Worth the Risk

had a lot more in common than she’d thought.
    They were sitting at a small corner table at Brew Ha-Ha, having iced caramel-flavored coffee drinks and sharing a blueberry scone.
    “What about movies?” Brad asked.
    So many questions, she thought. Most men liked to talk about themselves or their work, but not Brad. He wanted to know all about her.
    “I don’t have much time for movies lately,” she said. “When I do go, I look for foreign films.”
    “Hey, so do I.”
    “I don’t mind the subtitles. I like to see how people in other countries view life.
    “Exactly!” He leaned forward and lowered his voice in a way that added to the intimacy she already felt. “I’m not interested in films that are nothing but car chases and shoot-outs.”
    Lexi nodded. Most of her dates had taken her to “guy” movies because they liked them or silly “chick flicks” to please her. She’d rarely been asked what she wanted to see. “I like to talk about films after I see them. That means there has to be something to discuss.”
    His look was galvanizing. What was he thinking? Did she sound pretentious?
    “I like to talk about films, too,” he told her. “I find I dissect a lot of things to see what makes them work. This place, for instance.” He examined the last bit of the scone they’d been sharing. “The coffee is great, but there are other places with coffee that’s just as good. What makes Brew Ha-Ha special is their pastries.”
    “Right,” she agreed. “Their scones are tastier than others even though they’re low fat. At least that’s what the sign says.”
    “They are. I’ve spoken at length with the owner.” He stared at her thoughtfully for a moment. “You analyze the world around you, too.”
    It was a compliment, but Lexi wasn’t sure how to respond. Finally, she said, “I guess that’s why I’m a numbers person. I like to come up with definite answers.”
    “That’s where we’re different. I don’t mind not coming up with an exact answer. I like to consider the opportunities for creativity in each situation.” He gestured to the room around them. “Pastries set this place apart, but there’s more—”
    “Great ambience,” Lexi cut in, “and really friendly service. They always remember your name.”
    “Right! The world is so impersonal these days that folks appreciate a friendly attitude. I tell my servers that all the time.” He checked his watch. “Speaking of servers, I’ve gotta run.”
    Lexi stood up. “I have rows of veggies screaming for water.”
    She thanked him for the coffee, feeling way more relaxed than she had when they’d come here.
    “Let’s get together again—soon. I’d like your opinion on a pizza place people have been telling me about.”
    “Sure. I’d like that.” She said this in an offhand tone, but as they walked out she admitted to herself just how much she wanted to see Brad again.

    They’d enjoyed a “working” dinner because Brad was considering adding pizza to his menu. Lexi had liked the deep-dish house special and had several ideas that he seemed to take seriously. They’d met at a park twice to run. And each time Lexi found herself relaxing more.
    Since she’d started her new job at the accounting firm she wasn’t around the house as much as she should be to help Amber with her schoolwork. From what Lexi could tell, her sister spent most of her time working on her new recipe, which she was positive would win her the final round in the competition.
    Joey Tran was helping in the garden. Lexi had spent all day each weekend there, as well, but getting Amber to help remained a struggle. Lexi didn’t nag her about it. That only made Amber more stubborn. Besides, Lexi had to prepare herself for the possibility Amber would win and not be able to help over the summer. Anticipating this, Lexi gave Joey more responsibility.
    “I’m home,” yelled Lexi after she closed the front door.
    Silence answered her, but the scent of chocolate swirled around her like a heavenly mist. What did she expect? Amber had prepared another Diva’s Red Velvet Torte. No doubt she’d taken it to the center for the seniors to sample.
    Lexi put down her purse on the sideboard and flopped onto the sofa. She was too tired to pick up the remote control and switch on the television. She would just rest a minute before changing shoes to go out and check on the garden.

    “Lexi, Lexi. Wake up.”
    Lexi heard her sister speaking, but it took a few