Chapter 16: Table for Three

Declan got home at four, grey and shaky, and told us all of it standing in the hall.

He told us about the vote, and the box, and the name Marsh Road.

When he finished, Roz put both arms around him without a word.

I put mine around the two of them.

At six I said, "We're going out to dinner."

"Out where?" said Declan.

"The Harbor Grill. The only restaurant in Harlow Point."

"Jules, the whole town has seen the picture," said Roz.

"Then the whole town can watch us eat."

I put on the red wool again.

Roz borrowed my green scarf.

Declan tied his tie twice and still got it crooked.

The Harbor Grill was half full.

Heads turned when we came in, and the room went quiet.

The hostess looked at the three of us and swallowed.

"Table for three?" she said.

"Yes, please," I said.

She seated us by the window, where the ice on the lake was silver under the dock lights.

I ordered the whitefish.

Roz ordered a salad and then took half my fries.

Declan ordered the burger and said nothing at all.

Under the table, Roz's knee leaned against mine.

Declan's foot found my other ankle.

"Stop it," I said. "Both of you. I'm trying to be dignified."

"We can't help it," said Roz. "You started this."

"I did not."

"You ordered us to dinner in a red dress."

Declan laughed out loud, a real laugh, the first since Wednesday.

Three tables turned to look.

I reached across the cloth and took his hand.

Then I took Roz's, and I held both of them on top of the table, in the full light.

Declan turned his palm up so I could feel his pencil calluses.

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