Page 12 of The Rancher

“I know. I feel the same way. We probably should have eaten the hors d’oeuvres that were served, but I didn’t think we’d be leaving. I’m glad you agreed to go with me though.”

“So am I.”

He drove west on Colfax Avenue to a small non-descript building on the north side of the street. The restaurant was called Jerry’s Place.

“This is actually a neighborhood bar more than a restaurant, but they have great burgers. They make their own buns, toastthem and then make the sandwich.” He kissed his fingers and made a “muah” sound. “The result is perfection. Come on. I’ll get your door.”

He helped her exit the car and then put out his arm for her.

She took it and they walked into the building. “I actually grew up in west Lakewood. I know of Jerry’s Place though I’ve never been here. I’m discovering since I came back there are a lot of places I’m not familiar with. I’ve been gone for more than ten years. Since starting college really. I would come home on weekends in college…mostly to do laundry.” She laughed. “But once I started working as a vet, I’ve only been home for the holidays.”

“You’ll love this place. Trust me.”

“I do.”Why is it I do trust him?I don’t know him, but there is something there that I can’t explain. I just know I need to be careful. I can’t fall in love again with someone who can just discard me.

The interior was dark, just like a bar, but there were lights over each booth that lined the outside of the room, so the menu could be read. It looked like there were mostly families or couples in here. The only people just drinking were those sitting at the bar and there wasn’t even half-a-dozen of them.

An older woman with silver hair stood behind the bar which had a mirror behind the liquor on the shelves. “Ray. Good to see you, son. You’re a little overdressed since it’s not St. Paddy’s day, but come on over here.” She slapped the bar in front of her.

Ray helped Lyris onto a barstool and then turned to the bartender after he’d sat on the stool next to her. “How are you doing, Joanie? I haven’t been in for a while. Too much going on.”

“Same ole, same ole,” replied Joanie. “Who’s your friend?” She jutted her chin toward Lyris.

“She’s my new vet, Lyris Jennings.” He turned to Lyris. “Meet Joanie St. James, the force behind Jerry’s Place and thebest cook in the world.” He leaned over and whispered. “Don’t tell Amy I said that.”

Lyris laughed. “Your secret is safe with me.” She gazed over at Joanie. “Nice to meet you.”

“You, too, hon. What can I get you folks?”

“Two Jerry’s cheeseburgers with the works, fries, onion rings, and I’ll have a beer.” Ray turned to Lyris. “I hope you don’t mind that I ordered for you. I just want you to have the best experience, and I know what’s good. I’ve been coming here for more than fifteen years. I was almost too young to drink when I started coming. But the food is great, so I keep coming back.”

“That’s fine. I’ll have a Coke, if you have it. Pepsi, if you don’t.”

Joanie nodded. “We have Coke. Even in the bottles, if you’d like.”

Lyris grinned. “That would be fantastic.”

“Okay, I’ll be back in a bit with your drinks. Let me get the burgers on the grill first.”

“No hurry,” said Ray.

Joanie headed for the kitchen.

“So, what do you think?” Ray asked.

Lyris looked around and then nodded. “I like it. It’s a great place.” She turned back and looked at the two of them in the mirror behind the bar. “We are really over dressed for this place though. I think next time we should wear jeans.” She realized what she said and didn’t know how to take it back.

Ray grinned. His forearms rested on the edge of the bar. “I’m glad you’re open to there being a next time. I’d like that. I have a lot of places I’d like to show you. Maybe after the race on Saturday, you, Maddy, and I can go somewhere together. There’s always Gunther Toody’s. It’s one of Maddy’s favorites because they have great malts there. It’s hard to find a place that makes a good malt.”

“Oh, I love their malts. I’m not really a shake fan, and before you ask.” She held up a hand, palm out. “I don’t know why, I’m just not.”

Ray raised his hands to his shoulders, palms out. “I won’t mention it again.”

Joanie returned with their drinks.

After taking a long drink of her Coke, Lyris sighed. “Ah, there is nothing like the burn from a real Coke when you drink it too fast.”

Right after that Joanie served their meals.