Chapter 4 #3
“I’d love to visit the Ghibli museum in Japan.”
“What about the theme park?”
“Don’t tempt me.” He grinned. “So, you like Japanese animation, huh?”
“Very niche, I know. But obviously not so niche that I should just so happen to be sitting next to the only other person I’ve met in five years who knows about the Ghibli theme park.”
“Obviously not everyone is as cultured as us.”
“Obviously.”
Her smile sank into his bones, and even though she was about as opposite as Lucinda as possible, he found himself drawn to her so much more.
Maybe it was the way light danced in her eyes.
Or maybe it was the way she kept checking on her sister.
Or the way their conversation and banter suggested an instant ease he found rare.
There was none of the tension he usually felt with Lucinda. None of the snarky comments and criticism he’d grown used to expecting from her. Instead, so many of Ellie’s interests matched his, and with her Austen and Heyer appreciation, he bet even his mum would have approved.
But there was still one very big thing he needed to make sure of. “So, I see you wear a cross.” He motioned to her necklace. “Is that for any reason in particular?”
“I’m a Christian,” she said softly.
Okay, that was confirmation. She was officially perfect. God had crafted the perfect woman for him to sit next to. “Me too.”
Their conversation turned to the types of churches they attended, and soon they were deep in exchanging their salvation stories.
He talked about making a commitment at primary school, faith that had deepened along with his mum’s when her cancer diagnosis had made the prospect of eternity real, unlike the rest of his family who were knee-deep in distractions or denials.
Ellie shared that she’d made a commitment as a young child, younger than he’d been.
She also told him that her parents ran a café in the Southern Highlands.
“I love the Highlands. I’ve visited a few times. And my sister has just bought a property there.”
“It’s pretty popular these days.” She sipped her drink. “So, how about you? What does your dad do?”
It had been forever since he’d met someone who didn’t recognise him, let alone didn’t recognise who his dad was.
If a million things hadn’t already lined up as confirmation of her perfection, then this would be the icing on the cake.
“My dad is in public service,” he admitted.
Saying “public service” was the easiest way not to feel judged because of one’s political leanings. “He’s always busy.”
“Some jobs are like that, aren’t they? I remember when my dad worked in the police service, he wasn’t home as much as we’d like.”
Chris turned to her. “Your dad is a police officer?”
“He was. He bakes cakes now. Policing is pretty stressful.”
“True.”
“Perhaps that could be your next career change,” Katie chirped.
Chris smiled. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
There was a murmur, then another figure drew close. A young man who drew appreciative glances from the ladies at the table, even from the woman in the rude couple sitting opposite.
“Hello. I’m not too late, am I?” The new arrival grinned, stuck out a hand. “Jason. Jason Willoughby,” he announced, offering his hand to anyone who might like to shake it.
Judging from the expression on Katie’s face, she’d like to shake it, then never let go.
Ethan noticed how Chris, on the other side of Ellie, seemed nonplussed. Likely at the fact that he’d apparently lost Katie’s attention as she’d turned to Jason and the two of them were already engaging in low-voiced conversation at the exclusion of everyone else.
Ellie, he noticed, was biting her lip, as if aware of how her sister’s actions might be construed. She glanced back at Ethan, then gently drew Chris into their conversation.
“So, Chris, does this mean we can count on you for an expert’s advice in solving tonight’s mystery?” She tilted her head at Ethan and murmured, “Chris works as a detective for the police.”
“That certainly sounds more interesting than working in law,” Ethan offered.
Chris’ expression grew wry, as if he was aware of what they were trying to do. “It has its moments.”
“So, can we expect you to be the first to solve the mystery?”
Katie paused momentarily to look at Chris, who seemed to perk up suddenly.
“I’ll do my best.”
Katie smiled at him, then turned back to Jason, who announced that he planned to be the first to solve it.
Just then a dinner gong announced that the evening’s proceedings were about to begin, so conversations hushed as all eyes pivoted to the front.
All except Katie and Jason, who had turned their seats to face each other and even now continued to conduct their conversation in low whispers.
“Katie,” Ellie hissed.
Katie waved her away, which drew a sigh from Ellie and prompted Ethan to murmur, “She’s young. Don’t let it spoil your night.”
She nodded, and her small smile felt like a gift.
They settled into hearing about how the evening would be conducted, the rules for tonight’s mystery, and to “expect the unexpected.”