Coming To Reason (A Long Road to Love) by Liza O'Connor Read Free Book Online Page B

arrived, the sales program database had been
improper ly structured, like yours. Jack had never received training in creating
reports, so no useful information could be obtained from our…” She had to stop talking
as if she still worked at Lancaster Chairs. “ the database. In
retrospect, I’d classify his misses far more severe than Destiny’s, and I think
he’s one of the best systems people I’ve ever met.”
    “Then why can you see what needs to be done so easily?”
    After all the abuse she’d taken tonight from Trent, his
sincere approbation felt like balm to her soul.
    “Because I have a user perspective, and I know what a
database should be able to do. I had an excellent computer professor in
college. Thus, when Greg showed me how to bounce back and forth between so many
pages, the wrongness astounded me. I knew a better interface could be written.”
    She met his worried eyes.
    “My guess is, either whoever gave the specs to the salesman
didn’t know what they wanted, or maybe the requirements changed since then.”
    He cleared his throat and stared out the window. “ I gave the salesman the specs, and you are right in both assumptions. I knew
general ly what we needed, and I’ve changed the requirements several times
since.”
    “Well, the next time you change specs, let Destiny know and
she’ll have the system aligned with user needs right away.”
    “I also gave the requirements for the other program you
fixed for us,” he added.
    She patted his arm. “There, you aren’t at fault. The
software company had a lazy programmer customizing data for clients.
    Dan faced her. His mouth opened, but he forgot whatever he
planned to say when the driver pulled to the curb and hopped from the car,
opening the door a second later. Dan got out and reached in to help her out.
Trent always walked on and left Sam to extract her. She much preferred Dan’s
consideration. It meant she didn’t have to chase him down before he entered the
restaurant.
    The delicious aroma wafting outside the restaurant caused
her stomach to turn into what sounded like a pit-bull arena. Even Dan could
hear it growling.
    Twenty people stood in line waiting to enter. She feared
she’d die of starvation before they got a table. Fortunate ly , Dan ignored
the line and entered the front door. A waiter smiled at him and waved him back.
    Had the man dared show such easy familiarity with Trent, her
ever so proper fiancé would have ignored the fellow and complained to the owner.
    The young man spoke when they reached him. “We have a table
opening in a half hour, but Dad thought you’d prefer the porch.”
    “The porch is fine,” Dan assured him.
    They followed the boy through the kitchen, where the
tantalizing aroma almost made her faint. She must have wobbled since everyone turned
and stared at her.
    A large man wearing an apron and a puffy hat held something
an inch from her mouth.
    “Eat!” he commanded.
    She looked up to Dan, standing behind her, and he
reiterated the command. Trusting him, she opened her mouth and her taste buds
came alive with the riotous flavors. She closed her eyes.
    Next thing she knew, she stared up at the stars. Dan and a heavyset
woman looked down at her with worry in their eyes.
    Focusing on Dan, she smiled. “I’ve never tasted anything
half so delicious. Can I have another?”
    They both laughed with relief. The woman hurried into the
kitchen and Dan pulled up a stool and sat beside her. “I’m glad you woke up. I had
my phone out to call 911. Do you often faint when your taste buds are tantalized?”
    “No. But I did faint once before from not eating. I had such
a great time today, I missed lunch.”
    His brow furrowed. “Have you seen a doctor about this?”
    “I saw Dr. Lenard when I went to the hospital. He kept me
for several days while he got me hydrated and full of food.”
    “Did he suggest a therapist to help you beat this?”
    “Beat what?”
    “Your anorexia.”
    “I’m not