Page 91 of Here & Now

Marco opened his mouth, but Zane spoke for them. “Two glasses of your house wine, please.”

“Sure thing. Be right back.”

After the waiter walked away, Marco leaned in and said, “Wine? The guy’s going to think we’re on a date!”

Zane chuckled. “Just because we’re sitting at a cozy table for two and drinking wine, it doesn’t mean we’re on a date.”

Marco rolled his eyes. “Something’s up with you tonight. Fancy restaurant, wine…”

“Can’t a guy want to eat at a nice restaurant for a change?”

“Sure, but not with another guy!”

The waiter reappeared and set down their drinks. “Have you had a chance to look at the menu?”

“We need a minute,” Zane replied.

“Take your time.”

As the waiter walked away, Marco shook his head. “Do me a favor and don’t order for me next time. The waiter’s going to think I’m the woman in this relationship.”

“Why do you care what he thinks?”

“Hello? Did you see the hot hostess? I don’t want the waiter thinking I’m into you instead.”

“Why, am I not good enough for you?” Zane teased. He couldn’t help it. He enjoyed getting Marco riled up.

“Shut up,” Marco snapped and buried his head in the menu.

While his friend was distracted, Zane looked around some more. Across the room, a family of four had just stood up and partially blocked his view. As they walked away, he spotted Bree sitting at a table for two by the windows with Scott.

He stiffened at the intimacy of the scene. There was a bottle of wine in an ice bucket, and Scott was leaning forward and gazing at her intently—too intently for Zane’s liking.

“Since you’re paying, I’m going for the filet mignon,” Marco said.

“Um-hmm,” Zane replied, distracted.

“I might even have the raspberry cheesecake for dessert,” Marco continued.

“No problem.”

“Are you even listening to me?”

“Yes, steak and cheesecake. I heard.”

“Do you have any idea how much it’s going to set you back?”

Zane didn’t care about the cost. All he cared about was what was going on at her table.

The waiter reappeared. “Looks like you’re ready to order.”

Zane hadn’t even cracked open his menu, but Marco spoke up before he had a chance. “I’ll have the filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes and a side salad with ranch dressing.”

“How would you like your steak cooked?”

“Medium.”

The waiter turned to Zane. “And for you, sir?”