“Great. Let’s take my car. Because according to my GPS, it’s a little bit of a drive.”
Before long they were going down the highway and Brandon was still being disturbingly polite. “The hotel lady told me the restaurant’s next to Silver Lake. And that it looks like an old log cabin lodge.”
“Sounds charming.”
“She said they have a patio that overlooks the lake. And I know how you always liked to eat outside in the summer.”
“It’s a nice day for it too.” Despite herself, she was getting into this. It was nice to be treated like a lady for a change. Still, she planned to keep up her guard. Initially she’d imagined them grabbing a bit of lunch at a food cart. She’d have a quick meal and listen to Brandon’s farewell speech. But this was feeling like a date. Well, whatever. At least there’d be good food involved. And if this is what it took to cut her ties with him, so be it.
CHAPTER
20
Dillon could hardly believe how charming McLaughlin’s was—not just the natural beauty of snowcapped mountains behind a clear blue lake, but the lodge and restaurant were rustic perfection. “I feel like I just stepped into another world,” she told Brandon as they waited outside for their table.
“I’m sorry that took so long.” The hostess led them to the patio. “But the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce is having lunch upstairs. They always meet here this time of the month. And that keeps us hopping.”
“No problem,” Dillon told her. “I can’t think of a more beautiful place to wait.”
“Here you go.” She stopped by a lakeside table set for two. “Enjoy.”
“This place is gorgeous.” Brandon slowly sat down, staring at the shimmering lake. “I hate to say it, Dillon, but I’m starting to imagine how Oregon could win me over from Colorado.”
“Really?” She wasn’t sure if that was good or bad news.
Brandon chuckled. “Just don’t tell my mom I said that.”
“How’s your mom?” She laid her napkin in her lap.
“She’s fine, which reminds me, she really misses you, Dillon.”
She felt a stab of guilt to think of his mother. Brenda Kranze would’ve made a wonderful mother-in-law. They’d immediately hit it off and, after a year of dating Brandon, Brenda had begun discussing wedding plans with Dillon. Like Dillon, she’d assumed a marriage was inevitable. Of course, Brandon’s dad was a different story. He was domineering and chauvinistic, and Dillon had never felt comfortable with him.
“Be sure and give your mom my best,” she told Brandon.
“She was pretty upset that you never told her goodbye, Dillon. You know how much she likes you.”
“Please, tell her I’m sorry about that . . . maybe you can explain how upset I was at the time. You know, losing my job and everything.” She sighed as she gazed over the pine-tree fringed lake, wishing she could put those memories to rest. “This is so lovely, Brandon. Thanks for bringing me here.”
“It really is special. Isn’t it?”
She waited as the hostess filled their water glasses. “Can I ask you a favor?”
“Sure. Anything,” he agreed.
“How about if we don’t talk about what went on in Colorado while we have lunch? Let’s not try to figure things out, or replay the past, or even try to predict the future. Let’s just be here and now. Okay?”
“Okay.” He lifted his water goblet to toast. “I’m totally down with that.”
She clinked her glass against his. “Thanks. It’s such a gorgeous day and a pretty place . . . I’d love to just enjoy it.”
“And the company is gorgeous too.” His brows arched. “I know you dislike compliments, Dillon, but I’m not kidding when I say you’ve never looked prettier. I don’t know what it is . . . Oregon, or being home with your family, or what, but you look more beautiful than ever.”
She felt her cheeks warm and quickly changed the subject by telling him about her swim classes. Even describing Chloe and Emma and how badly it started out with the troubled twins. “But then everything smoothed out. And now I just love those two little girls.”
“That’s just one more thing I admire about you, Dillon. You have such a gracious heart toward everyone.”
“Thank you.” Once again, she changed the topic. She told him all about her vintage trailer and how therapeutic it had been to restore it. She described how it had looked before and some of the tasks she’d performed to renovate it. She knew she was probably boring him, but he hid it well.
“I still can’t believe you’re so talented at restorations.”
“Thanks to all the DIY videos on the internet.”
As they ate, she told him about the pickup Grandpa was giving her and how she couldn’t wait to clean it up and make it shine. Of course, she didn’t mention it was an early birthday present. She didn’t want to remind him of that . . . didn’t want to give him any incentive to stick around longer than necessary. Already, she felt concerned he’d stayed too long. But at least he’d be back in the Springs by the end of the week.
To Dillon’s pleased surprise, their lunch date passed quickly and painlessly . . . and rather enjoyably. And the food was fabulous. By the end of the meal, she was almost having second thoughts about Brandon . . . almost. The drive back to town was quiet, but it didn’t feel like a strained silence. Finally, they were standing by her car in the swimming pool parking lot. “Thanks so much for a really enjoyable lunch,” she told him as she unlocked her car.
“Thank you,” he said brightly. “You made it that way.” His smile faded. “You’ve also made it harder than ever to tell you goodbye like I’d planned to do.”
“I’m sorry, Brandon.” She really did feel bad for hurting him. And her antagonism toward him had evaporated. “You know,” she said slowly, “I hope we’ll always be friends.”
He frowned. “I wish we could be more than that . . .”
“I know.” She nodded. “Don’t take it wrong, but I’m relieved not to hate you anymore.”
“You hated me?”
She shrugged. “Yeah, sort of. I mean I tried to forgive you. I told myself I’d forgiven you. But it didn’t happen all at once. I think I’m over it now.”
His smile returned. “Well, that’s a relief.”
“So what are your plans? When do you go back to the Springs?”
“Friday.” His eyes lit up. “Which means I’m here all day tomorrow for the Fourth festivities. I assume you’ll be around for it too. Right?”
“Of course.” She nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
“I heard there’s a really great dance in the evening. Any chance I can talk you into going with me?”
“Sorry.” She firmly shook her head. “I already have a date.”
His lower lip jutted out. “Let me guess. That hardware store dude who tried to give me painting lessons?”
She laughed. “Nope. I’m going with my old BFF. Chelsea Willits and I plan to go stag together.”