Megan stepped forward to greet the youngest and tallest of the group. The thick waves of his inky black hair hinted at threads of gray. His large hand enveloped hers. “It is a pleasure.”
Megan released Jorge’s hand. “It’s good to meet you as well.”
“How long are you gentlemen staying?” Ramona made the question sound natural.
Jorge responded for the group. “This is just a day trip.”
“A day?” Ramona sounded surprised. “Trinity Falls may be small, but you won’t get to see much in one day.”
Megan felt Ean’s eyes on her. She turned to him. Tell me they’re not here to ask you to return to New York.
Ean smiled and cupped her cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
Megan’s breath caught in her throat. She’d gotten a brush-off when she’d needed reassurance.
“Enjoy your lunch.” She led Ramona back to their table.
Their server, a young man in need of a haircut, appeared. He traded a basket of fresh rolls for their drink orders. They both asked for iced tea with lemon, then he left.
Ramona opened her menu. “Breathe.”
“What?” Megan’s thoughts were spinning so fast. She would either pass out or throw up.
“You’re turning blue.” Ramona lowered her menu. “What’s wrong?”
Breathe in. Breathe out.
The restaurant was full. A quick look around confirmed Megan’s suspicions. Most of the diners were looking from Ean, to his visitors, to her and back again. Their attention skittered away when they saw her watching them.
“What’s wrong?” Megan struggled for composure. “Do you really think Ean’s former bosses flew in from New York just to visit Trinity Falls, Ohio?”
“No-o-o.” Ramona gave the simple word a few extra syllables. “But why do you think they’re here?”
“It’s obvious. They want Ean to return to New York.”
Ramona frowned. “How is that obvious?”
Beneath the table, Megan clenched her fists to stop their trembling. “Why else are they wearing Lord and Taylor suits? This isn’t a visit. It’s a business meeting.”
Ramona slid a look across the aisle toward the table of very well-dressed men. “They do look fine.”
“Focus.” Megan’s hands itched to shake her cousin.
“What?” Ramona gave Megan her full, wide-eyed attention. “Just because his former bosses are here doesn’t mean they’re trying to get him back.”
“Then why are they here?”
Ramona continued. “And even if they were trying to talk him into returning to the firm, that doesn’t mean he would. He’s in love with you.”
Shock punched her in the gut. Megan sucked in a breath. “How do you know?”
Ramona rolled her ebony eyes. “I’m not blind.”
Megan had hoped for a stronger endorsement, perhaps something like, I can see it on his face. I could hear it in his voice; He told me.
Their server returned with their drinks and took their meal requests. Ramona asked for the grilled salmon and Caesar salad. Megan picked the chicken noodle soup and sandwich at random.
Megan sweetened her iced tea. “I know Ean cares about me, but does he care enough to stay in Trinity Falls?”