CHAPTER TWELVE #2
“I saw your sisters. They looked the same.” His lips curved. “The Pierce sisters were always considered the beauties of the town.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” said Lori. “I’m sure you met a lot of beautiful people in Hollywood.”
He shrugged. “After a while, they all look alike.”
“What brought you back here?” she asked.
“I remember how happy I was in high school and how I liked being outdoors any time of year doing some kind of sport.”
Guy helped her into his car and went around it to slide behind the wheel before taking off with a friendly roar.
He pulled up to a new Thai restaurant in town. “Is this okay for dinner? We talked about Moretti’s for pizza, but then I remembered you used to like this kind of food.”
“This is perfect. I’ve been meaning to try it now that it has new owners.”
He pulled into the parking lot of Thai Treasures, found a spot, and turned off the engine before they walked inside together.
At the entry, Lori took a moment to study the interior.
The bright red walls made a pleasant background for framed photographs of Thailand.
The black vinyl-covered benches and backs offset the wooden tables of the booths that lined the outside walls.
Tables for four filled the center of the room.
A vase holding bright yellow flowers on each table added color to the décor.
“Let’s get a booth,” said Guy.
“Yes, they’re a little more private,” Lori said.
A hostess approached and led them to the booth they wanted.
Lori took off her jacket and tucked it beside her as she sat down on her side of the table.
A waitress came over to them. “What can I get you to drink?”
“What would you like?” Guy asked Lori.
“I think a glass of white wine,” she responded.
“Please bring a glass of your best Chardonnay for my guest,” said Guy. “I’ll have an IPA.”
The waitress handed them each a menu, left, and returned with drinks and to take their order before leaving again.
“Here’s to old times,” said Guy, lifting his glass of beer.
Lori held up her glass of wine, and they smiled at one another.
“Tell me about your life here,” Guy said to her. “What do you do? I heard something about teaching.”
“I work at a daycare and preschool,” Lori said.
“Bright Beginnings is an excellent center owned and operated by Janie Sherwood, a woman who moved into town after you left. She’s a delightful teacher, warm and loving.
I’m very happy working there. I also have a couple of side jobs working as a Virtual Assistant. ”
“No kids of your own?” he asked.
Holding back a sigh, Lori shook her head. “No.”
“Me either,” said Guy.
“I gather you went to law school,” Lori said.
Guy laughed. “Stanford. I practice Intellectual law.”
“What are you doing here?” asked Lori. “I can’t imagine a big demand for that here in Ellenton.”
“You’d be surprised. With New York City nearby and home to numerous artists, writers, and actors, there is plenty of work to be found.
The law office of Bingham and Smith was pleased to offer me a partnership opportunity.
It’s an area they’ve never explored, even though they have received requests for this kind of help in the past. Now, I will handle those requests. ”
“Josh Bingham replaced his father there. I heard Ben Smith is ready to retire,” said Lori.
Guy laughed. “I forget how gossip gets around in a small town like this. Yes, Ben Smith is going to retire next year, and he’s brought on a man to replace him. Steven Franklin is a smart man who didn’t like working at a large law firm in New York City. He’s going to be an excellent addition.”
“I’m glad it worked out for you. They say you can never go home again, but maybe in your case, you can.”
The waitress brought their food, and conversation stopped as they inhaled the aroma of their meals. Lori had ordered Laarb Gai, a chicken salad mixture served in lettuce cups. Guy’s Thai Coconut Beef looked appetizing, too.
Lori took a bite of her chicken and groaned with satisfaction.
Guy gave her a look of approval. “You still like food. It’s refreshing to be with someone who isn’t afraid to eat.”
“How can you leave something this delicious on your plate?” asked Lori. “And should I have any leftovers, I always eat them for lunch the next day. I don’t enjoy cooking for myself.”
“Me, either,” said Guy. “Want to taste the beef?”
“Sure.” Lori handed him her bread plate.
He put a piece of the beef on it, and she took a bite. “Yum.”
“Guy! What are you doing here?” came a voice behind Lori.
She looked up and saw Cynthia Walters frowning at them.
“I’m having dinner with Lori. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen one another, and we’re just catching up,” said Guy. “What are you doing here?”
“My girlfriends and I sometimes get together for a night of watching television. I’m on dinner duty.”
“Well, enjoy,” said Guy, going back to eating his meal.
Before Cynthia walked away, she glared at Lori.
“Guess you two don’t get along,” said Guy.
“Never have,” said Lori. “She thinks you dumped her to go out with me.”
“That’s not true. She and I had a few dates, but I didn’t think it was serious,” said Guy, checking his watch. “It’s getting late if we want to make the movies.”
They finished their meals, and after paying for their dinner, Guy helped Lori into his car.
“What movie did you choose?” asked Guy, sliding behind the wheel. “I hope it’s not a chick flick.”
Lori gave him a teasing look. “Not quite as bad, but there is a bit of romance.”
“And?”
“It’s a thriller,” said Lori.
“Okay,” said Guy, chuckling. “I knew you’d pick something exciting. Thanks.”
Lori remembered how easy it had been to date him in high school and was glad he hadn’t changed too much. He was a worldly man who’d had an interesting life away from Ellenton, much different from hers. But they still got along.