A Secret to Shatter by Katie O’Connor

Chapter Four

Honey strode up the sidewalk, her anklets and bracelets chiming, and her skirt floating out behind her with each brisk step. If she didn’t hurry, she was going to be late. Not good. She rounded the last corner and saw Ira up ahead. He leaned against a tan Jeep outside Tuscan Garden’s black cinderblock entry, just outside of the shade of its red and white striped awning. The outside of the restaurant’s plain façade gave away nothing to indicate the amazingly delicious taste delights to be found inside, reminding her of the old adage, it’s what’s inside that counts. In this case, the saying was true to the letter.

The frown on Ira’s face was disconcerting. She checked her watch, nope. Not late. Right on time. She’d cut it fine. She’d been caught up in a chat room conversation and didn’t want to leave while her new contact was freely sharing information. She’d made copious notes on the conversation, and would have to write her report later. If the man she’d been milking for information hadn’t signed off, she’d still be online. She would never risk losing the contact for a date, even if it meant losing the chance to date Ira. It had been too long since a man caught her attention. Still, her work was important. She was paid big money for what she did. It was of national, maybe international, importance.

“Ira,” she greeted him. “Sorry I’m running behind. I got caught up in my work. I hope I’m not too late.”

Like it had in the café earlier, his serious expression morphed into a sunny smile. “Not at all. You look lovely tonight.”

It was nice that he noticed the effort she’d put in. She’d showered and styled her hair right after work. Her blonde ringlets didn’t take any real effort. Ten minutes of flipping through her closet had led her to a floaty chiffon skirt in a bright teal and matching sparkly t-shirt. She knew the look perfectly straddled the line between casual and formal. She wanted to look like she’d made the effort to look nice, but not overdo it. Add in a lacy shawl and she was all set for an evening out.

“Thank you.” She smiled at his compliment. “You look great. Very handsome.” Handsome was an understatement. This was the first time she’d seen him out of fatigue style clothing. He wore black jeans, cowboy boots, and a neatly pressed shirt. “You’re starting to look like a rancher.”

“As opposed to…”

“I don’t know, a military man. Your short hair and beard and your usual clothing always made me think of the military. What did you do before coming to town?”

His deep laugh rang out, stealing her breath. He should laugh more often.

“I was a soldier. Canadian Armed Forces, most recently part of Operation CALUMET in the Sinai Peninsula. Good guess. And what do you do on the side, you mentioned extra work?”

“Nothing important. I get paid to do research on the internet. Business stuff. It’s dead boring.” Most of the time, her research was boring. Occasionally, like today, she hit on information which might be important to the Canadian government who paid her. When she got home, she’d do a bit of follow up on a couple potential leads. “Shall we go in?” She waved toward the door. “I’m starved. I forgot to eat lunch.”

Ira had made a reservation and they were quickly seated at a secluded table for two in the back. Honey loved eating here. Tuscan Gardens was designed to resemble an Italian garden with light grey stucco walls accented with sunny yellows and golds. Terra cotta flooring and statues of ancient heroes, gods and goddesses gave a classic feel. Sold wood tables were adorned with budding flowers in small vases. The room was divided into sections separated with high walls for a private, grotto-like feel. Faux grape vines clung to the lattice roof and were accentuated with live lemon trees in the small front windows.

She slid into the chair he held out for her and sighed happily.

Ira sat down and they listened to their teenage waiter recite the specials in a bored tone. When he finished, they ordered drinks and accepted the menus he thrust at them.

“I love this place,” Honey exclaimed. “The ambiance, the food, the staff, though that young man seemed distracted. I come here as often as I can. I’m glad you suggested it. Some day, I want to go to Italy. Actually, I want to tour Europe.”

“All of Europe? That’s a big dream.” He grinned.

“Okay, maybe not all at once. But Greece and Italy for sure. I haven’t seen much of the world beyond Canada and the United States. I want to see it all. England, Scotland, Mexico, Africa. Oh! Russia. I’d love to go there.” She sighed again. “Some day, when I have more time and money. You must have seen a lot of the world as a soldier.”

“Not me. I went where I was sent. Very little time for tourism in Afghanistan or Egypt. I would like to travel as a civilian.”

“What’s first on your list?”

He looked thoughtful. “Bora Bora. Those little huts on the water look incredible. I’m a decent swimmer and I’d love to explore.”

“That would be amazing. Except, I don’t swim. I never learned.”

“Well, if we ever decide to go, you can take lessons first.”

We? That was one big slip. “Smart.” She offered the one-word response rather than analyze what was probably nothing more than a slip of the tongue. They didn’t even know each other, so he definitely wasn’t thinking of traveling together. Her mind was leaping ahead to places it shouldn’t go. This wasn’t like her. She was solid and logical, not some romance crazy woman with her head stuck in romance land. Still, she couldn’t stop herself from ticking off ‘wants to travel’ from her perfect man checklist, along with outgoing, friendly, and attractive.

Before she had seen Ira for the first time, she wasn’t much on beards, but sitting here she decided she could definitely get used to his. Short and neatly trimmed, it gave him a rugged appeal while still being well groomed. She wondered how it would feel against her fingers, or her lips when they kissed.

Whoa! You’re getting way ahead of yourself, girl.

She snatched up the menu she had long ago committed to memory. “What are you going to have?” she blurted.

If Ira noticed the abrupt change of subject, he didn’t mention it. “I’m not sure. I’ve only been here once. It’s not exactly the type of place you visit alone. It’s more a date place. If you know what I mean.”

Honey laughed. “I do. Sometimes I come here with Lacy, from work, since neither of us is in a serious relationship right now. How about you? Married? Engaged? Dating?” She wanted to snatch the words back as soon as she uttered them.

His menu thumped down on the table and he stared at her. “Do you actually believe I’d ask you on a date if I were in a relationship?”

She winced. “No?”

“Don’t sound so certain. No, Honey Dalton. I am not in a relationship, serious or casual, with anyone. Male or female. I am fully, one hundred percent, completely and entirely single and without offspring.” His tone rode the line between joking and serious.

“Sorry if I offended you. A girl can’t be too careful. I had a friend at college who ended up dating an instructor. A married instructor. She had no idea. He certainly never mentioned having a wife.”

“No offense taken. And what about you? Are you in a relationship?” The words were soft and unoffensive.

She didn’t hesitate to answer the question. Might as well start their relationship with truth. “No. I haven’t dated since my ex, over a year ago, and it only lasted a couple months. Does this mean we’re good?”

“All good.”

Relief rushed over her. He was single. She was single. They were on a date. Everything was fine. “What brings you to Coyote Creek?”

Ira flushed and looked away. He swallowed hard and looked back at her, not quite meeting her eyes. “A change of pace I guess.”

She sensed the evasion in his words was related to his relationship with Robert. “Well, this place is a big change from the army, that’s for certain. Why did you leave the military? You’re still young.”

“I would have been content to be a career soldier, maybe morphing into an instructor as I got older. I was discharged.”

“Honorably?” She winced as the near accusation came out.

“Yes. Honorably. A medical discharge.” His tone was dry, but he didn’t seem offended.

“Can I ask why a medical discharge?”

“I was injured in the line of duty.”

She almost heard the door slam shut on their conversation. He did not want to have this conversation. She tabled the discussion for later. He had a right to his privacy and if he had planned on a long military career, an abrupt discharge might be a sensitive subject.

“Tell me about your family,” she offered instead.

“I’m an only child. I never knew my father and my mother passed away about a year ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Why? It’s not your fault.”

This was rapidly becoming the most awkward first date conversation she ever had. “Not my fault, that’s true. Which doesn’t mean I can’t empathize. It would be awful to lose your military brothers and your entire family. The losses must have left a big hole in your life.”

“It did. Thanks for the sympathy. Tell me about your family,” Ira said.

“Nothing to tell. My parents died in an accident when I was in university. No siblings, just a few good friends who are like sisters to me. Recently, I lost a dear friend. Tilly Everett. She was an elderly lady, kind of a shut in. We used to visit every week. She was my surrogate grandmother.”

“That’s a shame. Sorry for your loss.”

“I’ll miss her, but I’m hoping her granddaughter will decide to stay in town and take her place. Before she fell ill, Tilly ran a private hotel. Kind of hotel meets B&B. When her granddaughter arrives, I’ll be here to welcome her to town and share stories.”

“Very generous of you.”

“It’s what friends do. I’ve lost an old friend, but I’m hoping to make a new one. You can never have too many friends.”

“I guess.”

“You disagree?”

“I was a loner in high school and joined the army the day I turned eighteen.”

“Wow, that’s so young.”

“It didn’t feel young. But looking back, eight years later, I was young, and naïve. But I don’t regret serving my country. Not in the slightest. I’d do it again. In a heartbeat.” His voice rang with pride.

“As a Canadian, I thank you for your service. I’m sorry you were injured.” She reached across the table and rested her hand on top of his. The simple words and gesture couldn’t possibly convey the depth of her gratitude. War was ugly. Political battles were no better. Military service was taxing emotionally and physically. Sadly, it needed to be done. She was grateful for everyone who put themselves on the line for others. Police officers, doctors, medics, firemen, and most of all soldiers.

“Why the military?” she asked.

“I wanted to make a difference. Do something important. Mom was a lawyer, she worked for a company that did a lot of pro bono work with poor people. Custody fights mostly. It was honorable work, but to my mind, dead-ass boring. I knew I couldn’t handle being boxed up indoors all day. The army seemed a reasonable option.” He slid his hand from hers and focused his attention on his menu.

He seemed uncomfortable with their discussion.

“And now, you’re going to work for Robert. That’ll be a change of pace for sure.”

“I think I’ll enjoy it. Physical labor. Necessary work. The outdoors. The Flints have a reputation for honesty and kindness. Robert should be okay to work for. I haven’t met the rest of the family. Just Sue. I’ve talked to Carl at the garage. I guess there’s a bunch more.”

“Eight kids altogether. Five boys. Three girls. All in town, except Beth. She’s away at university studying nursing.”

“Cool. I’m sure I’ll meet them all, in time.”

“This is a small town, I’m sure you will.” Especially since, if she interpreted the overheard discussion correctly, he was Robert’s son. She certainly wasn’t going to mention it. Instead, she glanced at the menu, closed it and declared, “I’m having the vegetarian pasta sampler with a skewer of grilled shrimp.”

“Doesn’t that contradict itself? Vegetarian and seafood?” He lifted one brow.

“Maybe.” She chuckled. “I’m not vegetarian. I don’t eat a lot of meat, but I get enough protein. I’m addicted to shrimp, though. I could eat it every day. I used to follow the Canada Food Guide Pyramid. You know, the government sanctioned eating guidelines. Not so much anymore. Too many carbs can be as bad as too much fat. I think everyone needs to listen to their body and do their own thing. I’m nutritionally balanced, but I’d never pass up a slice of pie. Ever.”

“I like your attitude. And I’m glad you’re not vegetarian. I wouldn’t want to justify my order of the twenty-ounce ribeye steak.”

“I’ll let you order that heart stopper on one condition.” She tried to keep from smirking.

“Why does your grin bother me?” He asked. “What’s the condition?”

“That you give me a bite, of course.”

They were still laughing when the server returned to take their order.