CHAPTER FIFTEEN #2
They got out of the car and walked toward the building.
A colorful metal sign tacked by the front door advertised seafood and craft beer. Above the door, a carved wooden sign said “Stan’s”.
Inside, a bar lined one end of the room. The bar stools in front of it were mostly filled. The other end of the room held several four-top tables with red-checkered plastic tablecloths, adding to the casual atmosphere.
The side wall contained a small stage where a piano sat. Tonight, sound equipment was set up for the expected singer and two guitar players. There was no sign of Brooks, but it was early for his performance.
Elliott and Hazel sat at a table with an excellent view of the stage.
A young waitress wearing denim cut-off shorts and a red T-shirt came over to take their orders.
“Any specials?” asked Elliott.
“If you haven’t had our fried lobster or clam chowder, you’re in for a treat. Other than that, everything on the menu is really tasty, I promise you.”
“Ah, in that case, let me look over the menu.” He turned to Hazel. “Want a beer or something stronger?”
“I’ll take a Hampshire light ale,” said Hazel. She knew she’d have the fried lobster. She could already taste the sweet meat with a butter and lemon dipping sauce.
“Same for me,” said Elliott to the waitress. “I see you’re busy, so I’ll decide on my meal soon.”
After the waitress left, Elliott said, “Any recommendations for dinner?”
“A New England dish called ‘scrod’ is always delicious. It’s a baked cod dish that, done right, is delicious. Other than that, I’d recommend lobster, clams, or fish and chips. As the waitress said, Stan’s is all about excellent food and music.”
“Okay, I’ll try the scrod.” He looked around. “This is a happening place.”
“It’ll be even busier when it’s time for the music,” said Hazel.
Their beers came, and as they were waiting for their food, Mike showed up.
“What are you doing here? Where’s Tracy?” Hazel asked him as he sat at their table.
“She and I fought. I thought I’d give her some space,” Mike answered. “I hope your invitation still stands.”
“Sure. Misty and David are joining us too, but there’s always room for more.”
“I can go if it’s too crowded,” said Mike.
“No way,” said Elliott. He signaled the waitress, and when she came over, Mike ordered a beer.
They were chatting comfortably when Misty and David arrived.
Hazel watched them walk across the room. David was gently guiding Misty by her elbow and helping her weave through the tables. Hazel thought they were adorable together.
Elliott and Mike stood as Misty and David reached them, and then, after shaking hands with David, the four of them sat down.
“Where’s Tracy?” asked Misty.
Mike sighed. “She’s not coming. Hope you don’t mind an extra.”
“Not at all. This will give me a chance to get to know you better,” said Misty. “Until now, you’ve been pretty much working in Florida.”
“Yes, I teach tennis there in the winter months, but the program is growing so fast here at the Sports Center that I may stay on for the winter crowd that we’re trying to create here.”
Hazel shot Mike a look of confusion, and he smiled.
Misty, David, and Mike ordered dinner, and soon they were all eating together.
“Service here is quick,” commented Elliott. “No wonder this place is so popular.”
“It’s been here forever,” said David. “They thought about tearing the place down and building something bigger, fancier, and decided not to. I’m glad. This is one-of-a-kind in this area.”
“Hazel took me to your family park,” said Elliott. “It’s beautiful.”
David smiled a little sadly. “My sister was a wonderful person. Far too young to die.”
“And very nice, very beautiful,” added Misty.
“I haven’t seen it,” Mike admitted. “I’ll have to go there sometime.”
“I’ll take you anytime,” said Hazel. “It’s not far from my house, and I stop there quite often.”
“I hear you’re doing some work for Beckman Lumber,” said Misty, looking at Elliott. “How’s that going?”
“Excellent,” said Elliott. “I’m going into business with Craig Evans, and Beckman Lumber is my primary customer at this point.”
“I’m very proud and pleased that Elliott is settling in so quickly,” said Hazel.
Misty took a sip of beer and then blurted, “You were supposed to marry Hazel?”
Taken aback by Misty’s boldness, Elliott and Hazel looked at one another.
Hazel remained quiet, wondering what Elliott would say.
“As much as I love Hazel, it wasn’t going to happen,” said Elliott. “I’m gay.”
Misty bobbed her head. “That’s a smart decision, then.”
Hazel couldn’t help chuckling at Misty’s earnest expression, and soon they were all laughing, relieving the tension.
Mike gave her a steady look.
Hazel cleared her throat. “You might as well be in on the plan, everyone. Mike has agreed to pretend to be dating me when my mother comes to visit me in a couple of days. To get her off my back about Elliott, I blurted out that I had a boyfriend in town. When my mother grilled me, the only single guy I could think of was Mike.” Hazel shook her head.
“It’s all a horrible mistake, but thankfully, Mike’s helping me out. ”
“Y’all don’t know how a Southern mother can be about wanting her children settled with a family,” said Elliott. “Like our two mothers.”
“I’m hoping her visit will simply be fun and harmless,” said Hazel. “We’ll see.”
Elliott gave her a skeptical look.