Page 148 of Love in Riverbend
The round table at the back of the Main Street Diner is nearly filled with guys close to my age. Some are older, like Harvey and Galvin, while others are younger, like Nick. Despite today’s crowd, there’s still one empty chair when I arrive. As soon as I sit, Joyce, our favorite waitress and the owner of the diner, places a cup of black coffee in front of me. “What can I get you, Justin?”
I look around the table seeing that some of the other guys have food. “The morning platter. Over medium with sausage, potatoes, and an English muffin.”
She grins. “Coming right up.” Next, she points across the table to Cory who’s sitting with Dax, my brother-in-law. “Your food is up. I’ll be right back.” She addresses the entire table. “More coffee?”
Different people nod. Some hold up their cups.
This gathering is a weekday morning ritual. There can be as many as ten squeezed around the table or as few as four. No matter who shows, we know we’ll have a few minutes of downtime and conversation with friends. As I lift my coffee to my lips, I listen to Ricky talking about the summer softball season. I hate to admit it, but we’ve gotten better since my brother-in-law came back to town.
Of course, I’d deny that statement to most of my friends.
“First game is tonight,” Ricky says.
My stomach drops.
I woke to a text from Devan saying her plan is in motion and to be at her house by six for dinner. “Fuck,” I growl. “I forgot.”
“Like you have plans…” Ricky says.
“Maybe he has a date,” Cory says nonchalantly.
“I just forgot. I might not be able to make it.”
“It doesn’t start until eight thirty,” Dax chimes in. “We’re the late game.”
“Oh yeah,” I say, “I can make the late game.”
Ricky looks at me funny, or I imagine he does.
By the time my food arrives, we’re talking smack about the team from Mitchell. If our predictions go as mapped out, Cory will pitch a no-hitter, and we’re going to smoke those guys so badly that the game will end mercy rule.
“Don’t forget to wear your orange Riverbend shirt.” Nick turns to me. “If it’s still stuffed in your ball bag since the end of last season, do us all a favor and wash it.”
Everyone laughs, including me. Yes, I’ve been known to do that. It is usually only one week but the stink factor is strong. “Hey,” I say, “that’s my secret weapon. Stink the other team out.”
Keeping my eye on Ricky, I try to sense if anything is off. I’m being paranoid, but the truth is that I had a great time with Devan last night. I did take a long, cold shower when I got home, but that doesn’t lessen the enjoyment for the evening. I’m nervous about how dinner will go tonight.
It doesn’t seem as though he even knows I’ve been invited.
I don’t say anything about it because Devan said she has a plan.
“See you tonight,” Dax says, standing. He’s the first to leave. Since he’s wearing a dress suit and pants, it means he’ll be spending the day doing legal or title work. Cory too, is dressed nice for work, heading to the middle school, despite the students being out for the summer. Nick is wearing a shirt with his name over the pocket. Harvey, Ricky, and I are in jeans and t-shirts, looking as if we have a day of hard labor in our future.
Soon, the table is down to Cory and me. Being the last to arrive, I’m still finishing my breakfast. “I’m good,” I say with a smirk and another bite of potatoes. “You don’t need to wait for me. After this, I’m headed to Terre Haute to pick up some hybrid seed.”
Cory nods, picks up his cup of coffee, and before taking another drink, peers toward the door. Once the last two guys to get up from the table leave the diner, filling the air with the ringing of the bell over the door, Cory sets his cup down. “I don’t know what your plans are,” he says softly, “but unless you want Ricky to take you down, be more careful.”
I lower my fork to my plate.
My appetite disappears with Cory’s warning.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, despite the fact I know what he’s saying.
“Last night after the kids went to sleep, I went over to the school to grab something I forgot.” He lifts his eyebrows. “Ringing any bells?”
“Is there some rule against teachers on school grounds after hours?” The small hairs on the back of my neck are standing on end.
“No, teachers can be there. It’s frowned upon for them to be making out in the parking lot.”
