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“What’s it worth?”
“Haha. I thought I was doing you a favor by being here!”
“Ah yes. You’re right… So, you’ve found a new home. That was quick. Great.”
“Kind of. I have an adequate place to stay while I’m here in the back of Beyond.”
“Haha. You make it sound like a sentence, Cam. No one is holding a gun to your head. At least not yet. Haha.”
“I know. I know. I’m here for you, bro.” I stand up and walk to the kitchen. “How’s Meryl?”
“She’s good. She’s been asking about you, wondering when you’re going to stop by.”
“How about tonight? Right now, in fact. I have nothing in the fridge and I’m starving.”
“Ha! And there it is. The real reason for your call, Wickham. Just a minute…” I hear a muffled conversation before my friend comes back on the line. “Come right over. Meryl’s made enough to feed a platoon.”
I thank Dex and hang up the call. Then I open the empty fridge and close it again. I should have gone to the store earlier, for some basics. Tomorrow.
I grab my car keys and head out.
When I arrive at the Dexters’ address, I’m greeted with a warm bear hug from my big jolly friend and receive a kiss on the cheek from heavily pregnant Meryl.
“Dex has been keeping you from me,” she says with a smile. “Welcome. Come on in. We’re just about to eat, so great timing.”
I take my place at the dining table which is laid with woven place mats, cutlery, glasses, and a water jug on a blue checkered linen tablecloth. A steaming pot of rich brown stew is set in the middle next to a heaped plate of crispy roast potatoes and carrots. Serving spoons and a ladle are set beside, ready. Dex pours out water into the three glasses. Meryl grips the table with both hands as she maneuvers herself into a chair.
“It gets more awkward each day,” she says laughing. “Please, Cam. Help yourself, won’t you.”
I heap up the delicious-smelling food onto my plate and thank my hosts for their kind hospitality.
“Next time, it’ll be your turn.”
“Okay,” I smile. “Meryl. Can I borrow you to cook dinner for us at my new place?”
“No! Absolutely not.” Meryl laughs, then strokes her round belly as if her laughter has disturbed the baby and she’s quietening it down with a soothing rub. “So, where is your place?”
Dex abruptly puts down his fork and says, “I know!” He fixes me with a grin while he’s chewing. Then he swallows his mouthful and says, “Bristol Lane. Am I right?” He picks up his fork and points it at me. I can’t help but grin right back, sheepishly.
“Yup.”
“I knew it!” Dex turns to his wife and says, “Hun. He’s moved in next door to the sweet girl at the library. Molly? Is it?”
“Yes. That’s right. Molly Ryan,” Meryl replies. “Oh, she’s lovely. And real pretty.”
“Yes, she is. But not as pretty as you, darlin.” Dex leans over and kisses Meryl which makes her laugh.
“Dex, stop it. We have a guest.” Meryl sips some water then seems to address the far wall. “I’ll find out if she’s seeing anyone.”
Dex turns his attention back to me and says, “Sweet Molly Ryan, huh?”
“Look, Dex, Meryl.” I look from one to the other. “The house was fine, and I didn’t want to spend time looking further, okay? End of.”
“And there’s the bonus of Miss Molly Ryan living next door.”
“That is a fact but wasn’t ever a consideration.”
“No?”
