Page 27 of Silver Fake

Nancy's face lights up as she turns to John and me. "So, tell us, how did the two of you meet?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

John and I exchange a quick glance, a silent moment of understanding passing between us.

"Work," I say.

Nancy's eyebrows shoot up with interest. "Oh, are you a lawyer too?"

John quickly interjects, "Not exactly. But we do work together. Lisa is on my team." He looks at me and smiles. "I couldn't do my job without her."

Nancy chuckles, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Ah, workplace romances! They're always so much fun, aren't they? I met Bill while I was working the front desk at his hotel all those years ago. It's a tale as old as time."

"Indeed, Nancy was the sunshine that brightened up our lobby," he reminisces. "She would always greet every guest with a genuine warmth that was hard to ignore. I knew right then that she was the one I'd want to spend the rest of my life with."

John reaches across the table, gently taking my hand into his. "Lisa certainly brightens up our office," he says, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "But we've decided to keep things quiet at the firm for now while we work things out."

Disappointment flickers across Nancy's face.

"Oh, I was hoping to share your photos on social media," she says with a slight sigh. "All of my friends love hearing what you and Jack are up to." She quickly composes herself, however, and nods in understanding. "But I understand. Love is a delicate thing and should be handled with care."

I squeeze John's hand in return and look over at Nancy with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Nancy," I say softly. "Your understanding means a lot to both of us."

As we continue with our delightful meal, Bill suddenly turns to me, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Lisa, are you by any chance from Texas?" he asks.

I nod. "Yes, I'm originally from Lubbock. My mom still lives there in an assisted living facility. My sister is also settled there. She's a chemistry professor at Texas Tech and is married with two beautiful kids."

Nancy's interest is piqued at this. "That's lovely, dear. So what brought you to Houston?"

A wave of nervousness washes over me. Do I tell them about my divorce? I decide to just go with it.

"Well," I begin, "my ex-husband and I moved here right after we both graduated from Texas A&M. He got a job in Houston, and even though we're no longer together, I've made Houston my home."

I watch Nancy and Bill intently as I mention my divorce, waiting for their reaction. To my surprise, they don't seem put off by it at all. Instead, Nancy reaches over the table to pat my hand, giving me a reassuring smile.

"Life has a way of turning things around, dear," she says warmly. "Sometimes it closes old doors so it can open new ones. Obviously, it was meant for you to be here, in Houston, with our John."

John's hand leaves mine as he moves to wrap his arm around my shoulder. Then he leans in, and presses a soft kiss to my hair. "I couldn't agree more, Mom," he says. "Houston has given me more than just a successful career. It's given me Lisa and for that, I couldn't be more grateful."

I feel my cheeks getting warm, and I unconsciously tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear - a nervous habit of mine. I know deep down that we're just putting on a show for his parents, but his eyes and his touch still have a way of affecting me. His fingers on my shoulder feel secure and comforting. Part of me holds onto his words, as if they were true. My stomach churns with a mix of anxiety and a longing that's hard to explain.

John squeezes my shoulder and dips his head toward mine. "Everything okay?" he asks quietly.

I nod slowly. "Yep, everything is fine."

He looks at me for a second, and I'm pretty sure he's not buying it. So, I smile up at him, hoping it looks genuine.

Once again, the waiter comes in, pushing a cart of food. Fortunately, this time, it looks like it's the main course. I swear my mouth waters the moment he sits the plate in front of me.

"This smells amazing," I say.

Nancy picks her plate up, pointing out the different items. "It's lobster stuffed salmon with a garlic butter sauce and pan-seared jumbo shrimp, topped with a little Cajun seasoning. Lobster Mac-n-cheese, and the best asparagus you'll ever taste."

John takes a bite of the lobster stuffed salmon. "This is delicious, Mom. You've outdone yourself with the selection." His compliment is sincere, his gaze moving between Nancy and the succulent dish before him. "I must say, this might be the best meal I've ever had here."

For several minutes, the room falls into a comfortable silence as we eat. The lobster-stuffed salmon is an explosion of flavors - a perfect blend of sweet and tangy. The salmon is succulent, practically melting on my tongue, while the lobster stuffing adds a decadent richness. It' definitely the best meal I've had in Barton Beach by far.

Suddenly, Nancy puts her fork down and dabs her napkin against her mouth. She looks noticeably paler than she did a moment ago, the lively twinkle in her eyes replaced by a hint of discomfort.

John glances at me, and I see the worry in his eyes. I feel it, too. She looks paler than she did a moment ago like she's about to be sick.

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