Stacy’s face lit up and she clapped her hands together.
“I’ve seen you both on television. You’re running for governor. I’m going to vote for you. Whenever I see you, you both look so glamorous, such a beautiful couple. Your daughter could be a model. Has she thought about that? Because she could be if she wanted to. Or is she going to be a doctor like you, Maddie?”
Amanda was a subject that Maddie could easily talk about. She was proud of her daughter and wasn’t afraid to let it show.
“Yes, she wants to be a doctor, and I think she’s beautiful, too.”
Greg waved them toward the table and chairs.
“Let’s all sit down and get to know one another. We have so much to talk about.”
They sat down and immediately a waitress came to the table to take their orders. Maddie and Tanner had been to this restaurant many times, so they ordered their usual which was always good. Her father and Gwen ordered as well, but Stacy seemed indecisive.
“I’m just not sure. I don’t know what’s good.” Her smile widened. “I know what I’ll do. I’ll have what Maddie’s having. I’m sure it’s the best thing on the menu since she has such amazing taste. We’ll have the same lunch. Just like sisters.”
Not ever having a sibling, Maddie didn’t know whether having a matching lunch was a thing in a family. Sherry had a brother, and they never ate the same thing in a restaurant, but then Larry thought that cheeseburgers were the height of cuisine, along with a side of onion rings and a chocolate shake. Bonus points if he got to deliver his order into a clown’s mouth.
“I love your blouse,” Stacy gushed. “Where did you get?”
“I don’t remember,” Maddie admitted. “I’ve had it for years. Maybe…Chicago? I’m really not sure.”
“You have such an eye for fashion,” Stacy replied. “That color is perfect on you. It would look terrible on me. What color do you think I should wear?”
Maddie didn’t have a clue. When she went shopping, which was rare, she took Sherry with her so her friend could pick out the clothes. If Maddie was left to her own devices, she’d wear yoga pants and one of Tanner’s old t-shirts.
Luckily, Tanner came to her rescue before she had to try handing out fashion tips.
“What is it that you do, Stacy?” he asked.
“Nothing as fancy as what you all do,” she said with a laugh. “I’m the assistant to the head accountant at a local firm in the town where I live. It’s about an hour and a half from here. Fairfield? Do you know it?”
“We’re familiar with it,” Tanner replied. “I know the sheriff and his wife, Griffin and Jazz. We’ve worked together in the past.”
Stacy reached across in front of Maddie, grabbing Tanner by his arm.
“I know all about how you’ve put serial killers behind bars. You must be so proud. Maddie, aren’t you proud of your husband?”
“Yes, I am. Very proud.”
Maddie was proud of the person that Tanner was, not just that he’d stopped killers. What he’d done was brave and amazing, but he was so much more than just a lawman. He was a good man.
The next hour was pretty much the same as the first ten minutes. Stacy was talkative, and peppered them with questions about their lives. Tanner ran interference whenever the questions became a tad too personal. Stacy didn’t seem to have many boundaries, happy to tell them that her late husband had been a dud in bed, spending most of his free time with his buddies whether it be fishing, drinking, or bowling.
“That’s why I never had kids with him,” Stacy said, leaning closer to Maddie as if sharing a secret. “I knew he’d be a terrible father and never spend any time with them. I bet Tanner is a great father. You’re so lucky to have married a man like him.”
Tanner placed his hand on hers. “I’m the lucky one.”
Stacy almost swooned.
“Where can I find a man like him? Do you have any brothers, Tanner? Because I’d like to meet them if you do. I’m a great cook. Wait, that’s a fantastic idea. I’m a genius. You should come to my house and I’ll cook a big dinner for everyone. Doesn’t that sound great? I can do a whole seafood buffet.”
“That sounds lovely,” Gwen replied warmly. “Doesn’t it, Maddie?”
“It does. Lovely.”
“Do you cook?” Stacy asked, eagerness in her tone. “Maybe we can do it together? Side by side in the kitchen. Two sisters.”
Greg laughed and shook his head.