“This tastes really good,” he complimented.
“I’m pleased you like it.”
They ate in silence, but in a companionable silence. Dean enjoyed every single second. The food didn’t need conversation. He enjoyed being at the table and eating home-cooked food.
When they were finished, Laura washed up and handed him a cup of coffee. He didn’t have the heart to stop her from being at home and he could become used to the way she looked working in the kitchen.
“How’s the writing going?” she asked.
“Slowly,” he replied, looking at her over the edge of his cup.
“Will you ever tell me your pen name?” she asked.
He smiled. He wasn’t sure if she’d be able to handle some of his work.
“In time,” he answered.
“You’re very cryptic,” she said.
“You’ll know when I need you to know,” he replied.
She washed the last of the dishes and put them away before sitting with him at the table.
“How’s your writing?” he asked.
“Slow.”
He threw his head back and laughed.
“I was thinking we could go to the stream at the bottom of your garden, passed the line of trees,” she said.
Dean took a sip of his coffee and asked, “Why would you want to go there?”
“I think it’s a brilliant place to think. It might open your mind to many more possibilities.”
He thought about the stream where he’d first caught her on his property. The spot did have a calming quality he’d enjoy.
“All right. How about next week? I’ve got a few things to get done, but that would be the best time for me," he said.
Chapter Seven
Dear Diary,
Today I’ll be going to the stream with Dean. He doesn’t know how beautiful it can be. I loved the way he laughed the night I made him chilli and I want to hear more of his laughter. He needs to see the beauty in life and any chance I’m given for finding out his pen name is a plus. The fact that he won’t tell me is driving me crazy. I want to know all about his writing career and everything about him. Wish me luck with finding out more.
Peter continues to study at the library and, all right, I have to confess that he’s not a complete jerk. There, I’ve said it. I've admitted something I never thought possible. He studies most of the time and doesn’t torment me anymore, not even when his friends stop by, which did surprise me. I wonder if he’s told them to lay off? Anyway, it’s a bonus for me. I don’t have to deal with the herd.
Laura grabbed Dean’s hand and moved down the path of his garden toward the trees. Dean had tried to put off this visit and she wouldn’t let him. The sun was shining and the breeze was to a minimum. She wanted to share a part of her world with him. When she sat on that boulder that overlooked the water she could imagine being in any place other than Cape Falls.
“You don’t have to drag me,” he complained.
“Yes, I do. You were dawdling and I want to enjoy as many minutes of peace I can get. Especially since I have to get permission from the owner to visit,” she teased.
A few minutes later they stood at the beautiful spot. It was like a hidden paradise away from everyone and everything else.
“I love it here,” she whispered.
“How deep is the water?” he asked.