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Chapter 7
Jake followed Callie out to the sidewalk, drawing in a breath of the cold night air. Stars twinkled overhead, and streetlamps created pools of golden light on the worn cobblestones.
“Are you hungry?” He fell into step beside her, not wanting this evening to end yet. “We could grab something at the Mousehole.”
“I’m not hungry after all that popcorn…”
His heart sank.
“…but I’d like something to drink,” she finished.
“Great.” He smiled so wide his cheeks hurt—a disproportionately ridiculous reaction to having a drink at the local tavern. Or maybe not, considering who he was having a drink with. “No, wait, it’s almost nine-thirty. They’ll be closing soon.”
“The Mousehole is open until eleven on weekdays now.” Callie slipped her hands into her pockets and gave him an amused smile. “A new owner bought the place a few years ago and changed things up.”
“Eleven?” He lifted his eyebrows. “Bliss Cove is getting cutting edge. Does the movie rental place by the high school stay open past eight o’clock yet?”
“That closed down ages ago. Couldn’t compete with Netflix, I guess. But the Carpenters were ready to retire anyway. Lots of changes over the years.”
Jake pointed his thumb in the direction of the rugged mountain range south of town. “I’m guessing kids still party in the Fog Forest, huh?”
“I imagine so.”
Jake also guessed that Callie had never been one of the partiers. He, on the other hand, had enjoyed some raucous nights in the unincorporated redwood forest that wasn’t under the authority of the park service.
“Is the old Peabody mansion still there?” he asked.
“Oh, yes. Still boarded up and unclaimed.”
Jake was glad to know that—he had rather fond memories of trying to break into the old house with his buddies, though they’d never had any malicious intent. No one wanted to damage the Peabody mansion, which was tucked away in the foothills like a secret hideout. Bliss Cove residents had always been protective of the house, even if it had been vacant for as long as anyone could remember.
He and Callie left the historic district and walked to the Mousehole, an ivy-covered stone building nestled in a grove of redwoods. White lights twinkled around the windows, and three other structures sat behind the tavern.
Jake opened the door for Callie and stepped in behind her. Unlike the Vitaphone, the rustic tavern had undergone a renovation, with new wooden tables and chairs, checkered tablecloths, and upholstered booths. Lanterns glowed on every table, and candles flamed in the big stone fireplace. A jukebox played Elvis’s “Love Me Tender,” the mellow tones filtering over the sounds of conversation and clinking silverware.
Callie waved at the tall guy behind the bar and pointed at an empty table. “Can we take this one, Grant?”
“Go ahead. I’ll be over in a sec.” The guy shot Jake a curious look as Callie took two menus from the hosting station and led the way to the table.
After Jake pulled Callie’s chair out for her, they sat down. Out of sheer habit, he glanced warily at the other diners to see if anyone was eyeing him with either curiosity or dawning recognition. All clear.
The bartender—Grant—approached the table with two glasses of water. “How’ve you been, Callie?”
“Fine, thanks.” She indicated Jake, a sudden crease appearing between her eyebrows. “This is my…Jake. He’s an old friend.”
Her alarmed gaze collided with Jake’s in a sudden question, as she appeared to realize she’d just used his real name.
Grant nodded a greeting, his attention lingering a half-second too long on Jake’s face.
Shit.He’d know that flash of recognition anywhere.
Glancing back at Callie, Grant lifted his eyebrows. She pressed her lips together and gave him a slight shake of her head. A wordless communication passed between them.
Grant pointed to a secluded table in a corner. “Why don’t you two take that table instead? It’s more comfortable. I’ll bring your menus.”
Without waiting for a response, he tucked their menus under his arm, picked up their water glasses, and led the way over to the table. In addition to being shadowed, two wooden beams helped shield the table from the rest of the room.
“Thank you, Grant.” Callie gave him a grateful smile.
