Page 79 of The Pink House

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Hannah arrived at the elegant French restaurant ten minutes before her reservation. The last time she’d been at Normandy had been the night of her high school graduation. She didn’t recall the restaurant being particularly romantic, but then, well, she’d been with her father.

Tonight, the atmosphere at Normandy, with its hushed elegance, fresh flower arrangements and enticing scents, brought tears to Hannah’s eyes. This was the perfect venue for an anniversary dinner.

Blinking back the unexpected moisture flooding her eyes, Hannah stepped to the hostess stand and came face-to-face with Ashleigh Christopher, who was on the phone finishing up taking a reservation.

Recognition flashed in the schoolteacher’s eyes as she hung up. “Hannah. This is a surprise. Is Charlie with you?”

“No.” Hannah tightened her fingers around her beaded clutch. “The reservation is under Danbury.”

A speculative gleam filled Ashleigh’s eyes. Hannah braced herself for questions, but another couple’s arrival had Ashleigh motioning to a young man who stood nearby. “Edward, please escort Ms. Danbury to table fifteen.”

“This way, ma’am.”

In this instance, Hannah didn’t mind being calledma’amby a young man only a handful of years her junior. When he stopped by a table in clear view of the hostess stand, she demurred. “Do you have something farther back?”

“Yes, ma’am.” He didn’t miss a beat. “Please follow me.”

This time when he paused beside a table for two, she nodded her approval and returned his smile. “This will do nicely. Thank you for being so accommodating.”

“My pleasure.” He pulled out her chair, lifted the napkin at her place setting and set it on her lap. “Your waiter will be right with you. Bon appétit.”

The waiter arrived with the bottle of Cristal that Hannah had preordered, along with two glasses. He inclined his head. “Would you prefer to wait until your companion arrives before—”

“No,” Hannah cut him off. “I’d like a glass now.”

“As you wish.” The waiter, an older man in his fifties with a Van Dyke beard and sharp eyes, kept his expression bland as he uncorked the bottle and poured her a glass.

“I’ll wait a bit to order,” she told him. “I’ll signal you when I’m ready.”

Taking a sip of champagne, Hannah gazed at the empty chair. She pictured Brian smiling back at her from across the table, looking so handsome in his dark suit and favorite Hermes red tie. Saw him listening attentively to her update on Hannah Cakes and her home renovations. Felt the warmth of his smile as she relayed the details of the Camden Yards trip.

He’d be happy for her. Happy how she was handling all the changes in her life. She gave a decisive nod. Yes, he’d be happy. All Brian had ever wanted was for her to be happy.

Hannah signaled the waiter, told him she’d be eating alone and ordered. Lamb brochette had been her and Brian’s favorite meal to order at Republique in Greensboro. It seemed an appropriate choice for tonight.

Though Hannah hadn’t eaten since early this morning, she had to force herself through each course, barely tasting the excellent food. She wondered if Charlie liked lamb, wondered if he’d have encouraged her to try something she’d never had before if he were here.

Despite the fact that she’d barely touched her meal, Hannah ordered a slice of opera cake to take home with her.

Brian loved dessert, especially cake. Hannah tightened her fingers around the white bakery box and expelled a shuddering breath.

Ashleigh was busy with customers, so Hannah thankfully was spared the need to deal with her as she hurried out the door.

Emma had once told her time was a gift.

Was she squandering that gift by holding on so tightly to Brian? But would moving on mean she had to forget him?

If it did, that was something she absolutely could not do.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

From the spot on his front step, Charlie watched a silver Prius pull into Hannah’s driveway, Hannah in the back seat.

Even after the Uber drove off, she remained at the edge of the walkway leading to her porch, a white bakery box in her hands.

Framed as she was in the porchlight, Charlie saw that she wore a sleek black dress, shiny black heels and pearls. She was the picture of elegance and beauty. That might be what everyone saw at first glance, but Charlie had learned that there was far more to Hannah than a pretty face and killer body.

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