Page 10 of Always in Watch Hill
“Perfect. I was thinking the same thing.”
Lynne led me across the dining room and I smiled at a few familiar faces, some of whom I recognized from the few times I’d ventured off the property, but most of whom didn’t recognize me. Not that it surprised me—the pandemic had done more than just age me. I’d lost weight, grown out my hair, and didn’t shave as much as I used to.
We took our seats and I handed Lynne one of the two laminated menus wedged between the condiments and a napkin dispenser.
“I can’t remember which beer of theirs I like the best,” I admitted. “Been such a long time since I’ve been here. Too long really.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re back at it.
“Me too.”You have no idea.I exhaled and let my shoulders relax. “Me too.”
“I usually go for a dark ale.” She perused the list, which took up one side. The other listed the food selections and daily specials. “I like a full-bodied flavor.”
“Can’t argue with that.” After a moment, I placed my menu back on the table. “I wonder what it takes to get a server around here.”
She glanced around the dining room. “Come to think of it, they look pretty short-staffed.”
“I saw online the other day that a lot of places are having that issue. Shame, considering what they have been though, first the virus, and the lockdowns.” I stood. “What are you thinking? I’ll take our orders to the bar.”
Lynne requested the summer blueberry ale and an order of mozzarella sticks. I crossed the restaurant again and signaled to the woman closest to the bar. “Can I get two blueberry ales and some mozzarella sticks?”
“Sure. Any dipping sauces?”
“Marinara and ranch, please.”
“Coming right up. If you want to wait a few minutes, I can bring it out to you here and you can take it to the table.”
“Sure thing,” I replied, figuring she suggested this because of the low number of waitstaff. “I don’t mind waiting for it.”
The bartender moved away from me and I surveyed the place again, taking in how refreshing it was to be out with other people, and not have to cook my own dinner for once. The pandemic had turned me into a decent chef, but even that got old sometimes. Part of the fun of a night out was not having to do something for yourself, getting to pay someone to do it instead. And now that I was there, I could see myself getting out more. It was time to get back into society, time to make my reentry. Staying home had been too easy, too simple.
That needed to end.
And I had to admit, it wasn’t so hard to break my quarantine habits when Lynne was around. Granted, I hardly knew her, but I liked her—and I pretty much had since the instant I met her at check-in. There was an unexpected softness to her, a kindness behind her eyes, and she was certainly more interesting than the usual people who showed up to rent my place. Getting back to a normal daily life wouldn’t be so bad if there were more people like her in it.
Yes, I wanted to be around her more. A lot more. Too bad she had only rented my place for a few days. My time with her wouldn’t last long.But would she be interested in something... with me?
The bartender returned with a small steel tray and my order on top of it. She said she’d open a tab for our table, then instructed me to bring the tray back once we finished with our meal. I thanked her and walked back to Lynne, balancing the tray on one hand as I did. She was looking at something on her phone and put down the device when I arrived with the drinks and food.
“Can I help you with that?” she asked.
“I’ve got it.” I handed her an ale and placed the appetizers between her seat and mine. “You were right, they are having a lot of trouble finding people.”
“That stinks. I hope they can find staff soon. I’d hate to see a place like this struggle.” She looked around the half-empty space again. “Seems like it’s a great community spot.”
“Especially on Saturdays and Sundays. I used to play sand volleyball here.”
“You did?”
I nodded. “Wasn’t particularly good, but I liked it. Met a few people... it got me out of the house.”
She lifted her drink. “Cheers to that.”
I followed her lead. “Cheers.”
We took long, quenching sips of our beers and then she said, “So, what got you into playing volleyball?”
“A couple of fraternity brothers at Ohio State got me hooked on it. They were always playing and kept inviting me. One day I finally said yes.”
