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I look around the half-full dining room before sitting in a booth near the window. This way, I can do some people-watching while I eat. Observing the locals sounds like something a real writer would do.
A minute later, Moira appears with my water. “Are you heading to the lodge later?”
I nod. “I told Harper I’d come by tonight after I settle into my rental. Are you and the boys going to be there?” I hope they will be.
“The boys are already there, but I’m taking a much-needed night off from being a mom.”
“And well-deserved, I’m sure,” I say, totally understanding her need for peace.
“Between work, Wyatt’s baseball games, and the twins’ swim meets, I’m pretty much never alone.”
“Wyatt plays baseball? I’d love to come watch him sometime.”
“Really? Why?” she asks, looking surprised.
I take a sip of my water before answering, “I love baseball.”
“I’m sure Wyatt would love having another person cheering him on. His next game is on Friday at six o’clock, but I won’t tell him you’re coming, in case you change your mind.”
“I won’t change my mind,” I tell her. “It’s not like I have a full social calendar.”
She smiles her million-dollar smile before rushing off to seat a small group of whom I’m guessing are tourists.Stop with the tube socks and sandals, people! Is it any wonder Americans are the butt of so many travel jokes?
A few minutes later, another waitress drops my burger in front of me. After my first bite, I’m ready to declare it the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten.
Three bites in, my phone pings with a message from Harper:
Harper:You’re here already?
Me:How in the world did you know that?
Harper:Please, this is Gamble. Everybody knows everything.
Me:Moira texted you, didn’t she?
Harper:She thought I’d like to know you arrived safely and are now ruining your appetite.
Me:Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll be hungry for whatever Digger’s cooking. What can I bring? Some wine, maybe?
Harper:Nope, just yourself. The kids are SO excited to see you.
Me:Same here. I need to meet the landlord at the cabin in a bit, then grab a few groceries. I’ll be up right afterward.
Harper:See you soon, my friend!
I make short work of my lunch, hoping Moira will make it back over to talk to me, but she doesn’t. When I finish, I leave a twenty on the table and sneak out, not wanting to bother her. Just as I pull the door open, she calls to me, “See you Friday!”
I turn and grin. “I’m sure you’ll see me before then. The food here is better than anything I could make myself.”
Her cheeks brighten and I leave with a warm feeling in my bones. Eating out here is the complete opposite of dining out in LA. LaLa Land eateries involve being seated by a snooty hostess who thinks she’s holding the keys to heaven, then being waited on by a slew of young wannabe actors who don’t know the first thing about service—they’re too busy giving you smoldering looks in case you’re someone who can discover them and launch their careers. Finally, you’re offered Lilliputian portions of whatever is the “in” thing to eat. The coup de grâce is a bill King Midas would cringe at. I’msonot going to miss that.
A quick trip up Main Street takes me to the turnoff for Birch Road, where I’ll be staying. When I pull up in front of number three, I see an older woman in jeans and a plaid flannel shirt standing on the porch. The house is a large two-story log cabin with enormous windows that overlook the lake. It’s the perfect spot to pen my first novel. Quiet and relaxed with a breathtaking view. I get out and wave hello to her.
“Are you Ethan?”
“I am,” I tell her, hurrying up the flagstone path to the front steps.
“I’m Julia. I’m here to show you around.” She pushes the front door open and walks in ahead of me. She’s clearly a no-nonsense kind of person, very unlike the realtors you see on Selling Sunset. Laughter bubbles up inside me at the thought of one of those gals in their five-inch stilettos and mile-long hair extensions trying to sell houses here.
