Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
I stop listening.
Casein is the protein found in cheese. Lactose is the sugar found in cheese. Both of them can cause problems. I know all about it.
Does Stephen actually eat anything?
I finish my salad in silence. Both Sage and Gina seem a lot more enraptured with Stephen and his knowledge on diet, exercise, and spirituality than I am.
Fine by me.
The server comes to whisk my salad plate away, and then another one comes with two bottles of wine. “Would you like wine this evening?” she asks.
“Which do you recommend with dinner?” I ask.
“Either one will go great,” she says. “It’s really up to you. We have the Ruby blend from Steel Vineyards, which is similar to a Côtes du Rhône with Syrah and Grenache, and then we have Steel Vineyards Chardonnay, which is lightly oaked.”
“I’ll try the red,” I say. “Thank you.”
She smiles as she pours my glass. “Excellent choice.”
She turns to Gina and Sage next, and they both choose the red as well.
Then to Stephen. “Sir?”
“Are these wines organic?” he asks.
Uh…didn’t he tell me earlier that he doesn’t drink?
I can’t help my eye roll. Luckily he’s not looking at me.
“All of my dad’s wines are organic and biodynamic,” Gina answers.
“Your father’s wines?”
“Yeah. He’s retired now, and my cousin Dale runs the winery and vineyard, but his wines have always been organic and grown biodynamically.”
“That’s amazing,” he says.
“Which would you like to try, sir?” the server asks again.
“Oh, I don’t drink,” Stephen replies.
The server cocks her head slightly. “All right.”
Why did he ask anyway? I hold back a scoff.
Once we all have a full glass of wine, except Stephen, who’s drinking water—is he going to ask what Rocky Mountain spring it came from?—Sage lifts her glass.
“There will be a lot of toasts after dinner,” she says, “but I’d just like to toast to the four of us. Stephen, it’s great to have you here. I’ll be in to sample your services as soon as I can. According to Gina and Tabitha, you’re amazing.”
We clink our glasses.
“Thank you,” Stephen says.
“And you, Tabitha.” Sage raises her glass again. “I’m so glad to get to know you better. You’ve been such a great friend to my twin.”
My cheeks warm a bit as I clink my glass to hers. “Angie’s one of the best friends I’ve ever had,” I say. “It’s my pleasure to be here and be a part of her special day.”
“And”—Sage lifts her glass again—“because I don’t want you to feel left out, to Gina. And your art exhibit in Grand Junction next week.”
“Thanks, cuz,” Gina says.
“Art exhibit?” Stephen asks.
Oh God. He’s going to ask if she uses only organic paint or something. Is that even a thing?
“Yeah,” Sage answers for her. “Gina is a very talented artist. She’s still in grad school, but she snagged a show at a gallery in Grand Junction. It opens next week.”
“Wonderful,” Stephen says. “What kind of art?”
“I’m a painter, mostly,” Gina says. “Oils, a few watercolors. I’ve tried my hand at sculpting, but it doesn’t seem to be my jam.”
“And what do you paint?” he asks.
“My work is rather eclectic,” Gina says. “I love painting portraits, but I also love delving into the abstract.”
“Please give me the information on your showing,” he says. “I’d love to be there.”
Gina’s cheeks redden. “Of course. I’d love to have you there.”
Stephen’s brazen flirtations with both Sage and Gina should bother me, but I couldn’t give less of a flying fuck. They can have him for all I care.
That would free me up for—
No. I’m not going to give Henry a second thought.
We had our fun. It’s over now.
Stephen is a nice enough guy, but he’s hardly boyfriend material. At least for me. And he’s keeping the conversation with Gina and Sage afloat better than I would be on my own.
The servers appear with our plated dinners. Steel beef is the main course, of course—a bacon-wrapped filet paired with roasted asparagus, garlic and Parmesan mashed potatoes, and spiced peach chutney.
Stephen inhales. “It all smells delicious.”
“It does,” I agree.
I cut off a bite of my filet mignon and bring it to my lips. I can’t help a soft moan.
“Was it something I said?” Stephen asks jovially.
“Sorry. This might be the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth.” Yeah, I said that about the crouton at lunch, but this is another whole level.
“That’s what she said!” Sage laughs.
Yeah, they’re laughing at me, but I’m still on this velvety bite of beef in my mouth. It’s perfectly savory, and the bacon adds just a touch of smokiness.
Maybe I was wrong about Steel beef. Maybe there is something special about it.
Of course, there’s another piece of Steel beef—Simpson beef, technically—I wouldn’t mind another taste of.
But it’s not on the menu. Not now, not ever.
“So, Stephen…” Gina says.
“Yes?”
“What do you know about Reiki?”