“Wine would be nice.”

“Good, he’ll be bringing that. I ordered a Riesling, since that is what you drank before. So much I have to learn about you.”

“Well, uh, what is your favorite color? Mine is turquoise.”

“The blue of the lake in the sun.”

“Why am I not surprised?” She smiled back at him as his fingers reached across the table and clasped hers.

“Okay, what is your favorite sport?”

So they were playing a game of sorts. And she loved it. “Personal or professional?”

“Both.”

“I guess walking and biking and I have no great love for anything professional. Although Loren and I love to watch horse shows and rodeos.”

“Really?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Do you like to attend horse shows and rodeos?”

“Sometimes. I do love to watch Little League and softball games, especially when I know the kids who are participating. Like I usually go to Andy and Addy’s games. Those are Ginny’s grandchildren, twins who just turned twelve.”

“I see. What about your grandchildren?”

“Too far away and too small yet for team sports. At least that’s what their mother thinks. They are five and three. We did go to Regina’s dance recital last year. She wanted Grammy to come so we did.”

“My children seem to be late bloomers, although this pregnancy is Mara’s second. Jason is nearing four. They live in Green Bay so it is not that far away. Jason loves anything to do with water.”

“Your boat?”

“Oh, yes, and I keep a rowboat for fishing and puddling around in. He loves to fish and usually snags more than his dad.”

By the time they’d finished their out-of-this-world dinner, as Roxie described it, they settled in to sip Irish coffees and to listen to the music. The string quartet added an ambiance that few other places offered.

When they played “Bring Him Home,” Roxie’s eyes watered. “I love that song.”

“I know, me too. Do you ever go to Chicago or Milwaukee for stage and concerts?”

She shook her head. “No, only local productions and sometimes to Madison.”

“Would you like to go to Chicago when something really good comes?”

She half shrugged. “I guess, just didn’t think much about it. Would you?”

“Yes, and I am a Chicago Cubs fan, so while I usually watch them on TV, Nate and I have gone down for some games. And we have season tickets to the Green Bay Packers.”

“Really? Football, eh?”

“Yes, but usually home games, not when they travel.” His thumbs massaging the palms of her hands made it hard for her to concentrate on what he was saying. They finished their coffee and prepared to leave.

“Thank you for this.” She gestured around.

“You’re welcome.”

Back in the car, they paused to see the moon rising on the other side of the lake. So instead of leaving, he pulled to the edge of the parking lot that faced the water. “You know these modern bucket seats sure make cuddling difficult.” So he took her hand instead. “One of these days you’ll get to see this from my deck or the great room windows that overlook the lake for scenes just like this.” They sat quietly for a moment, just taking in the view, enjoying each other’s company.