“Hey, you already had it sorted out. In your over-thinking kind of way.”
She laughed and hurried off to the kitchen, mentally ticking off clothes in her closet and trying to figure out what looked like a casual outfit for meeting a friend.
Chapter 22
Rob was surprised that Evelyn agreed to a dinner out with him. Even if he had to agree that she’d pay her own way, which he wasn’t thrilled with, but if it made her feel more comfortable, so be it. He grabbed a quick shower and changed into slacks and a collared short-sleeved shirt.
He walked into the kitchen, and Violet looked up from the table. “You look nice. Where are you going?”
“I’m going to have dinner with Evelyn.”
She grinned. “It’s about time. Took you long enough to ask her out on a date.”
“It’s not a date. She insisted on paying for her dinner. Just friends meeting up to eat. I said it was to pay her back for arranging all that help for us, but she insists on paying her own way. So it’s not really a date.” Though, to be honest, he wished it was one.
“I see.” Violet looked doubtful. “Whatever you say.”
“I’m just glad she agreed to go with me.”
“That Austin guy called this afternoon. Said you’d called him. We’re set up to meet with him tomorrow morning. He’s coming here.”
“Perfect. Hopefully, it won’t take long to get everything set up and you can open up for reservations.”
She frowned gloomily. “But I need a name for the resort before then…”
“Better put on your thinking cap and come up with one.”
“But a name seems so… permanent. Important. A huge deal. Can you think of any ideas?”
“Colorful Cottages. Moonbeam Cottage Resort. Seaview Resort. Seashell Resort.” He spouted names off the top of his head.
“Wow… how do you do that?” She scribbled the names down on a piece of paper. “I’ve been doing internet searches and I’ve only come up with two names. And I don’t really like either of them.”
He laughed. “You’ve never been good with names. Remember your first cat? You couldn’t think of a name you liked, and the poor thing was called Cat for its whole life.”
She scowled. “Yeah, I remember. And this naming business is hard. Really hard.”
“You’ll think of the perfect name. I have every faith in you.” Okay, that might be a bit of a lie. She really did have a hard time with names…
She let out a groan. “I hope you’re right.”
“I’m always right,” he grinned.
“Well, I—yourwonderfulsister—was right about you asking Evelyn out.” She threw him a triumphant grin. “I told you she’d say yes.”
Not willing to concede she was right in the sibling battle of teasing, he glanced at his watch. “Oh, look at the time. I should leave so I’m not late.”
“Have a good time.” She sent him a sassy look before bending her head back down over her paper, scribbling ideas on it.
He just hoped she’d decided on a name before he got home tonight, or he knew he’d be in for a long night of brainstorming with her.
Rob arrived promptly at six and Evelyn met him outside the lobby, finally dressed after changing clothes half a dozen times. But the simple flowy navy skirt and navy and white striped top had finally won the battle over her indecision.
“Hi.” His gaze swept over her from head to toe. It was just a quick look, but she felt it like a physical weight. He was probably surprised to see her in something other than the Sea Glass Cafe t-shirt and slacks that she wore most days at work.
“You’re right on time.” She nervously adjusted the silver bracelet on her wrist.
“I’m a prompt kind of guy.” He grinned as they started walking.
