Emma shook her head. Then her brows scrunched as she stared back at him in the truck. “This is not the time for this kind of conversation.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. We can save it for later.” Because he was 100 percent in love with her. That was becoming more obvious by the second, and he wanted to tell her so. But first, he needed to handle this situation with her dad. He wanted Mr. St. James to approve of them dating, and he’d do just about anything for that approval.
Jack pushed his door open and walked around to open Emma’s door for her. Then they headed inside, where Edward and Angel were already seated and waiting. Angel offered a wide smile when she saw them coming. Jack didn’t miss Edward’s slight frown in his direction. Then Edward’s gaze slid to his daughter, and his eyes seemed to light up.
This just might be the longest dinner of Jack’s life.
Jack reached out and shook Angel’s and then Edward’s hand, trying not to flinch at the death grip Emma’s father offered him. Then he and Emma took their seats across the table from the older couple.
The conversation flowed easily as Emma talked about the café and business. “We’re creating a new drink with double espresso. I’m thinking about calling it the Vibe.”
“Your coffee is already the strongest in town,” Angel said.
“Just the way I like it,” Edward agreed.
“Thank you.” Emma fidgeted with a napkin in front of her. “I got some feedback this week that said my coffee was weak so I’m trying to accommodate those customers who want something even stronger.”
Edward tsked. “You’ve always cared too much about what others think. Your mother was the same way. You get that from her.”
Jack noticed the way Emma looked down for a moment, as if collecting herself. She didn’t like to be compared to her mom, and now he understood a little bit why. If she shared the good qualities, she probably shared the bad too. And the bad scared her.
“I don’t know how you do it,” Angel said. “Being a businesswoman is so much work. I really admire how much time and thought you put into your café.”
Emma looked up, but her enthusiasm had noticeably drained. “It’s no big deal.”
“Oh, but it is,” Angel insisted. “You wake up early, and you give your best service. Everyone I know loves the Sweetwater Café. You’ve created a place where people enjoy gathering. It’s just amazing to me.”
Jack felt a little jolt of sympathy for Angel. He could tell that she was trying hard with Emma, and he could relate. He wanted Edward to like him just as much as Angel was trying to get her stepdaughter to like her.
A waitress approached to take their order.
Jack looked up, taking a moment for his mind to process who she was. Judging by the look on her face, she recognized him immediately. “Diana?”
The woman was cleaned up with her hair neatly pulled back in a low-hanging ponytail. She smiled hesitantly. “Hi, Jack.”
Jack looked around the table. He didn’t really want to invade Diana’s privacy by telling them that he’d met her because she’d been illegally camping out in his park. Or that he’d taken her to the women’s shelter. That might embarrass her. “Good to see you,” he said instead. “This is Emma, my, uh…” He met Emma’s eyes, unsure of what to call her. “My girlfriend,” he finally said, making Emma grin.
Edward was frowning when Jack gestured across the table.
“And Emma’s dad, Edward. And this is Angel,” Jack introduced.
Diana nodded at them all. “Well, Jack here is my hero. He helped me pick myself up when I was down.”
Jack waved a hand. “I don’t know about being a hero.”
“I do. You and Sam both,” Diana said. “And Tammy.”
“I didn’t know you got a job here,” Jack said.
“It’s just a few nights a week. I’m still looking for something with more hours. But I’m thankful to be here tonight, and to have you all at one of my tables.” Diana pulled out a notepad and pen. “Speaking of being your waitress, what can I get you?”
She took their drink orders, and since they were all prepared to order tonight’s house special, she took their full order. “I’ll be back with your teas in just a minute,” she said, walking away.
“She seemed nice,” Angel said once Diana had left. “I don’t think I’ve seen her around town before.”