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As she scribbled down his order and darted toward the kitchen, a voice addressed him from the side. “Ain’t you the new guy in town?” To his right, a man with dark hair, dressed in coveralls, stared back at him.
“Yeah, I guess that’s me. Luke Grayson.” He held out his hand.
The man smiled and shook it. “I’m Gary Harmon. I own the car shop down the road. That’s the Range Rover SV, ain’t it? I didn’t know they released the new one yet.”
Luke chuckled. “You know your cars. I bought it last week before my son and I drove down here from Chicago.”
“Chicago? That’s quite a drive. I’ve never traveled north beyond Charleston myself. Anyway, this is my son, Tate. He works at the garage with me.” Gary gestured to the teenage boy seated on the next stool down, who looked like a younger version of him.
“Nice to meet you all.” Luke wasn’t used to all this friendliness, but Gary seemed nice enough.
As they waited, Gary introduced him to a few other members of the town sitting nearby. Among them was a large red-faced man who came bounding out of the kitchen, his apron smeared with grease.
“Hey there! I’m Phil. Heard you put in an order, so I thought I’d come out and say, hey.”
Looks like I’ll meet the whole town before my food’s ready, Luke mused. Then, addressing Phil, he said, “Nice to meet you and everyone else here.”
“Newcomers always stick out like sore thumbs in Hadley Cove.” Phil clapped his hands down on the bar counter. “But don’t you worry, we take good care of folks around here.”
“Good to know.”
Phil nodded. “Well, I gotta check the food. Be right back with your platters.”
As Phil disappeared into the kitchen, Luke struck up a conversation with Gary and his son, making the wait fly by. Before he knew it, Phil returned with a large bag full of Styrofoam containers in hand.
“Here you go, Luke. Two Phil’s platters and some extras for ya. Don’t be a stranger.”
Luke looked at the bags, confusion written across his face. “I think you might have put someone else’s order in there, too.”
Phil laughed, shaking his head. “No, this is all for you. Enjoy your breakfast and come back soon.”
Grinning, Luke took the bags from him. “Thanks, Phil. I’m sure I’ll be back again.”
As he headed outside and over to the Range Rover, he noticed more decorations had gone up around town. The colorful banners swayed in the wind, making the shops even more inviting. Luke considered returning later to join the festivities, if not for the unpacking awaiting him at home.
After the short drive back, he pulled into the driveway and was surprised to see a lady standing on the front porch talking to Jeremiah. He grabbed the takeout bags and walked over.
“Good morning!” Ada turned around and smiled at Luke as he approached.
“Morning, Ada. How are you today?”
“I’m fine, darling. I was just bringing over some banana bread. Wanted to make sure you boys had something to eat.” She smiled, showing off the dish.
“Thank you. You didn’t have to.”
“Oh, it’s nothing really. I love to bake. There’s no dairy or nuts in case y’all are allergic. Jeremiah was telling me you still have lots of unpacking to do. I’m good at organizing if you need some help.”
Jeremiah caught Luke’s eye and shook his head subtly, out of Ada’s view.
“That’s kind of you to offer, really,” Luke said. “But I think we can manage.”
“Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me. You boys should come over for dinner sometime soon. Frank and I would love to have y’all.”
“Maybe we will,” Luke said, though he had no intention of doing so.
Ada took a few steps forward, cornering Luke. “I’ll whip up something special for y’all. How about next week? Monday’s out since Frank has poker night.” Before Luke could respond, Ada walked off the porch. “So, I’ll see y’all Tuesday evening at my place. I’ll let Frank know as soon as I get back. Ta-ta!”
Luke laughed. “Looks like we’re booked for Tuesday dinner.” He handed the bags to Jeremiah. “Got us breakfast. Probably enough for tomorrow too.”
