The Texan's Suite Romance

“He’s absolutely right,” Tabitha assured Helen, relieving Alex’s concerns at once. “I made reservations for us at a lovely restaurant in our hotel.” She looked at her watch. “We’re going to have to dash. I’ll go flag down a taxi.”

Tabitha scooted off before Alex could stop her. He didn’t want to spend any time alone with Helen. Of course, Helen immediately began to complain, but Alex merely led her to the door, stopping only to thank the store manager, who was ecstatic.

Outside, he discovered Tabitha had already gotten a taxi and was holding open the door to the back seat. Alex assumed she’d follow them into the back, but she shut the door and got in the front seat with the driver.

Helen snuggled up to him and Alex had the vision of her leaving makeup tracks on his suit. He sought desperately for a subject of conversation, fearing she’d try to kiss him if he didn’t divert her.

“Uh, Helen, how long have you been a widow?”

“Several years. It’s hard to get back out there, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. What did your husband do for a living?”

“Not much. I was always the breadwinner. But I managed.”

He was getting no help from Tabitha, who was chatting with the driver as if she had no interest in the back-seat conversation.

“I love the cable cars,” he said as one passed by. “They’re so interesting.”

“Yes, they’re one of the perks of living in San Francisco. That and the view. Everywhere you look, you see the blue of the water. It’s magnificent. If you lived here, Alex, you’d be inspired to write all the time.”

“I think I’d be inspired to play hooky,” he returned.

“Oh, Alex, I’m sure—”

She never finished her remark, because as soon as the taxi pulled up in front of their hotel, Alex opened his door and got out. He breathed a sigh of relief…until Helen, now beside him, shot him a fluttery smile telling him he hadn’t discouraged her.

Tabitha came to his aid.

“Have you eaten at this restaurant before, Helen?” she asked, trying to distract the woman’s attentions.

“Of course. It’s part of my job to try the restaurants.”

Her tone was rather standoffish toward Tabitha, whom she clearly hadn’t forgiven for horning in on their date. But Alex smiled in gratitude.

“What do you recommend?” Tabitha asked her.

“They do fish well. Their crème brûlée is fabulous.” Then she shrugged her shoulders. “Actually, anything they serve is wonderful.”

“Good. I’m glad I chose well.”

When they reached the elevator to the penthouse restaurant, Alex held the door for both women. Then he moved to stand by Tabitha, leaving Helen on the other side of his chaperone.

“Do they have any decent restaurants in Fort Worth?” Helen asked, amusement in her voice.

“Why yes, we have a few.” Tabitha turned to smile at Helen. “Come for a visit and we’ll be glad to show you around.”

“Yeah, we can take her to Joe T. Garcia’s,” Alex offered. “It’s quite famous.”

“What do they serve there?”

“It’s a Mexican restaurant,” Tabitha explained.

“I think my palate might be a little too sophisticated for that kind of meal. That’s another of the perks of living here. Dining out is a unique experience.”

“Joe T.’s is pretty unique,” Alex assured Helen, a grin on his face. The lady was just a little too full of herself, he thought. “Or if you come in January, we’ll take you to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. The hot dogs are pretty good there, too.”

Helen looked at him as if he’d said something shocking. Still, it was better than the melting looks she’d been sending him earlier.

“Alex is teasing, Helen. There are several nice restaurants there.”

“Here, there are thousands!” she snapped.

The elevator doors opened and they entered the restaurant. All along the perimeter were walls of windows overlooking the beauty of San Francisco.