Page 28 of Legends Luke

“I’ll get Momma.” Davis studied Melody, a flush staining the pale skin of his neck visible under the collar of his shirt. When he spoke, it was to Luke alone as if Melody couldn’t hear everything he said. “She’s pretty.”

Melody grinned after him as he shuffled off through the dining room. “He seems very sweet. And shy.”

“Davis is cool. He’s only shy around new people until he sees how they’ll accept him.”

“Because of his Down syndrome?”

Luke nodded. “And because his daddy is a dirtbag. He left Davis and his mom when he found out about Davis’ condition. He would only come back around when he needed money. He called Davis stupid and would hit him. English, my mentor, saw what was happening and stepped in. Gish made sure the asshole never came back around. He helped Annilee open up this place, and he watched over Davis too. He made sure Davis had friends who would watch out for him and take care of him at school. At one point, my brothers and I were the ones looking out for him. Davis used to wait for me and Jackson after football practice, and we’d walk home together.”

“You’re friends,” she said quietly.

“Yes, we are.”

Davis hurried back through the dining room, his smile wide. “It’s ready,” he announced when he got close. “Momma said you’re lucky you called when you did. It’s not the table you always sit at. I told her it needed to be that table, but someone was already sitting there. She said you had to have the last table we had available. I hope it’s okay. We didn’t know you were coming. How’s Jackson? Momma said he has a baby now. I want to hold it, but I have to ask him to see if it’s okay.”

Years of listening to Davis’ stilted tone made it easier for Luke to decipher what he said, especially when his words tumbled out ofhis mouth in a rush. Davis spoke quickly when he was agitated or excited.

“Jackson and Reagan are good. One day next week, I’ll pick you up and take you to see Jax. You’ll like him. He’s going to need us to watch over him.”

Davis nodded. “We can do it. I can help.”

“I knew I could count on you. And don’t worry about my table, man. It’s my fault for waiting until the last minute to call and tell you I was coming. I’m happy to have any table you have available.”

“Okay. Table for two.” Davis picked up two menus and two rolled-up cloth napkins securely holding their utensils. “Follow me please.”

“Hey, Davis, this is my friend, Melody. She’s new to town, and this is her first time eating here.”

“Nice to meet you, Davis.”

He smiled. “Nice to meet you too. Melody is a pretty name. It’s like a song. You should try the mushroom chicken. It’s Momma’s favorite. It’s very good.”

“What’s your favorite?” Melody asked him as they followed him through the dining room out the French doors at the back.

“I like the grilled cheese. But Momma only makes it for me. The chicken fingers are good. You can get mashed potatoes with them too. It’s the kind with the lumps. Momma said they’re not supposed to have lumps, but she makes them that way because I like them.”

“Sounds delicious.”

Luke knew the minute Melody registered their surroundings because her head swiveled, taking it all in. The lush green lawn was divided by smooth pathways crossing the grass like a pretty maze. Intimate tables surrounded the perimeter of a man-made pond with clear blue water and a white picket fence keeping the patrons from getting too close. Fat solar bulbs shining white light were strung among the tree limbs. The mood music playing inside was also piped outside through inground speakers.

Davis seated them, placing their silverware and menus on the table. He bowed slightly at the waist. “Gia is your waitress this evening. I hope you enjoy your meal.”

They thanked him, and he left to get back to his post. Luke spotted his mother, Annilee, standing at a table of four talking to a family she obviously knew, but she waved when she saw him. He returned the greeting, and when he looked back at Melody, he was surprised she wasn’t looking over the meal options. She was reading Annilee and Davis’ story printed on the back of the menu.

“They employ others with special needs.” She stated the fact in reverence, and Luke was pleased to see her accepting his friends.

“Most of them are friends of Davis. They met them through his occupational therapy center.”

“This may be my favorite place I’ve been to so far since moving to Fire Creek. And I haven’t even tried the food yet.”

“You won’t be disappointed. Their menu isn’t as big as some of the chain restaurants, but it’s all good.”

It was several minutes before their waitress broke away andcame by their table, apologizing profusely. They placed their orders — Luke with his ribeye and baked potato and Melody with her grilled chicken with an almond butter sauce and side of mashed potatoes — and were finally left alone.

Melody looked around her and sighed. “Thank you.”

“Why are you thanking me?” His voice was low and soft. He wasn’t sure why except it felt like the intimate setting called for it.

Her contented smile reached her eyes, captivating him. “In case I forget to later. I wanted to thank you for tonight. This is the best first date I’ve been on in a long time. It’s the best one ever. I’m having a great time.”

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