FOLLY by Bill Noel

Author:Bill Noel [Noel, Bill]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780595613069
Publisher: iUniverse
Published: 1969-12-31T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

Thunder and a hard rain on the tin roof woke me at six. I was still half-asleep, but came to the insightful realization that when you’re on an extended vacation, Saturday takes on a different meaning from when you work Monday through Friday. It becomes just another day. But, that’s okay; it was just another day I didn’t have to go to work. I presumed holidays were the same. Did a retired person lose the feeling of pleasant anticipation looking forward to Christmas, Labor Day, and the Fourth of July? And did that balance out the loss of Monday dread? Way too deep a topic for a rainy Saturday morning.

The forecast called for clearing and another perfect day in paradise. The rain appeared to be easing, so I got an early start and headed to The Dog for the latest gossip and a hardy breakfast. That’s what we “locals” do.

The restaurant was half-full, and my table by the window was already taken. I really must be a local now; I was irritated that some tourist was in my seat. Amber gave me a wink and pointed to an empty booth near the back. I assumed that meant I was to sit there and followed her—a pleasant experience.

When I was seated, she gave me her formal greeting. “Good morning, my favorite Kentuckian,” she said with her most radiant smile. “We have the Belgium waffle today, so I went ahead and ordered it for you.”

At least I didn’t have to decide. With my coffee cup in her left hand, the drink decision was a done deal too. I could start liking this kind of service.

“Will you be photographing our fair island today?” she said. “And if so, which direction will you be heading?”

“I think I’ll check out the beach. See what it looks like with the sand and sea oats wet. Then, I don’t know where.”

She gave me an extra warm smile and leaned both palms on the table, and ...

“You know, doll,” she said in a conspiratorial tone, “you can find a lot of nice views right here. I’d be glad to pose. You’ll be able to see as much of the scenery as you want; know what I mean?”

I was thinking that I did, and I thanked her for the offer. “You never know; I might take you up on that invitation—good vistas are hard to find!”

“Not to sound too cocky, but you could get better photos than of those sea oats; rain on them or not.”

But with that, I ran out of words. Besides, how could I disagree? The coffee was hotter than usual; then again, so was the conversation, and, as I watched her walk away, so was my blood. But I took a deep breath and calmed myself.

Trying to distract myself and still my beating heart, I looked around the room. It was eerie; I recognized most of the diners—the two city council members in their regular places; a lady from the grocery in one of the window seats—not mine.

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