CHAPTER SEVEN
Sitting on the deck with Isabel and Brad, Morgan relaxed in a chair holding onto Caesar. He’d decided to jump into her lap.
Brad gazed at her with a look of amusement. “Caesar is usually a bit standoffish, but he’s really taken to you.”
“We’ve snuggled before, waiting for Isabel,” Morgan said. “I think he’s cute.”
Caesar looked up at her and wagged his tail.
Laughing, Morgan took a sip of wine and listened as Isabel and Brad discussed timing.
“Whatever scheduling works for you will be fine with me,” said Brad. “If necessary, Morgan may be able to help with that. Is that all right with you?” he asked her.
“Yes, I’m as anxious as you to see the end result,” she said.
Isabel got to her feet. “I’m sorry, but I can’t stay. I’m meeting another client. Brad, I’ll send you a schedule once I’ve confirmed everything. The painters have already been put on alert and are standing by.”
Brad stood and walked Isabel to her car.
While they were gone, Morgan made some notes on her phone’s calendar. If necessary, she could give up her pre-office morning runs to help out.
When Brad returned, he refilled her wine glass and his, and then he sat down. “I want to thank you. I normally wouldn’t ask my assistant to get involved with personal things, but you’ve been so helpful from the beginning, I didn’t think you would mind.”
“I’m happy to help. I know what it’s like to move into a new area and not know many people. I wouldn’t even be in Ellenton without my best friend’s encouragement following the death of my husband.”
“I’m sorry you’re alone,” he said. “It’s still an adjustment for me, even after all this time. I suppose that’s why I’m reluctant to begin dating.”
“My marriage wasn’t a happy one, which is why I’m content to be by myself,” said Morgan. “I keep busy with my activities.”
“I need to find some activities of my own. Can you recommend a gym?”
“I sometimes go to the gym after work at the Town Fitness Center. They have a lot of equipment and private instructors if you need or want them. They’re located right off Main Street at First Avenue.”
“Thanks. I’ll stop by sometime to check them out.” He checked his watch. “It’s getting late. Can I treat you to dinner? You can choose someplace you think I would enjoy.”
“Do you like Italian? Luciano’s has excellent food.”
“Sure. That sounds delicious. Let me take care of the dogs, and then you can lead the way. I’ll follow in my car.”
“Great,” said Morgan, relieved there wouldn’t be any awkwardness between them about getting home following dinner.
###
Luciano’s Italian Restaurant was one of Morgan’s favorites. It was a simple, down-home restaurant with hearty, traditional food to die for. The family that ran it was well-known in town. The present manager was the grandson of the original owners.
Inside, the décor was charming and family-friendly, designed for families, providing places for them without fear of annoying others.
Tables were covered in red-checked plastic coverings, and booth seats were upholstered in red vinyl.
The simple wooden chairs, pulled up to tables, had red vinyl-covered seats.
The emphasis was on outstanding food and easy conversation.
It made it pleasant for those, like Morgan, who ate here alone.
The waiters and waitresses were excellent about remembering customers’ names, and she loved being greeted by them, which made the restaurant even more welcoming.
Morgan waited by the door for Brad to park his car. The smell of garlic, tomatoes, and cheese had her mouth watering by the time he reached her.
“Smells delicious,” he murmured as he held the door for her.
“The food never disappoints,” she said, smiling at Tina, the hostess greeting them.
“Hello, Morgan. How are you?” Tina asked as she gave Brad an approving look.
“I’m fine, thank you,” said Morgan. “I want you to meet Brad Hamlin, a new lawyer in town. I’m introducing him to your restaurant.”
“Hello,” said Brad. “I can already tell this will become one of my favorite places. The food smells fantastic.”
“This restaurant has been in my husband’s family for years,” said Tina. “I’m confident you’ll love it. If not, let us know, and we’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”
Tina led them to a quiet booth in a corner of one of the smaller rooms and handed them menus. “Angie will be taking care of you.”
“Thanks,” said Morgan, sliding onto the seat opposite Brad, where she could easily see the rest of the room.
Brad glanced over the menu and then looked at Morgan. “It all looks delicious. Have any suggestions?”
“If you’re going for pizza, the sausage and sweet pepper is one of my favorites. If you want something more substantial, the veal piccata is outstanding. They serve it with a small helping of your choice of pasta. It’s a delicious combination.”
Brad grinned. “I think I know what you’re going to order.”
Morgan laughed. “I can’t help myself. Like I said, it’s terrific.”
Angie, their waitress, an older woman with gray hair and pleasant features, approached, carrying two bottles of water. “Plain or bubbly?”
“Plain water for me, please,” said Morgan.
Brad indicated the same for him.
“What are you two going to have? Is it the usual for you, Morgan?”
She gave Brad a sheepish smile and nodded to Angie. “I can’t resist. Especially when the leftovers feed me for most of the week.”
“I’ll have what she’s having, but with a side of mostaccioli,” said Brad, looking amused.
“Coming up,” said Angie. She turned to Brad. “Tina tells me you’re a new lawyer in town. Welcome. I hope you like it here.”
“Thank you. So far, it’s been awesome.” Brad glanced at Morgan. “I’ve had some excellent help in getting settled.”
“Yes, I work for Brad,” said Morgan, wanting to be clear about their relationship.
“Very nice. How about some wine while you wait for dinner?” Angie asked them.
“That sounds good. Dinner is on me, so please order anything you want, Morgan. We can get a bottle of wine, or if you’d rather, we can order glasses of wine.”
“How about a glass of Barolo?” Morgan said to Angie. “You know the one I like.”
Angie grinned. “Coming right up. J.R. will bring it to you.”
“Why don’t we get a bottle of the wine Morgan likes?” said Brad, smiling at Angie.
Within minutes, J.R., who Morgan explained was married to Angie, came to their table with a bottle of Barolo wine. Morgan introduced him to Brad. J.R. made a show of opening the bottle and then offered Brad a small taste.
“Go ahead, Morgan. You sample it. You know what you like,” said Brad.
Morgan lifted the glass to her lips and swallowed a taste of the wine, letting it settle on her tongue before swallowing it. “It’s so tasty, nice and smooth.”
J.R. filled Angie’s glass and poured a glass of wine for Brad before leaving the table.
Morgan had just taken a long sip of wine when she saw Rosie enter the room with her husband. Startled, she almost choked.
Brad shot her a look of alarm. “Are you alright?”
She swallowed and caught her breath. “I will be, but watch out. Here comes Rosalie Mancini from the office. Be careful what you say.”
“Why?” asked Brad.
“Tell you later,” Morgan managed to say as Rosalie swept up to them in a flurry of excitement.
“It’s so exciting to see you two together,” Rosalie exclaimed. “I knew it.”
“Hi, Rosalie. I’ve just been helping Brad with his house,” said Morgan, wishing that didn’t sound so intimate.
“Of course you have,” said Rosalie, smiling at Brad. “Our Morgan is a catch. That’s for sure.”
Brad shifted in his seat. “She certainly has been a help in seeing me get settled in town.”
“She’s so talented,” said Rosalie. “The office is lucky to have her.”
“Oh, yes,” Brad agreed. “Richard Sinclair assured me she was very competent.”
“She’s more than that as you’re finding out. I’m so happy to see you here together.”
Rosalie’s husband remained quiet throughout this interchange, then he took her elbow. “Rosie, let’s allow these people to have their dinner.”
They moved aside as Angie brought them their meals.
Rosalie and her husband moved away, and Angie had left them alone.
“Does Rosalie think we’re dating?” asked Brad.
“She’d like us to be,” said Morgan. “I’ve tried to tell her we’re not together.”
Brad gave Morgan a thoughtful look before digging into his meal.
The awkward situation disappeared as Morgan and Brad both enjoyed their food.
Angie came over to them. “How is everything?”
“It’s fantastic,” said Brad. “Thanks.”
“As special as ever,” Morgan added.
“I’ll give you a list of other recommended restaurants,” Morgan told Brad.
“Or you can introduce me to them, my treat,” said Brad, winking at her. “That’ll really make Rosalie go crazy.”
She laughed, but inside, she wondered if it was just a teasing game or something more.
###
Morgan said goodbye to Brad at the restaurant and then drove home. As she approached Ashley’s house, she noticed a dark gray car stopped in the street in front of it, blocking the driveway.
She pulled her car up behind it, waiting for it to drive away.
When the car didn’t move, Morgan got out of her car and walked over to the driver. He was a middle-aged man who didn’t show any sign of moving his car.
“Can I help you?” Morgan asked him. “Are you stuck here?”
“No, I was under the impression the house was for sale, and I wanted to spend some time looking at it. But now that you are home, I’ll move out of the way.”
Morgan’s heart pounded inside her. Something was terribly wrong.