Kurl did several laps around town before they headed to the restaurant. And it seemed everyone in the cars around them, including the pedestrians walking on the sidewalks, stared transfixed at Kurl’s Porsche. The mind-numbing music blasted out of the speakers as the sports car zipped along the street. But Sarah soon realized people weren’t actually staring at the car. They were staring at her. The Porsche’s convertible roof was down. So Sarah’s top half was fully exposed to the world around them. At one point, while the Porsche sat humming impatiently at a stoplight, Sarah saw a little boy walking with his dad. The little boy pointed to their car. “Daddy, who are they?” The boy’s father glanced over. His eyes quickly took in the sportscar with its intimidating driver, and the incredible girl seated in the passenger seat. “They’re movie stars. Probably here from Hollywood.” Sarah’s eyes flicked to Kurl. He had his head down, adjusting the radio volume to be even louder than before. He hadn’t heard the remark from the boy’s father. Sarah smiled and waved at the dad and his son. The boy’s face spread into a wide grin. “Daddy, she’s looking at us!” The boy’s father nodded politely to Sarah. He gave her a thumbs up as he walked with his son across the street. As soon as the light turned green, the Porsche’s engine screamed to life and the car shot like a bullet around the corner. Several minutes later, Kurl pulled the car up to the front of the restaurant. The parking valet immediately jumped to attention and hurried over to the car. “Good evening, Sir. Good evening, Miss,” the tall man said. He had a mustache and wore a gray suit. “Park it in the usual spot,” Kurl said to the valet. He got out of his car. Kurl made his way over to the passenger side. He pulled open the door for Sarah. “My Lady,” he said. He did a slight bow. “Oh my gosh, don’t do that!” Sarah said, cracking up. She took his hand and stepped out. She was careful not to trip in her high heels. Face-down on the cold pavement was definitely not the look she was going for. She looped her arm through Kurl’s again and they made their way up the steps to the restaurant. Kurl gave his name to the hostess. The woman nodded. “Of course, Mr. Mayor. Right this way.” She gestured for them to follow her into the dining room. Sarah noticed many people were still waiting on the couches and armchairs to be seated. Kurl whispered to her as they followed the hostess. “Helps to know people in this town, right? Beats the wait!” He laughed and wrapped his arm around Sarah’s waist. It seemed as if all of the diners turned to stare at them as they wound their way through the zig-zag row of tables. The hostess paused at one of the center tables. “Here you are, Mr. Mayor,” she said, very professionally. Kurl winked at Sarah as they sat down in the comfy chairs. “Only the best,” he said. He picked up the menu and studied it. Sarah placed her napkin in her lap. Then she let her eyes roam around the dining room. The Red Grill was the nicest restaurant in town. It overlooked the beach. During the day, the nicest tables were along the outside, where diners could look out to the majestic ocean. But at night, when the windows were dark, the best seats were in the center of the room. And that’s exactly where Kurl and Sarah now sat. “Thank you,” Sarah said to Kurl. “I’m really enjoying my time with you.” Kurl stretched his arm across the table. He picked up her hand and kissed it again. “Anything for the princess,” he said, laughing. Sarah beamed. He looked so handsome in his tux. The candlelight danced warmly in front of him, making his blonde hair glow a bit brighter. As Sarah studied the menu, trying to decide if she wanted the scallops she’d had months ago with her parents, or if a salad was more date appropriate, a cute young man approached their table. He picked up their glasses and filled them with a bottle of sparkling water. He had forest green eyes. And when he grinned at Sarah, she noticed he had a crooked front tooth. “Goodness, you’re Pam’s Patrick!” Sarah said, smiling broadly.