sure you will,” Natalie countered, heading inside the diner. As soon as the door opened, she was blissfully assaulted by the heavenly aroma of bacon, coffee, and bread. The diner always smelled good, but today it smelled like breakfast on Christmas morning. “I shouldn’t be this hungry,” Natalie lamented as they waved at Helen.
“We worked up quite the appetite,” Anthony crooned in her ear. Despite the warm air, Natalie shivered.
“If it isn’t Mr. and Mrs. Buckeye Falls,” Helen deadpanned as she joined them at the hostess stand. She winked at her own words, proving to Natalie for the millionth time that she was all talk. “Corner booth okay?”
“That would be perfect. Thank you, Helen.” Anthony’s voice was firm, yet relaxed. Helen nearly jumped at his greeting. Once they were settled into the booth with menus, Anthony added an extra word of gratitude to Helen, who promptly backed away like their table might explode.
“I think you’re scaring her,” Natalie joked. “Helen is only used to you being all business.”
Anthony shook his head, perplexed. “I was trying to be nice.”
Natalie’s heart expanded for her husband, who was clearly trying to make an effort with people beyond the Snyder clan. “And I think that’s wonderful, truly. But you have to see that not everyone is privy to our little list of rules.”
Opening his menu, Anthony exhaled and nodded. “Fair enough.” The pair took a moment to look through the menu, which was fruitless since they always got the same things.
Max joined them at their booth a moment later with two iced teas and his trademark smile. “Welcome home, Snyders.” He placed their drinks on the table and Natalie didn’t miss the way that Max and Anthony looked at each other.
“Yeah, thanks,” Anthony said, picking up his tea and taking a hearty sip. “And thanks again for your help while we were away. I know you’re technically not sworn into the council, but I appreciate it.”
Max waved off the praise and rested his hands on his hips. “What can I get you guys?” Before either could answer, he raised his hand in the air to stop them. “Turkey club with spicy mustard and a cobb salad with extra bacon?”
“Are we that predictable?” Natalie whined.
Max chuckled. “Nope. I make it a point to remember everyone’s orders.” He winked and stepped back from the booth. Just as he was about to step away, he leaned back toward their table. “And when you’re settled in, shoot me a text about the council stuff.” He gave Anthony a knowing look before rapping his knuckles on the table and disappearing into the kitchen.
Anthony busied himself with his napkin, his gaze not quite meeting Natalie’s. “What council stuff?” she asked, clearly perplexed.
“It’s nothing,” Anthony said, a little too quickly for Natalie’s taste. “Just getting Max set up is all.” He looked around the diner before dragging his eyes back to Natalie. “Still want to grab some cookies after lunch?”
“Sureeee,” Natalie said, the word dragging out longer than necessary. She smelled a rat, but she also didn’t want to lose the vacation glow. Instead of picking at a topic that Anthony clearly didn’t want to dive into, she sipped from her tea.
By the time their meals arrived, she’d almost forgotten about Max’s cryptic conversation. She had to have faith in Anthony, because things were going too well for her to poke the metaphorical bear. If Anthony had something to tell her, she had to trust he’d come to her himself.
*
Anthony sweat throughhis T-shirt. His interaction with Max weighed heavily on him, especially since he was dying to know what menu he and the diner’s team created. Ever since he and Natalie got on the same page, he was giddy to celebrate their ten-year anniversary. He wanted to shower his wife with all the love she could handle.
As soon as they were done with their lunches, they hurried back to the car. “What’s the rush?” Natalie asked as he nearly shoved her through the front door.
Striving to keep his tone neutral, Anthony replied, “I’m eager to get home and see the kids.” While it wasn’t a lie, Anthony hated to use the kids as an excuse to cover up his plan. But he knew the party wouldn’t be nearly as fun without the surprise element.
When he pulled their car up the driveway at home, he hesitated before putting the car in park. “What’s wrong?” Natalie asked, leaning over to catch his eye.
“Nothing. I just—” He didn’t know how to articulate his feelings, so he went with raw honesty and hoped it was enough. “I want to go home, please don’t misunderstand, but I’ve really enjoyed our little bubble.”
