Meant To Be Read Free Page B

in the fridge. He’d picked up two six packs and two bottles of wine, unsure what Frank and Marienne liked to drink.
    “What time did you tell them to get here?” Justine asked, leafing through a catalog on the kitchen counter.
    “I didn’t. I said come over after work.”
    “Well, I hope they get here soon. I’m starving.” She tossed the catalog into the trash. “What does Frank do again?”
    “He’s a trader at Goldman Sachs.” Daniel could see the wheels turning behind her stormy eyes; she was always interested in meeting people who handled money. “Marienne is a graphic designer, I think. Not sure. You should ask her.”
    “I will.” She glanced at the clock above the stove. “Can’t we at least order the food now?”
    “I have no idea what they’ll want.” The sound of knocking interrupted him.
    When he opened the door, he thought Marienne had decided not to come. All he saw was Frank, holding a bottle of wine. He felt a twinge of disappointment.
    “Hey,” Frank said, stepping into the house.
    Marienne was right behind him, holding what appeared to be a picnic basket. Oh, good. She’s here. She looked nervous, her eyes extra-wide, but she smiled as he held the door open for her.
    Daniel made the introductions.
    Marienne hoisted the picnic basket onto the kitchen counter. “I know you said we were ordering Chinese, so I made an Asian style snack mix. I didn’t know what you liked for dessert, so I brought fresh pineapple with caramel sauce… and brownies. Brownies go with everything.”
    She was babbling, which Daniel found charming. He did the same thing when he was nervous.
    Justine pried open the Tupperware of snack mix and popped a few pieces into her mouth. “Mmmm. You made this?” She plucked out more.
    “It’s easy. Teriyaki sauce and spices tossed with rice crackers and pretzels. You bake it and then throw in wasabi peas.”
    Daniel eyed the brownies, but took a handful of snack mix instead. “Wow, that’s good.”
    Marienne smiled. “Do you mind if I put the fruit in the fridge?”
    “Please. Allow me.” Daniel held out his hand to take it from her. “Can I get you a beer? Glass of wine?”
    “Beer would be great. Thanks.”
    Justine picked up the bowl of caramel sauce. “Did you make this, too?”
    Marienne nodded, blushing. “I like to cook.”
    “She’s a great cook.” Frank said, scooping up a handful of snacks. “That’s why I married her.”
    Marienne smiled, but threw Frank a look.
    Daniel opened two beers and handed one to Marienne. Frank poured wine into the glasses Justine had set out.
    “So, who wants what for dinner?” Daniel held up the takeout menu.
    While they waited for the food to be delivered, Justine suggested a game of pool.
    “Nice table.” Frank said, running his hand over the mahogany edge. “Where’d you get it?”
    “It came with the house,” Daniel said. “I think the previous owners didn’t want to have to pay to move it. It weighs a ton.”
    “Good deal.” Frank selected a cue stick from the rack.
    Justine tossed him the chalk. “It’s the only piece of furniture I’d have agreed to let them leave. The rest of their stuff was all God-awful oversized antiques.”
    Marienne tucked her hair behind her ear as she leaned forward to sniff the vase of roses on the bar. “Are these from your garden? Your rose bushes are amazing.”
    Daniel smiled. “Yes. That’s one of the things that sold me on the house. The whole place reminded me of my grandmother’s home in England. She had rose bushes just like these in her yard. As soon as I saw them I knew this was the right house.”
    “It was a sign,” Marienne said.
    “Yes.” Daniel nodded. That’s precisely what I thought.
    “I don’t believe in signs,” Justine said. “I believe in good investments. There were four other bids on this house when we tried to buy it.”
    “Break.” Frank took the first shot, sending balls scattering, and pocketing two striped ones. “Stripes.