Chapter 6

May 2004

The Three Spoons was a southern-themed diner known for its grits. Anna’s head was throbbing, and she could smell alcohol oozing out of her pores. Her stomach churned with acid. She ordered a Coke, unable to stomach looking at the menu until she had downed it and ordered another. Stomach settling, she chose eggs benedict with a side of homemade corned beef hash. James ordered a cheese omelet, grits, and crispy bacon. They sat quietly, nursing their wounds.

The food arrived quickly. The eggs benedict’s creamy, buttery texture was like a velvet lining in Anna’s acid-washed stomach. The hash was perfectly salty and had just the right amount of crispiness on the edges. She devoured it as though she’d been deprived of food for days. Sated, her eyes travelled up to James’ face. He was gazing at her as he slowly consumed his bacon, amusement in his eyes.

“Feel better?”

Anna leaned back in her chair and groaned.

“That meal just saved my life.” She patted her full tummy and hid a burp behind her hand. James was still watching her, a twinkle in his eye. She blushed. “I do have manners; I just haven’t been able to find them since arriving at the bar last night. Excuse me.”

“I like that you’re comfortable.” James’ eyes were full of warmth. Anna cued the waitress to bring coffee. She sipped it as she watched James savor every morsel of his food. When the check came, Anna reached into her purse.

“Put your money away, Anna Lazos, it’s no good here.”

Anna studied James. There was something about his impish smile, the deep rumbling laughter and those piercing, intelligent eyes. Their conversation had come easily, the topics flowing from one to another without any awkward gaps. Anna was working up the nerve to ask for his number when James leaned across the table, pulled her hands into his, and said, “So, what are we doing today?”