“You’re missing out. I love the zoo. Though I don’t like that the animals are caged.” As they walked along, he said, “I took a trip to Africa a few years ago, went on safari. Seeing animals free like that, living in their natural habitats, was amazing.”
“I can only imagine how spectacular that must have been,” she said as they stopped at the elephant area.
“The zoo here has excellent conservation programs, though. But there’s nothing like seeing a herd of elephants in the wild.”
She loved listening to him talk, and wished the camera crew were on board today to film the excitement on his face. She took a few still photos, and she’d make some notes later about their discussion, but the joy on his face as he discussed his trip to Africa was something that couldn’t be repeated. She made a mental note to bring it up again during the on-camera interview.
“I had no idea you had such an interest in wildlife conservation.”
“Yeah, it’s a big deal to me. So many species are endangered. Rhinos are on the brink of extinction because poachers kill them for their horns. Elephants are the same. Humans need to do a better job of protecting animals in the wild. We think zoos are cruel, but in many instances, we’re protecting a lot of endangered species that are being threatened. It’d be great if all animals could live free. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.”
His knowledge of many animal species was fascinating. As they walked along, he talked to her about reptiles and amphibians. She didn’t think she’d ever enjoyed a trip to the zoo as much as she had today.
After the zoo, they went over to the Science Center. She really got to geek out there, since they had everything a science nerd would love, from exhibits on math to the human body, fossils, and mummies. She enjoyed the life science exhibits, examining every ecosystem imaginable. She loved that Trevor took his time exploring and seemed to have as much fun as she did. He pored over all the exhibits, the two of them like kids as they stopped and played with everything that was hands-on.
It was wonderful.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” she said as, after several hours, they finally left and headed toward the car.
“I’m glad you had fun. It’s been a while since I’ve visited, so it was like a refresher course. Zane and I have come here before, too. He geeks out over it more than I do.”
She laughed. “I can imagine. I’m just happy you enjoyed it as much as I did. I felt like a kid again.”
He gave her a look, then smiled one of those toe-curling, devastating smiles. “Good. Now, are you hungry?”
“Starving.” They’d had a hot dog lunch at the zoo, but she was ready for something more substantial now.
“I know an awesome seafood restaurant.”
They got in his car and he drove them just a few miles down the road. When he pulled up out front, the valet opened her door.
“Trevor,” the young guy said. “Nice to see you again.”
“Hey, Chad.” Trevor gave him the keys and led Haven inside, where, once again, everyone seemed to know him well. They were seated right away at a table near the back of the restaurant. Very dark, very private.
“Thanks, Shelly,” Trevor said.
“No problem.” She laid their menus down. “Lauren just came on duty and she’ll be with you shortly.”
“Do you know everyone who works here?” she asked him.
He turned to her and shot her a grin. “Pretty much. I come here a lot. I told you, they have great seafood. Oh, and amazing pasta, too.”
A petite young woman with short blond hair made her way over to their table. “Hi, Trevor. Great to see you.” She turned to Haven. “Hi, I’m Lauren, and I’ll be your server tonight.”
“Hi, Lauren. I’m Haven.”
“Nice to meet you. What can I get you all to drink?”
“I’ll have iced tea,” Trevor said.
“Same for me.”
“Great. I’ll bring those right out.”
She also told them the specials of the evening before she hurried away to get them their drinks.
Haven opened the menu, but Trevor put his to the side.
“I suppose you have the menu memorized.”
He laughed. “Pretty much.”
She scanned the menu. There were several items that piqued her interested. “Any recommendations?”
“The salmon is good. So is the lobster risotto. And you can never mess up by going with the scallops.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
When Lauren came back with their tea, Haven ordered the salmon, and Trevor ordered scallops.
“We need oysters, too,” Trevor said.
“Of course you do. I’ve already ordered them,” Lauren said with a grin.