Page 47 of No One Wants That (Blitzen Bay)

“Is Nash’s Hash named after the Nash we know?” Alex says, looking up from the menu.

“Yep,” Gabi says. “He bought into the place a few months ago. He got twenty percent of the restaurant and a dish named after him. It’s what he eats every time he comes in here.”

“It sounds delicious,” Alex says. “I’ll have that—eggs scrambled—and orange juice.”

“Same,” I say. “But eggs over easy.”

“You got it,” she says, hustling back to the kitchen.

I turn to Sam. “So what’s the news this morning? Local or otherwise.”

“I do actually have some news.” He looks up at Alex. “That lawyer you told me about called me at five this morning. I was barely out of bed.”

“Sorry about that,” Alex says. “He’s in New York, so that’s eight for him, but it’s still too early.”

“It’s fine. He said you texted him last night about me.”

“Yeah, I figured Stan could help you. He’s a real estate attorney. He handles property and land investments for my agent’s roster of athletes. He got me a great deal on my place in Miami. He’s the best.”

“I think he is,” Sam says, finishing the last bit of oatmeal in his bowl. “He already called me back and told me the potential buyer is a guy who owns a Hollywood movie studio. His name is Horace Walker III. Have you heard of him?”

“I haven’t,” Alex says. “Butch?”

“Naw, man. I’d remember someone named Horace but it doesn’t ring a bell. I’m not much of a Hollywood guy.”

Gabi arrives with our food. “Sam, are you talking about your buyer again? The movie producer? Izzy’s so excited. She’s always wanted to be in a movie.”

“I’ve already told her I’ll make that part of the contract,” Sam says, laughing as he shifts his line of sight to the door. “Well, good morning, Miss Millie.”

“Good morning, Sam,” Millie says, gliding up to our table. “May I join you, gentlemen?”

Sam jumps up and pulls out a chair. “You most certainly may. It will brighten up the table so much.”

“What? Are you saying I’m not bright, Sam?” I say, putting my arm around the back of Millie’s chair.

Millie pinches my cheek and then kisses it. “You’re the absolute brightest, sweetie.”

“Well, well,” Gabi says. “Butch, you don’t seem to have any problem attracting the ladies.”

“It’s his animal magnetism,” Millie says, laying her head on my shoulder. “Hi. I’m Millie.”

“I’m Gabi. Wait, I thought you were married to the other friend. Like Mason or something.”

“She’s very married to Mason,” I say, pulling Millie closer. “She just likes to tease me.”

“Then I like her already,” Gabi says. “What can I get you, Millie?”

“Mason ordered online for carry out. Mason Davis. But I’d love some coffee while I wait.”

“Speaking of your worse half,” I say, watching Gabi walk away. “Where is he this morning? Did you wear him out last night?”

“Don’t be crude in front of Sam, please.” She pats Sam’s hand as he beams across the table at her. “Mason went for a run. You know he can’t function unless he starts his day that way.”

“Don’t you usually go with him?” I say, swatting her hand as she tries to pinch off a piece of one of my biscuits.

“Not on his ten-mile runs. And definitely not while I’m on vacation.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “So what are we talking about this morning, guys?”

“We were talking about the man who wants to buy the town from Sam,” Alex says. “He found out his name is Hortense Walker. Have you heard of him?”

---