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respond, the maître ‘d approached to show them to their table. It was situated in a corner of the restaurant with tropical plants around three sides of the table. Sitting down, a waiter came up to place a linen napkin on Beth’s lap. He did the same for Bryce, handed them menus and took their drink orders. Then he departed.
    Beth looked around. “Pretty private back here. Was this on purpose?”
    Bryce put down his menu and nodded at her.
    They just looked at each other for a long minute. He looks so handsome wearing that great dark blue suit, white shirt and bright red tie. But then he could always look good in whatever he was wearing… When she caught a whiff of his aftershave, the same as he had always worn, Beth sat up straighter and cleared her throat.
    “Why did you want to see me, Bryce?”
    “I know I can’t change anything that’s happened, Beth, but…”
    She shook her head. “I told you – No sappy apologies.”
    “…But you deserve one. A good one, that is, not a sappy one… I’m sorry, Beth for leaving… I should have talked to you more… Told you what was going on with me.”
    “And you can talk to me now?” He nodded.
    He brought her up-to-date with Sheriff Ibarra’s visit and what he’d read in his father’s logbook. Explaining how it had all affected him, she smiled slightly.
    “You’re just now trying to come to terms with your father’s death?”
    “…It looks that way.”
    The waiter arrived with their drinks and wanted to explain the specials.
    “Have you had time to look at the menu?”
    “No,” said Bryce. “Please give us a few more minutes.” And the waiter left.
     
    He picked up his menu again and hid behind it, while talking to her. He mumbled something with only the top of his head showing. It made her laugh…
    “…Silly… What are you doing? And speak up…”
    Bryce put down the menu to show her the big smile on his face. “Yes, ma’am. What looks good this evening?”
    They spoke casually and generally throughout the elegant dinner. With candles, linen tablecloth and fine wine, Beth’s mood progressively brightened. By the time she was spooning her lemon gelato, she was in a better mood.
    “This actually hasn’t been as bad as I thought it would be.”
    “Thanks a lot,” laughed Bryce. “You’re cutting me to the quick here.”
    Beth laughed back at him. “And now that we’ve broken the ice, tell me why I’m really here. Instead of your girlfriend, I might add.”
    Bryce ran a hand through his hair and blew out a breath. He looked her in the eye.
    “I realize it was shitty of me to leave like I did… And I really wanted to see you.” She gulped. “It was difficult for you when I left, I know, because it was incredibly difficult for me too.”
    Tears came to her eyes, but he needed to continue.
    “You know, Beth, my life has just kind of rolled along for a long time now. Then, in the space of a few days, a buyout soured that I did recently, you came to town and so did Dan Ibarra. I’ve literally been knocked out of my comfort zone.”
    “… And Sylvia?”
    “I think we’re running out of gas. If I change one tiny bit, she’s going to head for the hills.”
    “Change how?”
    “I’m starting to regret my hard-charging persona. It’s going to affect everything in my life, including my wallet. Sylvia appreciates a fat wallet.”
    “You look prosperous enough…”
    “Yeah, I’ve put a lot aside, but if my career dims, she’ll take off.”
    She cocked her head at him.
    “You sound all right with that.”
    He thought about that for a minute. “Yeah, I think I am. What I’m heading into isn’t going to be for the faint of heart.” He smoothed the napkin in his lap. “She’ll do all right – She’s a pretty girl.”
    Beth stifled a yawn and then looked embarrassed. “No, I’m not bored. I need to get some rest – It’s been a good tour, but it’s tiring.”
    “How long will you be in town, Beth?”
    “Why?”
    “I’d