I met Diane for lunch the following day because I wanted her to hear the truth from me before the town turned the grant application into gossip.
She had chosen a booth at the Saltmere Diner, away from the windows. She wrapped both hands around her tea mug.
"Eli told me what happened," she said.
"I'm sorry this is affecting the restaurant."
"Don't be sorry for that. He made a mistake."
"He used my name without asking."
"Yes."
"I don't want you to think I'm trying to punish him."
"I don't." She looked down at her hands. "I did hope the dinner meant you were finding your way back to each other."
"I know."
"I have to admit, I didn't correct myself when I should have. I saw him peeling the crab and let myself decide what it meant."
"I didn't want to embarrass you."
"I'm old enough t
