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Carter: Great. I’ll check the times and let you know when I’ll pick you up.
Darcy: Can’t wait.
Carter: Me either. Talk to you soon.
“Has he kissed you?”
Darcy met her best friend’s curious gaze. “No, but we’ve hugged twice now.”
Haven’s expression became mischievous. “Are you going to kiss him?”
Darcy shook her head. “We agreed to take things slow. Remember, this isn’t easy for me.”
“I’m sorry, Darce.” Haven frowned. “That was really thoughtless of me. I’m just glad to see you smiling again.”
Darcy nodded. “I am too.”
***
“Do you like barbecue?” Carter asked from the driver’s seat of his Suburban Friday night.
Darcy smiled over at him while they drove toward Flowering Grove. Country music played through his speakers, and he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel along with the beat. “Sure do,” she said.
“Have you been to the Barbecue Pit?”
“Yes, I have, and I like it.” She pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear.
“Did you know there’s a Wall of Fame in the restaurant with photos of celebrities who’ve eaten there?”
“I noticed it, but I didn’t pay much attention to it.”
“It’s mostly photos of NASCAR drivers and other athletes, but of course there’s an autographed photo of the band Kirwan since the owners’ daughter married one of the lead singers.”
“I’ll have to check that out.”
“I thought we’d get something to eat there and then go to the movie. Sound good?”
“Absolutely,” she said. His bright smile sent her heart beating in a staccato rhythm.
“Have you heard anything from the website?”
She shook her head. “Nothing yet.” She moved her fingers down her jean shorts. “I also haven’t told my parents about it. I figure there’s nothing to tell until I find her—if I ever do. So why get them upset?”
“I agree.” He took her hand in his. “And if and when it happens, I’ll be here for you.”
Appreciation for this wonderful man expanded in her chest. “Thank you, Carter.”
***
“You haven’t been very talkative on text this week. How’s work?” Darcy asked Carter at the Barbecue Pit. They had already given the server their order and received their drinks.
He rubbed his clean-shaven chin. “Crazy busy. Our parking lot is full of cars that need attention.”
“That’s good, right?” She moved her straw around in her Diet Coke.
“Yes, but it’s stressful.” He shook his head. “And we had our usuals stop by too.”
“Usuals?”
