Page 44 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“Yeah…well…along came this old professor…” I chuckled.
Rod chimed in, “And this ancient student…”
We laughed and headed back inside.
* * *
We cleaned up the breakfast dishes.
“Why don’t we eat lunch in Kerrville today?” Rod said. “The city boasts several outstanding restaurants. Afterward, we can come back here and relax.”
“Lunch in town sounds wonderful.”
“I understand your uneasiness with being together in public. But you can be yourself around here,” Rod said. “Nobody knows us except my friends, and they are people I worked with at the college who retired down here. We won't bump into them. But if we did, they already know about you and me.”
“About me? I hope you didn’t tell them what an idiot I was for walking away from you.”
Rod chuckled. “No. I didn’t tell them about you until after you got down on your knees and, tears streaming down your cheeks, begged me to come back to you.”
My turn to chuckle. “Was I there?”
We laughed. One thing we learned early on in our relationship, starting the first day, was that we enjoyed kidding with each other. I hoped that it would never end. “Will I meet them someday?”
“Sure,” Rod said. “I almost arranged a party for this weekend, but I wanted the time to be ours. I hope you don’t mind.”
I kissed his ear. “Of course, I don’t mind.” Knowing Rod mentioned me to his friends overjoyed me. He made me part of his life. I turned Rod to face me. By now, I had tears. Tears of happiness. “You are so understanding and accommodating. I don’t deserve you and am so lucky you put up with me.”
“I’m the lucky one, babe.” Rod stroked a tear from my cheek before he leaned in for a quick kiss. “Now, let’s finish these breakfast dishes.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
ROD
We strolled into the Wild Grapevine, a favorite local restaurant nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River. I pointed to the extensive list of beer choices. In addition, the restaurant offered an impressive selection of wines. Add the eclectic menu, and this became one of my go-to places in town.
The barman waited as we studied the chalkboard menu behind the bar. I elbowed Wyl. “If you see something you’re curious about, they’ll give you a sample. I’m having the wheat beer.” I pointed to the listing on the chalkboard. “It’s from a regional brewery. It’s not a dark beer but has much the same flavor.”
Wyl elbowed me back. “I’ll try it, too.”
I motioned to the server. “We’ll take those on the patio.”
On the gorgeous autumn day, afternoon temps reached the upper-70s. Perfect weather for patio dining. We took seats, and Wyl gazed at the Guadalupe River. “This is a beautiful place. I regret not exploring the Hill Country while stationed in San Antonio. I didn’t have anyone to run around with, so I stayed in my quarters when not on duty.”
I smiled at my Marine/rancher. “You’re not on duty anymore, so you have lots of time to explore.Wehave lots of time to explore.” I winked at him.
The server appeared. “Gentlemen, your beer.” He placed beer mats and chilled schooners on the wrought-iron table and handed us menus.
“What are the specials today?” I asked.
“Our featured lunch is pasta with quail. It comes with either a salad or soup. Our soup today is corn chowder.”
"The quail sounds good. I’ll have it with the soup.”
“I think I’ll try the buffalo burger,” Wyl said.
“Good choice,” the waiter said. “How would you like it cooked? I recommend no more than medium as buffalo tends to be a bit dry.”
“How about medium rare or rare? I don’t know if buffalo moo, but I like my meat still mooing.” Wyl grinned at the server.
