“I’d like that.”
He wonders how they’ll get past her ex.
***
The menu explains the meaning of Lunada: a gathering that takes place outdoors on the evening of a full moon. Night-blooming jasmine perfumes the air. Gordon feels torn about what he’s doing to Laura by pursuing Renee, but he can’t seem to stop. At least Renee’s ex didn’t follow them. Gordon recommends the lobster-avocado egg rolls and the duck with a nice bottle of pinot noir.
Renee agrees and excuses herself to go to the bathroom. While she’s gone the hostess comes over and says she knows Laura. Now Laura’s gonna find out anyway. Gordon’s hosed.
Over the egg rolls, dreading his future, Gordon asks Renee about the ex-boyfriend.
“He’s called Thunder, he has PTSD and drinks a lot, but he’s working through it, doing charity work.” She frowns, as if maybe she said too much.
“That’s a strange name.” He and Thunder have something in common. Gordon then decides Renee doesn’t need to know of his nightmares.
“He earned his nickname as a Marine in Afghanistan flying helicopters. His buddies said he brought thunder down on Al-Qaeda. He talks about it—a lot.”
Gordon says, “When the Twin Towers came down, lots of us ended up in Afghanistan, wanting to do our part. Some didn’t get over it.”
Gordon’s never sure about the choices he makes. And Laura was one of those choices, just like Renee is. Any choice can be the wrong one.
Switching subjects, Gordon tells her a little-known fact. “Cayucos is the Spanish word for canoe.”
Renee says, “I think you just made that up.”
“Nope, that’s why I call my restaurant Canoes. We have a few Spanish dishes on the menu to make it authentic: pintxos, patatas bravas, gambas, that sort of stuff.”
“I’ve never heard of those dishes.”
“Well, I’ll just have to make some for you then. The restaurant isn’t open to the public tomorrow. But I’ll take you there as my guest and make us a romantic dinner for two.”