Page 132 of The Seven Rings
She turned, took Trey’s face in her hands for a kiss. “I found you. That’s a lot of positive.”
Now Trey laid a hand on her cheek. “That’s why you’ll crush her.”
When they walked in, they found the restaurant doing a booming Friday night business. The pretty young hostess gave Trey her wistful smile before her gaze ticked to Sonya. With envy.
“Welcome. We’ve got your table ready.”
“Speaking of crushing,” Sonya murmured.
Trey gave her a poke. “Stop.”
“We’re full of facts tonight.”
“Ian will be your server. He’ll be right over.”
“Busy night,” Trey commented.
“Busy week. Your parents were in last night, Trey. It’s always good to see them.”
She passed out menus. Trey picked up the wine list to study.
“How about we try this chenin blanc? Bree mentioned it.”
“If Bree gave it a yes, so do I,” Sonya told him.
“I’ll take my one stingy glass of it.”
Ian came over, his face wreathed in smiles under his orange-streaked topknot of dark hair. “Hi, everyone. It’s nice to see you all here. Can I start you off with drinks?”
“We’re going to try this chenin blanc.” Trey tapped the menu.
“Chef gives that top grades.”
“So I hear. A bottle of sparkling water with it, Ian. How’s it going?”
“Really well, thanks.” He looked at Sonya. “I’ve got an interview in Boston on Monday. I really appreciate you putting in a good word for me with Green Engineering.”
“Happy to do it. We’re all about crushing it tonight, so I know you’ll crush the interview.”
“I’m sure going to try. And speaking of crushing it, we’ve got a couple of specials that do just that.”
When he’d recited them, he left to get the wine and water.
“I’m going for that sea bass,” Owen decided. “I’m not even going to ask what crisp paupiette is.”
“French,” Cleo told him. “I’m also going French-ish with the shrimp de Jonghe.”
“I’m sticking with Maine. Grilled lobster tails. You?” Sonya asked Trey.
“I think… going with a favorite. Lobster ravioli. I’m firm on jalapeño hush puppies for a table app.”
“Sold.”
As they drank wine, shared the starter, Trey steered the conversation toward the proposed museum.
“I wanted to let you know Ace is making headway there.”
“I had no doubt.”
