Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans Page B

toward her.
    â€œJan!”
    â€œHi, sweetie. Wow, you look as bubbly as a shaken soda. Where’d you get all that energy?”
    â€œI’m celiac,” she said.
    â€œYou’re what?”
    â€œShe’s allergic to wheat,” I said. “I’ve made a list for you of things she can eat. Will it be a problem if we’re out late?”
    â€œNo worries, Mrs. C. I’ve got an essay I need to write.”
    â€œWanna play with Molly?” Charlotte asked.
    Jan grabbed her hand. “You know I do.”
    The two of them ran off. I went and checked myself in the mirror again, and a few minutes later Matthew’s car pulled into the driveway. He came to the door holding a small bouquet of flowers that he surrendered to me.
    â€œGerbera daisies,” I said. “I love Gerbera daisies. Thank you. Let me put them in some water. Come in.”
    While he was waiting for me, Charlotte walked back out to the door dragging Jan behind her. “This is my Mom’s new friend. Hi, Mr. Matthew.”
    â€œHello, Miss Charlotte,” Matthew said.
    â€œI’m Jan,” Jan said. “Charlotte’s babysitter.”
    â€œSo you’re Jan,” he said with a slight lilt. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
    â€œReally? From whom?”
    There was an awkward pause, then he said to Charlotte, “I brought you something. Do you like peanut butter cups?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIt’s all yours. Gluten-free.”
    â€œThank you, Mr. Matthew.”
    â€œYou two have a good night. It’s nice to meet you, Jan.”
    I put the flowers in a vase, then walked back out. “Jan, we’ll be leaving now. Bedtime is nine.”
    â€œHave fun,” she said. “Don’t worry about a thing.”
    â€œAre you taking my mommy to dinner?” Charlotte asked Matthew.
    He crouched down to her height. “Yes, I am. Is that okay?”
    â€œDon’t make her cry.”
    â€œOkay,” I said, “that’s enough of that.”
    Matthew winked at her. “I promise I’ll try not to.”
    â€œGood night, honey,” I said, and kissed her. “Go to bed when Jan tells you.”
    Matthew and I walked out to his car. “Sorry about that,” I said when the door shut. “She’s a little protective.”
    â€œI wonder where she gets that,” he said.
    â€œSo bribing the child with candy. Trying to make her like you?”
    â€œWhatever works.”
    â€œOh, by the way,” I said. “Don’t make me cry.”
    He grinned. “I’ll do my best.” He opened my door, then walked around and climbed in. “I hope you’re hungry. I made reservations at a little place called the Five Alls.”
    I looked at him with surprise. “That’s my favorite restaurant.”
    â€œGood,” he said. “Then if my company stinks, at least you’ll enjoy the food.”

    The Five Alls is a charming English-themed restaurant off Foothill Drive on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley. It was the backdrop to some of my fondest memories: my first prom, Marc and my engagement, our first anniversary, and Charlotte’s first day of school.
    The hostess sat us at a small table for two in a secluded back room near a fireplace.
    â€œIn all the years I’ve been coming here, I’ve never sat back here,” I said.
    â€œIt’s a bit more private,” he said. “Perfect for talking.”
    A few moments later a waitress walked back to our table. She was immediately attracted to Matthew. “My name is Samantha, I’ll be taking care of you tonight,” she said, looking only at him.
    You wish
, I thought.
    â€œHello, Samantha,” Matthew said. “So what’s good tonight?”
    â€œIt’s all good,” she said. “Here are your menus. We have a few specials tonight. The Halibut Oscar, with crab and Hollandaise sauce, is one of my