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“That, you did. Do you have any idea what brought it on?”
“I was feeling dizzy.”
“Didn’t think it was important to mention that to me?” When I smiled, so did she. “I’m overwhelming you.”
When Sloane didn’t say anything, I laughed. “I’ll take that as silent affirmation.” She tried to stand, but I wouldn’t let her off my lap. “When’s the last time you ate?”
“Earlier?”
“Today? This week?”
“Today.”
“What sounds good? The Farmstead? Paddy’s?”
She perked up at one of the two; I couldn’t tell which. “I haven’t been to Paddy’s in ages.”
“Do you feel good enough to walk or—”
“I feel fine. I passed out. Not a big deal.”
“Not a big deal at all. People do it every day. It’s especially not a big deal if it happens when they’re driving. Or crossing the street at a busy intersection. Or in the shower.”
“Oh my God, stop.”
When I pulled up to the Irish restaurant that had been a Newton institution for as long as the grill had, something felt off to me. I could see in the rearview Cowboy park his truck a few spots over from where I was. I watched as he got out and walked over to the entrance. I waited for an all-clear sign before taking Sloane inside. It never came.
“What’s going on?” she asked when Cowboy came back out and touched the right side of the brim of his hat instead.
“Let’s go somewhere else.”
Sloane folded her arms. “Did you think I didn’t notice him?”
“Who?”
“The guy you’ve had following me. You know, the one who just went into Paddy’s, came back out, and signaled you not to go inside.”
I shook my head and laughed. “So is Farmstead okay with you instead?”
“Of course.”
We drove up and went through the same routine we had at the last place. This time, I saw Cowboy give the all clear.
“What’s his name?” asked Sloane when we got out of the car.
“Garrison Cassidy.”
“Good Lord. Where’d you find him? Texas?”
“He’s one of Doc’s finds.”
When we walked inside, Cowboy was seated at the counter studying a menu.
“Ask him to join us,” Sloane said before the hostess approached.
“How many?” she asked.
I said two and Sloane said three.
