Page 39 of Carly's Heart

“Bye, Mama. Goodnight.”

Carly knelt and hugged her daughter. “Sweet dreams, Little Bean. I’ll tuck you in when I get home.” She gathered up her purse and a light jacket.

Birch offered her his elbow and they headed out into the cool night air.

♥ Chapter Eighteen ♥

A hostess greeted them when they entered Flax and Fig. “Can I show you to a table? Or would you prefer to have drinks in the lounge before dinner?” she asked sweetly. She stood behind a heavy wooden stand. There was a row of plush leather seats to her left. Beyond that, an arched doorway led to the lounge. On the right another arch led into a dimly lit room. The air teased Carly’s appetite with hints of spice, roast meat, and sweet baked goods. Her stomach rumbled. She had been getting ready to make dinner when Birch arrived.

“Hi. We have reservations under Brighton.”

“Oh, Mr. Brighton. Mr. Gamble said to expect you. Follow me.” She made a notation on her clipboard and menus in hand, led them through the arched doorway into the dimly lit eating area.

Once they passed through the arch, the room seemed brighter. The lighting was discrete, bright enough to easily see but dim enough to feel romantic. The tables boasted white tablecloths and napkins. Each was set with water and wine glasses, and glistening silverware. A small, low centerpiece with flowers and votives lit each table. The décor was wood and leather with musical accents.

Banjos, violins, and guitars hung on the wall alongside flutes and clarinets. There was a piano, though no one played it at the moment. Soft jazz filled the air. Talk about a fusion restaurant. The Flax and Fig blended fine dining, romance, and classic pub together into something that shouldn’t have worked, but came together like a dream.

Holy romantic, Batman! This place was made for seduction.

They walked past all the tables to the back. “In here.” The hostess waved them toward another arched doorway. She and Birch walked through together. The room was small, barely wide enough to fit the single table and chairs it housed. Its high ceiling gave it a spacious air. A bottle of wine was chilling in the tableside ice bucket.

Birch held out her chair and slid it forward as she sat. He took a seat across from her. The hostess explained the evening’s specials and left them alone.

“This place is incredible.” She couldn’t stop looking around. Everywhere her eyes landed, she discovered something new. A display of books in a corner curio cabinet. A violin. Framed sheet music. Autographed album covers. The room had the feel of a musician’s library.

“I’ve never been in this room. I had no idea it even existed,” Birch noted.

“You’ve been here before?” She didn’t want to think about Birch dating someone else.

“Only with my family. Mom likes to come here for her birthday every year. I’ve never brought a date here. Until tonight.” He reached across the table and cupped her hand in his. “I was saving it for the right woman.”

“Flatterer,” she teased.

“Is the flattery working?” He winked.

“Oh, absolutely. I’ve never been somewhere this fancy before. Thank you for bringing me.”

---