Page 35 of Waves of Hope

CHAPTER TWENTY

LIVY

Livy waited at Gran’s for Austin to pick her up. It seemed silly, really, when she could’ve easily walked next door to Granny Liz’s house. But manners had been an important part of her upbringing, and she liked the fact that he’d suggested it.

Brooke came up beside her. “You nervous?”

Livy laughed. “Not really. It’s just Austin.”

Brooke elbowed her. “But I know how much you used to like him. No leftover feelings?”

Livy sighed. “I’m not sure, but it wouldn’t matter anyway because I’m honestly not interested in a relationship with any man. Wayne did a number on me, almost making me wonder if I could make any decision on my own. I’m never going back to that.”

“Austin doesn’t seem that way at all,” said Brooke. “I’d find that dimple hard to resist.”

They laughed together, comfortable sharing their feelings.

Austin pulled into Gran’s driveway, and Livy went out the door to greet him. Manners be damned. She wasn’t going to stay inside like a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued.

At the sight of her, Austin grinned. “You look great. Hope you’re hungry. I’ve reserved a table at Gavin’s at the Salty Key Inn.”

“Oh, how nice,” said Livy. “I’ve heard wonderful things about it. I like the story about the three sisters who own it, too.”

“Yeah, pretty cool,” he said, assisting her into his low-slung, silver Audi A5 convertible. “I’ve left the top down. Is that a problem for you?” he asked politely.

Livy patted her curls. “Between the breezes and the humidity, I don’t think it could get much worse.”

He looked at her and laughed. “I like it like that,” he said, getting behind the wheel. “Don’t worry. I won’t go fast enough to make it a mess. The traffic on Gulf Drive doesn’t allow it.”

Austin drove with confidence, allowing her to study the landscape as they drove by. She loved this unpretentious area of the Gulf Coast with some buildings painted funky colors. But when they drove through the entrance to the Salty Key Inn, she admired the upscale look of the buildings. Standing apart from the guest rooms, Gavin’s, the restaurant named after the three owners’ uncle, had an excellent reputation for outstanding food.

Austin parked the car and helped her out of it. Then, walking toward the building, they spied a peacock strolling across the lawn heading to the bayfront.

Inside the restaurant, Livy paused, fascinated by what restauranteurs did to make their place unique. The rich paneling on the walls, the crystal sconces matching the sparkling chandeliers, and the crisp, white-linen tablecloths all lent an air of elegance that matched the reputation of the food.

A hostess greeted them, pausing a moment to smile at Austin, and then led them to a table in the corner of the main dining room. “A note was made that you wanted privacy. Hope this table will do,” she said smoothly, casting a glance at Livy.

“Thanks,” said Austin as a waiter came right over to seat them.

“Welcome,” the waiter said, helping Livy get settled in her chair. He stood aside as a server approached and poured fresh water into their water goblets.

“We’re glad you chose to dine with us tonight,” said the waiter. “Will you want the wine menu in addition to these?” he asked Austin. He handed menus to Livy and Austin.

“By all means,” said Austin.

“Very well, I’ll send the wine steward over to you. In the meantime, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about the dinner menu.”

“Thank you,” they said together, and smiled at one another.

Livy eagerly looked over the menu. She loved seeing what new things chefs were creating. She read through the selections carefully, delighting in the possibilities. But her eyes came back to the snapper almondine and rested there.

Austin ordered the rib-eye steak, medium-rare, topped with sautéed mushrooms. He and the wine steward chose a merlot that would go with the steak and not overpower the snapper.

Satisfied that all was set, Austin said, “I’m glad you agreed to go to dinner with me. It’s a nice chance for us to talk about ideas for the wi-fi upgrade for your grandmother’s inn without her or John overhearing us. When are they leaving on their trip?”

“Next week. It’s cute to see how excited they both are. I’m hoping we can get everything done at the Inn that we want this summer.” She kept her tone upbeat, but a part of her was fighting disappointment over the fact that he’d invited her for a business dinner, not a social one.

“And then what happens? Any ideas about where you go from there?” Austin asked.

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