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Upstairs Downstairs Baby (Sweet Tea And Scandal 1)

Page 13

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The hostess led them to a table that overlooked the water. Although called a creek, the average width of the Wappoo was ninety feet. It connected the intracoastal waterways around Charleston. Beyond the weathered wooden railing extended a dock, where several small boats were tied.

Linc settled into his chair, looking completely at home in the casual atmosphere. “I didn’t realize they had a dock,” he said. “Next time we should come by boat.” He noticed her looking at him and cocked an eyebrow. “What?”

“You look like you fit right in.”

“Why shouldn’t I?”

“This place is a little more casual than what I imagine you’re used to.”

“You forget I didn’t always have money. In fact, I waited tables at a place very much like this the summer before my senior year of high school.”

“I have a hard time picturing you waiting tables.”

“Why?”

She was used to thinking about him as someone she took care of. It was hard to imagine him taking orders and schlepping food.

“You don’t really seem the sort.”

“The money was good.” He paused and regarded her with a slight frown. “I know what it’s like to struggle and worry about taking care of my family.”

“I know.” But she couldn’t picture him as desperate or poor.

“I didn’t go to private school. My mom worked hard to take care of Sawyer and me. When I got old enough to pitch in and help, I did.” As he spoke, his gaze grew more piercing. “So you see, we’re not so different. If I hadn’t been good enough to make it in the majors, our paths might’ve crossed in a restaurant instead.” He frowned thoughtfully.

While she wondered what had prompted his change in mood, a waiter approached to take their drink order. When she ordered a lemonade, Linc shook his head.

“What about a glass of wine?” he prompted. “We’re celebrating, remember?”

She wasn’t sure alcohol was a good idea but didn’t want to disappoint him. “What are you having?”

“I’m going to have a beer.”

“Make it two.” She turned her attention to the menu. “This all looks delicious.”

“Is there anything in particular you had in mind?”

“They’re known for their steampots,” she pointed out, noting there were six to choose from.

“Let’s get the Battery Street Bucket.”

Naturally, he’d pick the most expensive dish on the menu. Her mouth watered as she scanned what all was included. In addition to shrimp and sausage, the pot contained both Alaskan snow and king crab as well as lobster. It was something she’d never have been able to afford, but since Linc insisted they were celebrating, Claire nodded.

“And how about a dozen raw oysters to start?” he prompted.

“Why not.”

When the waiter returned with their drinks, Linc placed their order and Claire selected macaroni and cheese for Honey. Linc insisted they needed a side of hush puppies as well. She laughed as she contemplated how they were going to get through so much food.

“You must be hungry.”

“I worked up an appetite at the batting cages with Knox this afternoon.” Linc took a long pull from his beer and set the bottle down. “He seems to think that I need the practice because of my end-of-season slump.”

“He should be nicer to you. Doesn’t he realize you were under a lot of pressure this year because of what was going on in your personal life?”

Linc snorted. “No one cares.”

“That’s not fair.”



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