Olivia glanced at him. “He’s in my general biology class.”
The menu provided tempting descriptions of the restaurant’s offerings, including roasted chicken, wood-fired steak, rosemary salmon, and baked lemon tilapia. When he’d come here with Benita, he’d ordered the chicken or the salmon. Benita had ordered either the steak or tilapia. They would give each other samples of their meal. What would Olivia order?
Carl appeared out of nowhere. The sophomore had been born and raised in Trinity Falls. “Hey, Docs. Welcome to TF Cuisine. It’s good to see you here.”
“Hi, Carl. How are you?” Olivia’s warmth for her students was undeniable.
“I’m fine, Doctor Stark. Thanks.” He waved his order pad back and forth between them. “How are you guys?”
Vaughn chuckled at the sophomore’s energy. “I’m fine, Carl. Thanks.”
“Hey, Doctor Brooks, will the concert band be performing for your musical?” The clarinet player bounced on his toes.
Vaughn nodded. “Those band members who are interested in participating are welcomed to perform.”
“Hey, cool.” He waved his order pad again. “What can I get you guys to drink?”
Vaughn asked for iced tea with lemon. Olivia requested ice water with lemon.
As Carl vanished to get their beverages, Vaughn turned his attention to his date.
Olivia’s clingy black minidress made her look cool and classy. Her long, shapely legs looked even longer in three-inch black stilettos that brought her closer to his height. Light cosmetics highlighted her cheekbones and added smoky accents to her dark eyes. She was undeniably beautiful, brilliant, and interesting. But just like during their lunch date last week, Vaughn didn’t feel anything beyond a surface attraction. There was none of the curiosity, enthusiasm, or heat he experienced every time he sat in the same room with Benita. Maybe he needed to give them more time.
They chatted about their week, their students, and the restaurant while they waited for Carl to return. The young server brought their drinks, then took their order. They both requested the chicken. Why did that disappoint him?
Olivia sipped her water. “What did you think of the movie?”
He’d been dreading her question. She’d picked the romantic comedy although he’d insisted on paying. “It was entertaining.”
Olivia laughed. “You hated it.”
Vaughn shifted in his seat, embarrassed to be caught even in a social lie. “‘Hate’ is too strong of a term.”
“All right.” Olivia inclined her head. “Why did you dislike it so intensely?”
“Humor is very subjective.” Vaughn offered a sheepish grin.
Her eyes widened. “You didn’t think the dance sequence was funny?”
Vaughn shook his head. “No.”
“What about when the hero met the heroine’s friends?”
“No.”
“That cooking scene was hilarious.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
Olivia’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Come on. There must have been one scene in that movie that you liked.”
Vaughn pretended to consider her question. “The editors did a great job with the end credits.”
“Oh, that’s unkind.” She laughed even harder. She had a great laugh. “What kind of movies do you enjoy?”
“Action adventure. Doesn’t everyone?” Vaughn was relieved that Olivia was taking his criticism of her movie choice so well. Benita often tried to bully him into agreeing with her. He didn’t always share her opinion of a film. But then she would never suggest they spend money on a romantic comedy, thank goodness.
Olivia arched a sculpted eyebrow. “Name one of your favorite movies.”