“You’re not working today?” Even as he spoke, Cameron stepped forward, casting a glance at the five tables out front, four of them occupied.
The man at the podium smiled broadly when he saw Cameron. “Mr. Driskill. It’s good to see you. Will you and your lovely companion be joining us for lunch today?”
“What’s with this Mr. Driskill stuff, George? It’s Cameron. Yes, we will be having lunch. Do you have a table for us outside?”
“For you, of course.” George led them to a table, leaning over to scoop up the reserved sign before pulling out June’s chair.
He handed one of the menus tucked under his arm to June and the other to Cameron. “I’ll send Angi right over.”
Angi, a dark-haired woman in her midforties, was tableside before June had a chance to say a word or open the menu. “What can I get you to drink?”
Cameron glanced at June.
“Perrier, please.”
“I’ll have the same.”
After telling them the lunch special, Angi hurried off.
“I’m considering the seared salmon,” June told Cameron, not wanting to think too much. She had enough on her mind without worrying about what to order.
The words had barely left her lips when Angi returned with their drinks.
“We’ll both have the special,” Cameron told Angi.
“Good choice.” She nodded approval. “It should be out shortly.”
“No rush.” Cameron hesitated, then glanced at June. “Unless you’re in a hurry?”
“No rush,” she assured him.
Cameron poured his water into a glass so clean it sparkled in the sunlight and inclined his head. “Are you off today?”
“I am. I banked my time while in France and took this month off.” June wiped the condensation off her glass with her thumb. “My mother suffers from depression. I returned to Denver for many reasons, wanting to be close to her being the biggest factor.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Having you nearby should be a comfort.” Reaching across the table, he gave her hand a squeeze. “If there’s ever anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask.”
The touch of his hand and the kindness in his eyes were nearly her undoing. Then she reminded herself that her mother’s depression was directly related to Aubrey’s death.
This is your moment. Ask him now.
She took a sip of her water and tried to push away her fears. He couldn’t be involved. If he saw something, he would have come forward. He won’t think you’ve been using him. He’s a good man who will understand.
June set down her glass. “Well, actually, I—”
“I apologize for interrupting.” George paused tableside. “I want to make sure everything is satisfactory with your table.”
“It’s wonderful, as always,” Cameron assured him. “I’m glad you stopped over. You were busy when we arrived, and I didn’t have a chance to introduce my companion, Ms. Juin Dion. Juin and I became acquainted when I was in Paris.” Cameron smiled at her. “Juin, this is Mr. George Frerichs. George is the owner of this fine establishment and a huge Colorado Grizzlies fan.”
“I’m a fan, too.” June offered the man a smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Frerichs.”
“Please, call me George.” George returned her smile. “The pleasure is mine.”
“You must call me Juin.”
George gestured with his head. “This man is a good one, Juin.”
She smiled at Cameron. “I think so.”