Bell had always been able to see what others missed, what lay beneath the surface of an object or a person, the potential of what could be. “That piece in the workshop is stunning.”

“Thank you. It came out even better than I hoped.” She took a sip of her wine, scanning the restaurant.

“You should start a side business. Or even open a shop.” I wanted more for Bell than just helping my family’s bar stay afloat. I wanted her to have something that was all her own.

She twisted the stem of the wine glass between her fingers. “That’s the dream. But I don’t really have the time to dedicate to it right now.”

My hand tightened around my glass. She didn’t have the time because she was so caught up with The Catch. She needed freedom to pursue this dream, and she needed someone to have her back while she did it. I was going to be that person.

Before I could ask another question, Bell did. “What about you? How are your bars doing without you in the city?”

“They’re doing great.” I grinned down at the table. “Better with me gone, actually. Maybe I was micromanaging too much. I’ll need to take a trip to LA soon to discuss turning them over to Luke permanently. But I think he’s up for the task.” I studied Bell’s face as I spoke, that doubt still underlying her features. I fought the urge to curse.

She took another sip of her wine, her gaze going over my shoulder. “That’s great. I’m glad it seems to be working out for now.”

“What are you looking at?” I turned slightly to take in what Bell was. A middle-aged couple sat at a table near us, making quiet conversation but blatantly staring our way. When they met my gaze, they immediately turned back to their meals.

“People are staring.”

Bell’s voice was quiet, almost timid, and I hated the tone. I looked around the restaurant. She wasn’t wrong. Each time my gaze landed on another table, the people there turned away as if caught in the act. Only a handful of diners seemed to be immersed in each other’s company. A muscle in my cheek ticked.

Whispers and stares. There was so much I loved about Anchor, things I’d forgotten and rediscovered, but the small-mindedness would always be a struggle. One I was more than willing to overcome if it meant having Bell in my life. “Small towns,” I grumbled.

Bell smoothed the napkin in her lap. “They have their good qualities and their bad.”

“You mean they have their nosy gossips.”

She took another sip of wine. “They do. And you’ve been away a while, you’re probably not used to it.”