Samuel joined their talk of dipnetting. Nathan was relieved to get off the topic of Tess and back onto the familiar terrain of fishing. In the meantime, their food arrived; talk turning to how good it was and the various recommendations for Tess of every local restaurant her family should try while they were in Diamond Creek. Just as he thought he was in safe territory and back in control, Maggie cut into their conversation. He’d gotten to know Maggie and Jason mostly through Hannah, Luke’s wife. They’d grown up in Diamond Creek. Though he enjoyed Maggie, she tended to think everyone’s business was hers.
“So Nathan, rumor has it you haven’t been out and about much lately. Word on the street is you must be flying solo with someone. Is Tess the lucky girl?” Maggie asked.
Nathan flinched in
