Free Package Deal by Chris Chegri Page A

him.
    They looked over the menu, ordered their entrées and relaxed in comfortable silence, watching the candle flicker in the breeze. The sun sank lower in the west, splashing the darkening sky with watercolor shades of pink, orange, and red. Kelly could only imagine how beautiful the sunrise over the water must be and promised herself to wake up early the next morning to find out. At last darkness enveloped them, and far off the coast, the lights of several shrimp boats glowed, defining the now invisible horizon.
    Kelly squinted, focusing on the tiny lights dotting the horizon. “It’s so beautiful,” she exclaimed.
    “Standard stuff around here, but I never get tired of it.”
    The waiter brought her wine and Steve’s beer.
    “I think you’ll enjoy the food, too.” Steve raised his beer bottle in a toast. “To your new job, new home, and new friends.”
    “To new memories,” she whispered under her breath, shadows moving across her heart.
    “I’m glad you came down to the Cape today,” Steve told her. “It must have been destiny. Next time I see Ted Willis, I’ll have to thank him for scaring you into it.”
    Destiny? She sat quietly, an uncomfortable band of tightness spreading across her chest. She wasn’t sure how to respond.
    After an awkward moment, Steve said, “So, do you have a photo of Lacy?”
    Kelly was pleased he’d remembered her daughter’s name. “I do. I’ve got a wallet-size first grade mug shot. Not the best photography. I could have taken it myself.”
    She dug in her purse and pulled out a small photo of her daughter. She studied the picture for a moment then touched Lacy’s face with a gentle finger stroke. Lacy meant everything to her. She looked up at Steve, smiled and handed him the photo.
    He looked at the school portrait and grinned. “Wow. She’s cute. Ear-to-ear grin and no front teeth. She looks just like you. How’d that happen?” he teased.
    “My gene pool won out.” Thank God.
    “Your ex must be a proud daddy.”
    His remark stung Kelly. “He doesn’t care. She’s only six, but he hasn’t seen her in four years. I doubt he’d even recognize her if he saw her.” Bitterness sharpened her words. “He left us before she was born.” She struggled to hide her resentment but did a lousy job.
    Steve sat back in his chair, smile gone. “Sorry I asked.”
    “No, it’s okay. It’s his loss. Lacy’s a great kid. Someday he’ll be sorry.”
    “I think her mom is pretty great, too,” Steve said, giving her a warm smile.
    She sensed he was being cautious. “Thanks.” She hated revealing her pain, but she couldn’t always control it. “Guess I’m an open book tonight. Sorry to bore you with my life drama.” She forced a smile for his sake.
    Steve reached over and covered her hand with his. “Things work out, Kelly. Really they do. I’m sure you’re a great mom. Good enough to fill his spot, too.”
    His warm hand and kind words soothed her. Still, she was relieved when the waiter returned with their dinner.
    Steve gave her a gentle pat, and she sat back in her chair, allowing the waiter space to set the plate in front of her. Blackened Mahi Mahi with vanilla sauce. It sounded delectable. She took a bite and chewed, savoring the moist, spicy fish.
    “How is it?” Steve tried his stuffed flounder.
    “It’s delicious but pretty spicy,” Kelly said between flaky morsels.
    “I should have warned you. Blackened fish has quite a kick. Maybe the wine will help.”
    Hick-up! Startled, she gasped then hiccupped again and covered her mouth. “Oh no!”
    Steve smiled—as if nothing had happened—but when another hiccup flew from her mouth, he glanced around the patio at the other tables.
    Mortified, Kelly said, “Sorry. I’ve never eaten anything blackened before. I didn’t know it would be so hot—”
    Hick-up !
    Steve laughed. “You’re full of surprises, Pearson.” He grinned so hard his dimple disappeared.
    “Gee, I’m sorry, but I can’t