“And I came with a surprise for you.”
“Really? What is it?”
“Get dressed. I’m taking you out.”
“What? You know I can’t leave Nana.”
“Remember the nurse I told you about? She’ll be here at seven.”
“But, isn’t it dangerous? I mean, they’ll be all alone here.”
“No. Her husband, the deputy, will be here too. They’ll be perfectly safe. Do you trust me, sweetheart?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then relax. Get dressed. Tonight is about you having a good time. You need that every once in a while.”
“It does sound good. Alright, I’ll be back in a few.” Her smile is intoxicating. I watch as she glides up the stairs. I want her to feel this good all the time.
She returns about thirty minutes later, wearing a knee-length blue dress under a soft white sweater. She’s wearing heels and is still close to a foot shorter than me. Her hair is pulled up in a loose bun with ringlet curls framing her face.
If anything, Lori’s beauty demands appreciation.
“You look amazing, baby girl.”
“Thank you,” she replies and spins in a circle. “I didn’t think I’d ever have a reason to dress up again.”
Spencer and his wife arrive, and after Lori reviews Nana’s schedule with the nurse, we depart for an intimate dinner at Lou’s Italian Bistro.
Lou’s is a quaint little place in town known for its romantic atmosphere and delicious cuisine. I’ve only been there once, but I think Lori will like it. I take her arm and lead her out to my truck. She’s so tiny that I have to hoist her into the passenger seat of the lifted pickup.
Lou’s is a short drive from her house, and we arrive before the red sun sets in the evening sky. I help Lori out of the truck and watch as she surveys the town square.
“So much has changed since I left here. Or maybe I’m just not remembering it right.”
“It’s probably a little of both. Your perspective has changed a lot since you were here.”
The hostess greets us at the door and leads us to a small round table in the back corner of the dining room. There are only three other occupied tables. I supposed Wednesday isn’t a popular date night in this one-horse town.
“Would you like to start with drinks?” the hostess asks and Lori sinks in her chair.
“Sure. I’ll have an iced tea. What about you, sweetheart?”
Her face lights up once I’ve taken the pressure off. We haven’t discussed it, but I’m not much of a drinker. I’m too much of a control freak to let something like alcohol impair my judgment.
“What do you like to eat?” I ask as I observe her scanning the menu over and over.
“I’m not sure. Everything looks so good.”
“Would you have any objection to me ordering for both of us? I think I can find something that’s to your liking.”
“No, I don’t mind. I was afraid to make the wrong choice, anyway.”
“Good evening, Sheriff.” Lou, the owner, has come out to our table. I met Lou last year after a bar fight broke out here.
“Nice to see you, Lou.”
“Who’s your lovely companion?”
