Leonardo (Romancing the Weavers #5) - Kit Morgan Page 0,9
red. It was all Leo could do not to laugh himself, but he didn’t want to embarrass her further. “I guess I could do with a bite,” she finally admitted.
Colin reached into his pocket, pulled out some money and handed it to her. “Just make sure you order something you won’t regret.”
“Don’t worry,” Spencer said. “Beef stew isn’t on the breakfast menu.”
Now Leo laughed.
Parthena made a face. “What’s so funny?”
“I’m afraid my daughter hasn’t experienced or heard of Hank’s beef stew,” Colin said.
“I see,” Leo chuckled. He sobered and looked into her eyes. They were full of … something. “Shall we?” He offered her his arm.
She stared at it, then glanced at her father.
“Go ahead, sweetness. See if you can find that cousin of yours and get yourself something to eat while you’re at it.”
She nodded and started walking, leaving Leo behind.
He looked at Colin, shrugged and took off after her. As soon as he caught up, he said, “Hank makes decent flapjacks.”
“That’s good to know, but I’m not sure I have time for them. I have to find Savannah.”
“There are only so many places she could be in a town this size,” he pointed out.
She smiled. “Less if you’re in Clear Creek.”
“So I’ve heard.” He walked alongside her for another moment. “I’d like to see it one day. Clinton can’t stop talking about it.”
“Of course not.” She looked at the boardwalk. “It’s home.”
“Do you miss him?”
“Clinton? Of course I do – he’s family.”
He thought a moment. “And Savannah?”
She stopped and turned to him. “What about her?”
“Would you miss her if she were to … live someplace else?” He didn’t know why he asked, but it was too late to take it back.
“Yes. More than anything, if you must know.”
“I understand. I miss Lucy.”
She started walking again. “I can understand why. She’s wonderful.”
He smiled. “She is.”
“She talks about you.”
This time he stopped. “What does she say?”
Parthena smiled mischievously. “All kinds of things.”
He facepalmed. “O, buon dolore.”
“What does that mean?”
He let his hand drop. “Basically, ‘good grief.’ I don’t want to know what she says.”
“That’s all right.” She caught up to him. “We’re all sworn to secrecy anyway.”
He stopped short once more. “What? No, never mind.” He shook his head. “That Lucy. Wait until I see her again.” He started off.
Parthena giggled and followed. He could tell she was enjoying this. But that was okay – at least she wasn’t giving him calf-eyes.
They reached Hank’s Restaurant and went inside. There was no sign of Savannah. “Looks like I missed her,” Parthena said. “If she was here at all.”
“Where else would she be?”
“Knowing Savannah, she might have walked out of town.”
“What? Why?” Leo went to a table and sat.
Parthena followed. “Like me, she likes to explore. But I’m too hungry to explore. I need to eat something.”
Hank came out of the kitchen. “Mr. Cucinotta.” Hank looked around the dining room. “No other family with you?”
“Only Daniel came. Tell me, have you seen Savannah Cooke?”
“Harrison’s daughter – she’s here too?”
“That means no,” Parthena said dryly. “I told you she probably took a walk out of town.”
“North?” Leo asked.
“Yes, we were told not to head south toward your place.”
“She would find herself alone quickly.” He glanced at the door.
“Do you want to go find her?” Parthena asked.
“I haven’t seen her,” Hank said, as if that would help at this point.
“No, I’ll go.” Leo stood. “Enjoy your meal.” Oddly, part of him wanted to stay. She was much like Savannah, but still different. He hadn’t noticed it before.
Parthena smiled at him. “Thank you, I will.”
He smiled and headed for the door. Nowhere was safe for the most part, but it was still in the middle of the West, and that occasionally meant trouble. The sooner he found her, the less he’d have to worry – except for the needling about courting. He glanced back at Parthena perusing the menu Hank had given her. She seemed calmer than her cousin, but he knew there was mischief simmering underneath her peaceful exterior. Clinton had told him all about that. But was she different now?
His curiosity piqued, Leo left the restaurant.
Chapter Four
Parthena looked up from the menu as Leo went out the door. Why couldn’t there be a man like him in Clear Creek? She sighed and went back to deciding on breakfast.
It wasn’t long before Hank came to the table. “What will it be, young lady?”
“I think I’ll have the ham and eggs.” She handed him the menu. “And a cup of coffee, please.”
Hank’s attention was drawn