The surf instructor laughed shyly. “I wouldn’t say it’s the best but…”

“I would,” Aiden intervened around a mouthful.

“This is amazing Clyde,” Spencer added taking the last bite of her meal.

“Thanks,” Clyde smiled looking down bashfully. “I try.”

“Isn’t his food delicious Ash,” Kyla asked looking across the table towards her sister.

Ashley shrugged. Spencer frowned disapprovingly at her fiancée. The rocker had been quiet the whole dinner service. Usually you couldn’t get the brunette to shut up at the dinner table but not tonight. She hadn’t said one word since they’d arrived at the shop.

An awkward silence filled the room. Clyde cleared his throat. “Um, I guess I’ll go get the dessert,” he muttered as he hurriedly left the room.

“Can you try to act a little civilly Ashley,” Spencer chided.

Ashley shrugged once more. “I guess.”

“So,” Ryan said as he rubbed his hands together. “What do you think of his food? The guy’s a genius right?” He asked looking at his best friend expectantly.

The rocker gave a hesitant nod. “His cooking is fantastic yes.” She agreed reluctantly. She was really hoping that she wouldn’t like his cooking but, there was no denying it. Clyde was a great cook.

“I knew you would like it,” Kyla chimed.

“Yeah, I like the food, I don’t like him,” Ashley countered crossing her arms.

“The guy’s cool Ash,” Ryan defended. “Cut him some slack.”

“Ashley,” Spencer turned to her fiancée. “Clyde has been nothing but nice to all of us. He even took time out to cook this great meal. What did he do that you disliked?”

“He’s had eyes for nobody but you since we’ve gotten here Spencer,” Ashley hissed. “He looks like he wants to throw you down and take you on this table.”

Spencer rolled her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous Ashley.”

The rocker scoffed. “I’m not being ridiculous,” Ashley countered.

“I’ve got dessert,” Clyde announced carrying in everyone’s plates. “I hope you guys like my homemade strawberry cheesecake.”

“Oh, yum,” Susan moaned taking a bite. “This is amazing!”

Everyone chimed in agreement. Clyde smiled and looked over to the rocker. Ashley hadn’t touched her slice yet. “Ashley,” he asked. “Is there something wrong?”

“Not at all,” she replied quietly.