Page 17 of One Sultry Summer

I repeat this process until each food item is in the proper place and the breakfast buffet is ready for the guests. The tables have fresh linen, and silverware is placed next to the empty plates. I take one last look around to see what’s missing. Drinks! I head back to the kitchen and help mom bring out carafes filled with orange juice, water, milk, regular and decaffeinated coffee.

Once the doors open at seven AM, the waiting crowd steps in, and I return to the kitchen. I’ve made enough for a second batch, so we can fill the trays once more.

“Wyatt.”

“Yes, mom.”

“Why don’t you and Em grab a plate and eat?”

“What about you?”

“I’m going to check to make sure everything is okay at the front desk.”

“Mom, if they need you, they know where to find you. You need to eat too, come and sit with us.”

“You’re right, sugar britches.”

“Of course I’m right, I’m a doctor.”

“And a sassy one at that.”

“Where’s dad this morning?”

She glances at her watch. “I would think he would be here after he’s set up his tent for the fair today. You know he starts preparing his barbecue pretty early.”

We wait for a break with the guests and grab a plate of food. I put a smaller plate in Emily’s hands so she could pick out fruit and still be able to grab a glass of milk. Her eyes go wide at the size of the strawberries that came from one of our local farmers. My mother always tries toaccommodate our guests the best that she can.

Her only problem is that she wants to oversee everything down to the last detail and doesn’t give herself a minute to relax. We finally sat down, and I poured milk into a bowl of cereal for Emily.

“Oh, there’s the out-of-towner. She is such a pretty lady.”

I lift my head slightly and glance in the direction she’s talking about. The redhead with striking eyes. “She’s alright.”

“Dear God, son, have you not gotten a closer look? She’s beautiful.” She takes another bite of her food, and her tone tells me she’s disappointed. “I wonder if she and the gentleman she’s with are best friends; maybe they’ll turn into lovers like in one of my favorite novels.”

“Mom, can we not discuss that at the table with little ears? Perhaps cut back on those Pierce Stone books. You know, life is nothing like it isin romance novels. There truly is no happily ever after.”

“Nana, he’s already seeing someone.” Emily’s little voice interrupted us.

We both turned and looked at her. “How do you know that honey?”

“He was talking on the phone yesterday and said he loved them.”

“Oh, that’s lovely. But next time, don’t listen in on people’s telephone conversations.”

“But Nana, he was standing right in front of me. What should I do, cover my ears?”

“Hmm. Probably not. Just do your best not to eavesdrop, or better yet, come find me or your dad.”

“Okay, Nana.” We ate in silence for the remainder of the meal, but my eyes kept roaming over to where she sat alone. Once I was done, I stood and picked up all the empty dishes.

“Excuse me, Ms. Abby. Can I ask you a question?” I looked up from what I was holdingto see her standing at our table.

“Of course, what is it?”

“What time does the library open?”

“Oh dear! I forgot to tell you that today is a local holiday for us, and all government buildings are closed for the day.”

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