Ryan could see the strain on Charlotte’s face when she sat back at the table. Her smile was forced.

“Everything okay?” He asked.

She took a deep breath. “Yes.”

“Anything you want to talk about?”

“Nope.” She shook her head.

“All right. I’m here if you change your mind.”

The server brought their pasta dishes and he watched as she took a bite and tasted.

“This is really good.” She said. “Have you been here before?”

“Never.” She was right. The pasta was good.

“How did you know it would be?”

“Just a lucky guess. I’ve eaten at a lot of different places.”

“I bet.” She was looking at him now with a curious expression.

“Are you from Dallas?” He asked.

She shook her head. “I’ve only lived in Dallas for a few months.”

He decided not to ask too many questions. It wasn’t a date, he reminded himself.

“I’m from a small town outside of Dallas.” She continued.

“What brought you to the city?”

“There aren’t exactly that many jobs in a small town.”

“No. I guess not. I’ve always lived there, so it’s hard for me to imagine any other way of life.”

“Trust me. It’s a lot different.” She took another sip of her champagne. Made another face. “I guess people have to get used to the taste.”

“Unfortunately they do.”

“Yeah.”

The server offered them desert which they both declined and then he handed Ryan the check.

“I can get mine.” Charlotte said, opening her handbag.

“Not a chance.” He laid cash on the table and put his hands on his hips. “Ready?”

“Yep.” She stood up and glanced outside. “It’s getting cloudy. Everything looks different.”

“Yeah. It’s like that in the mountains. The weather can change suddenly.”

“It’s kind of fascinating.” They walked together toward the lobby.

“I need to stop by the desk.” He said. “Hi Nate. Can I get an extra pillow and a blanket?”

“Sure thing.” Nate went through a door behind the counter.

While Nate was gone, Charlotte came up behind him. “You need more bedding?”

“Yeah.”

“Here you go.” Nate said, handing over a blanket and pillow.

“Is it okay if I sleep down here on one of the couches?”

Nate didn’t get the chance to answer before Charlotte did. “Don’t be ridiculous.” She smiled at Nate. “There’s no need for that.” She took his arm and nudged him toward the stairs.

“Hey.” Ryan whispered. “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

“I’d feel more uncomfortable knowing you were down here asleep on a public couch.”

“Okay.” He laughed. “We’ll figure something out.”

There was always the floor.