Page 90 of Here & Now

Twenty

Zane pulled into the restaurant parking lot and glanced around at the cars.

“Why’d you pick this place?” Marco asked.

“I haven’t been here in a while, and it sounded good.”

“I like The Mucky Duck better.”

“Of course you do.”

“It has nothing to do with Tessa.”

“Right.”

“I happen to love their food.”

“Um-hmm.”

“Whatever,” Marco huffed as they got out of the Jeep.

They entered the restaurant and were greeted by a hostess. “Good evening. Do you have a reservation?”

Zane hadn’t considered that. “Do we need one?”

“We usually recommend it.”

Marco stepped in front of him. “I’m sorry my friend didn’t think of it. Is there any way you could squeeze us in?” He flashed his trademark smile at her, and she smiled back.

“Wait here, and I’ll see what I can do.”

After she walked away, Marco thumped him on the chest. “And that is how it’s done!”

“Don’t get cocky. It’s not done yet.”

Zane peered into the restaurant. It was crowded, as most restaurants were at this time, and all he saw was a sea of heads.

“Looking for someone?” Marco said.

“Just checking for anybody we know.”

The hostess reappeared. “You’re in luck. A couple is leaving, and they’re cleaning the table for you.”

“Perfect,” Marco said. “Thanks for hooking us up.”

“Just so you know, it’s a table for two, so it might be a little cramped.”

“We don’t mind, do we, buddy?”

Zane was busy scanning the place and just nodded.

Soon a waiter approached them and said, “You two can follow me.”

Marco gave the hostess another smile as they walked past.

The waiter led them to a small table in the corner of the long room. The restaurant was known for its magnificent ocean views, but from here, they could barely see out the windows.

“What can I get you to drink?”