by Bill Myers
Reluctantly, I took his phone and punched in Polly's number.
She answered on the fourth ring.
“Polly, this is Walker. I'm sitting here with one of your neighbors and he's wondering if you'd like to join us for dinner tonight at the Mango Bistro.
“Before you answer, check the caller ID.”
There was a pause as Polly looked at her phone.
“Walker, is this a joke?”
“No. No joke. Buck Waverly is sitting across the table from me, and he asked me to call and see if you'd like to go to dinner with him tonight.
“And just so you'd feel safe, he wants Lucy and I to tag along. Kind of like a double date.”
Polly hesitated. “This is pretty short notice. What if I already have a date tonight?”
“Well Polly, if that's the case, Buck will be pretty disappointed. Should I let him know that you have a previous engagement and won't be joining him for dinner?”
She laughed. “Don't you dare tell him that. I'm in. What time are you going to pick me up, and what should I wear?”
It was agreed we would eat early. Around six and we'd all dress casual.
With Polly still on the phone, I asked, “What about Lucy? Should I call and ask her to join us, or would it be better if you made the call?”
Polly laughed, “Lucy was pretty mad at you this morning. She found a half naked woman in your motorhome. If it were me, I'd be mad at you too. But now that I know the full story, I'm actually proud of you. You did the right thing.
“I've already talked to Lucy and filled her in on what really happened. So she's not nearly as angry as she was this morning. But I don't think she's ready to talk to you on the phone. So let me call her. I'll make sure she joins us for dinner tonight.”
I was relieved. I wasn't looking forward to making that call. We said our goodbyes and ended the call.
Buck leaned back, smiling. “So I take it we have dinner dates?”
After I filled Buck in with the details, I headed back to my motorhome. Bob met me at the door, gave my shoes a quick sniff, then headed back to the bedroom to resume his nap. Like all cats, Bob was nocturnal – meaning he slept most of the day, and prowled most of the night.
Right now, he was catching up on sleep so he'd be sharp later on tonight. I should of been doing the same thing, considering what little sleep I had gotten the night before.
But sleep would have to wait. I had to shower and shave and get ready for my dinner date tonight.
CHAPTER THIRTY
At exactly five thirty, I left my motorhome, locking the door behind me and walked across the driveway to Polly's Airstream. Oscar the wiener dog must have heard me coming, because before I got to the door, he started barking.
Almost immediately, I heard Polly's voice, “You're right Oscar. Someone's out there. Let's go see who it is.”
The door opened and Polly said, “Look Oscar, it's Walker. From next door.”
Oscar danced around the floor, then walked over to his leash which Polly kept on a nearby table.
“Sorry Oscar, you won't be going with us tonight. Walker and I have a date. You'll have to stay here and protect the place while we're gone. Can you do that?”
Oscar didn't look happy. He wanted to go with us.
Polly pointed to the couch, “Oscar, get in the bed.”
Oscar issued a short whine of disappointment, then walked over to the couch and jumped up on it.
“Good boy. You stay here until I get back, and then we'll go for a long w. a. l. k.”
Upon hearing the word 'walk' spelled out, Oscar sat up, wagged his little tail and smiled as only a dog can. He was happy. He had been promised a walk.
Polly stepped out and locked the door behind her. “It's so rare that I go anywhere without Oscar. I don't know who feels worse about it. Him or me.
“But he'll be fine. I've already walked him this afternoon, and when we get back I'll walk him again before bedtime.”
While Polly was telling me this, I was doing my best not to stare at her. She had untied her ponytail and combed out her hair so that it flowed over her bare shoulders. That combined with the white gauzy dress she was wearing gave her the appearance of someone twenty years younger.
“Wow, you look great!”
“You don't think I overdid it, do you?”
“No, not at all.”
Looking around, Polly asked, “Where's Buck. When do I get to meet him?”
“He's on his way. I called him just before I came over. He said he was going out the door heading this way in his black chariot.”
Looking down the drive toward Buck's trailer, we could see him coming our way in his golf cart, cowboy hat on his head, a smile on his face.
As he approached, Polly waved timidly. Buck waved back. He parked his golf cart behind my Jeep, got out and walked over to us.
I did the introductions. “Polly, meet Buck Waverly, your neighbor.”
Buck tipped his hat in Polly's direction, “Polly, the pleasure is all mine.”
She blushed, then said, “You're a real charmer aren't you?”
Buck nodded. “I try to be, especially when there's a pretty woman involved.”
Both Polly and Buck were smiling, like teenagers going out on their first date. I stood back and watched as they got to know each other.
After five minutes, I tapped my wrist where there'd be a watch if I wore one, “It's about time to go. Where's Lucy?”
Polly turned to me. “Lucy said for us to go ahead without her. She's going to meet us at the restaurant.”
Then she asked, “Who's car we going in?”
I pointed at my Jeep. “Mine.”
Polly looked at Buck, then back at me. “No, we're not going to ride in that thing. Too hard to get in and out of. Probably rides like a garbage truck.”
She tossed me her keys. “Let's take mine. Buck and I’ll ride in the back, you can drive.”
“A take charge woman,” said Buck. “I like that.”
It was a little early for the dinner crowd when we arrived at the Mango Bistro. The parking lot was nearly empty, so I parked close to the door.
Buck got out first and held Polly's hand as they headed into the restaurant. When he walked inside, the manager came over and greeted him. They spoke a few friendly words, and then the three of us were ushered to a private table in the back.
As soon as we were seated, a server appeared and welcomed us. She told us about the evening specials, took our drink orders and left.
Before she returned, another server brought over a tray of appetizers. Compliments of the owner. Moments later, our drinks arrived.
It was clear we were getting special treatment. Apparently eating dinner with Buck Waverly, at least in this restaurant, had it's perks.
Normally, when I go out to eat, I like to sit so I have a view of the front door. Call me paranoid, but I don't want people sneaking up behind me.
Buck is the same way, and it was he who was sitting with his back to the wall this evening, which gave him a clear view of the front of the restaurant. Polly sat beside him, and I sat across with an empty chair to my right for Lucy.
As we started our appetizers, I saw Polly look over my left shoulder and smile. “Here she is. I knew she'd come.”
Turning behind me, I saw that Lucy had just walked into the restaurant. Wearing blue shorts and a white button up shirt, she looked like she had just left work and had driven straight here.
As she approached the table, I stood and helped her with her chair. “Lucy, glad you made it.”
She returned my smile, then leaned over and whispered in my ear. “I'm doing this for mom.”
During dinner, Buck was a superb host. He shared stories from his past, listened intently when Polly or Lucy spoke, and was the perfect gentleman throughout.
After we finished our desserts, Buck suggested that he and Polly take the minivan back to Serenity Cove, while the young folks (Lucy and I), went out and did whatever young f
olks did these days.
Polly smiled. “Lucy, you don't mind driving Walker do you?”
Lucy started to object, but Polly gave her a look and shook her head. Apparently, Lucy got the message. “I'll be happy to drive Walker home. In fact, I have something in my car I want to give him.”
“Good, it's settled then. Buck and I'll take the minivan, and Walker, you'll ride with Lucy.”
After I handed the minivan's keys to Polly, Buck stood and held her chair as she got up. They said their goodbyes and left.
Lucy and I were alone at the table. She gave me a fake smile and said, “You ready to go?”
I nodded, then looked around for our server. She saw me and quickly came over.
“I think we'll be leaving. Can we have our check please?”
She shook her head. “It's already been taken care of. Earlier today. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No, we're fine. The meal and service were excellent.”
After the server left, I pulled two twenties and placed them on the table.
When I looked up, Lucy was smiling. “Can you believe it? My mom is out with Buck Waverly. They're going back to his place. This is not at all like her.
“So I'm betting you're involved in this somehow. It was you who got them together. Right?”
I smiled. “If you'll take me home the long way, by the beach, I'll tell you the whole story.”
Lucy got up from the table, jangled her car keys and said, “Oh, I'll take you home alright. But I get to choose the route.”
She then walked through the restaurant, out the front door and into the parking lot. I followed closely – fearing that she just might leave me behind if I didn't keep up with her.
After she unlocked her 4Runner and slid behind the wheel, I tried the passenger door and it was locked. I was unable to get in.
From the driver's side, Lucy looked up at me and smiled. She put the key in the ignition and started the motor.
I stepped away, assuming she was going to leave me standing in the parking lot as she drove off. But after a moment I heard the click of the passenger door unlocking.
“Come on, get in”, she said. “I'm not going to wait all night.”
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Lucy was driving and I was in the passenger seat. We were headed down McCall Road, which was good. It meant she wasn't taking me straight back to Serenity Cove. She was taking me the long way. We'd get to spend more time together.
“So Walker, how do you know Buck Waverly? And how did you get him to ask my mom out?”
I smiled. “You probably won't believe this, but here goes. Earlier today I was helping Buck do a live interview with Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight, and . . .”
“Wait. Mary Hart? Entertainment Tonight? You and Buck were on TV today?”
“No, Buck was on TV, not me. I was just there to help set things up.
“So anyway, after the Entertainment Tonight thing, Buck and I started talking, and he asked if I could get your mom to go to dinner with him.
“So I called her and she said 'yes', but only if you and I went along.”
Lucy looked at me and shook her head. “Walker, I've only known you for three days. In that time, I've seen you save someone's life, I've caught you with a naked woman on your couch, and you set my mom up on a date with a movie star.
“All this in just three days. Is this normal for you?”
I thought about it and she was right. A lot had happened in three short days.
I was about to answer her question, but before I could, she said, “So mom called and told me about the girl in your motorhome this morning. She said you were a hero last night. You rescued that woman after someone drugged her drink.
“You rescuing damsels in distress, too? Do they always end up at your place half dressed?”
I made sure Lucy was finished talking before I answered. I wanted to give her time to change the subject, maybe give me an escape route. But it didn't happen.
So I answered. “No, it's not every day that I rescue damsels in distress. And when I do, they usually don't end up naked.”
Lucy shook her head. “So Walker, who is this woman, and why did she call you, of all people?”
I hesitated for a moment, then said, “She's my realtor. And she's a friend. I owed her – she rescued me once, probably saved my life.
“She called me because she knew I'd come. And she knew I'd protect her.
“If you called me, I'd do the same for you. I'd even let you sleep in my motorhome. Even let you get half naked if you wanted to.”
Lucy laughed. “Hold on there, cowboy. You're getting way ahead of yourself. I won't be getting half naked in your motorhome any time soon.”
Lucy took a right, and started heading back toward Serenity Cove.
“Walker, I'm not mad at you. I just don't know if I can trust you. Too many things happen when you're around.”
I nodded. “Lucy, it's not usually like this. Most of the time I live a pretty boring life.”
Little did I know, how much that was about to change.
We arrived back at Serenity Cove a few minutes later and Lucy drove to my motorhome. Looking next door at her mother's trailer, she said, “That's interesting. Mom's minivan is not there. They're not back yet.”
I smiled. “Maybe they're down at Buck's. Maybe they parked down there.”
Lucy looked at me. “You don't think my mom would go over there do you? God help her if she did.”
I shrugged. “They're both adults. They can do whatever they want to.”
She shook her head. “No they can't. Not on the first date. Not my mom. I'm going down there to see.”
Lucy put her 4Runner in gear, and drove slowly toward Buck's bus. As we got closer we could see there were no lights on inside, and the minivan wasn't parked in the driveway.
“Walker, this is starting to bother me. They should be back by now. It's only a five minute drive from the restaurant and it's been almost a half hour. So where are they?”
I didn't say anything, so we sat in silence for a few moments. Listening to the quiet of Serenity Cove.
Lucy kept glancing up at her rear view mirror, hoping to see Polly's minivan heading in our direction. After what seemed like five minutes, I spoke up. “Maybe they drove to the beach. It's nice out there after dark.”
Lucy looked at me hard, shook her head, then put the car in gear. We were moving again, following the loop through Serenity Cove which would take us back to the entrance.
When we reached the street, Lucy stopped and put the vehicle in park. “Okay. So they're not here. What should we do next?”
“How about this,” I suggested. “Call your mom, ask her where she is.”
“No, I can't do that. I don't want her to think I'm checking up on her.”
“But you are checking up on her. “
“I know, but I don't want her to know. So what else do suggest?”
Before I answered, I thought it through. Lucy was worried something had happened to her mom. If I suggested that they had probably just stopped somewhere, it wouldn't settle anything.
“Let's drive back to the restaurant and make sure they're not broken down somewhere between here and there. If we don't find them, we'll come back here and wait until they show up.”
Lucy nodded, “Right, maybe they broke down. We'll go check.”
She put the 4Runner in gear and we took off back toward the restaurant. While she drove, I checked every driveway and parking lot looking for her mom's minivan.
A lot of older people in Englewood drive minivans, and there were plenty of them parked in the driveways of the homes we passed, but none of them were Polly's.
When we got to the restaurant, Lucy pulled into the parking lot. There were more cars now, but Polly's minivan wasn't one of them.
“They're not here. Now what?”
I shook my head. “Look, if she were in trouble, she would have called you by now. Or Buck would have calle
d me. Both of them have phones. They would call us if there was a problem.
“So let's do this. We'll go back to Serenity Cove and wait for them to show up. They may already be back there for all we know.”
Lucy said nothing. She backed out of the lot and drove slowly back to Serenity Cove. We both kept our eyes peeled for Polly's minivan, but didn't see it along the way.
Back at Serenity Cove, Lucy pulled up to her mom's trailer. The minivan wasn't there. It wasn't at Buck's bus either. Lucy drove the road that circled through Serenity Cove, making sure that they hadn't returned while we were out looking for them.
On our second loop through the park, Lucy pulled into my driveway.
She turned to me and said, “Okay, sport. We're going to wait for them here.”
I shook my head, “Not out here. It'll look suspicious. Let's go inside. I'll introduce you to Bob.”
Without waiting for an answer, I hopped out and headed toward my motorhome.
As I unlocked the front door, I heard Lucy open the driver's door and step out. “Who's Bob?”
I turned. “He's my cat. I told you about him yesterday. You'll like him.”
Lucy reluctantly walked over and followed me inside. I turned on the lights and pointed at the couch, “Make yourself comfortable. You want anything to drink?”
“No, I'm fine. I'm not staying long. Just until mom shows up.”
I shrugged. “Fine with me. But I'm going to have a glass of wine. Are you sure you don't want any?”
Lucy stifled a yawn. “No. No wine for me. It'd put me to sleep.”
In the kitchen, I located the bottle of Merlot that I had purchased at Publix and poured myself a glass. While I was putting the cork back in the bottle, Mango Bob showed up. He looked up at me, eyes blinking. Apparently, he had just woken up.
He rubbed up against my ankles, a sign that he wanted to be petted. I bent over and stroked his back and he purred loudly. He turned his head so I could rub his ears, and as he did he noticed Lucy sitting on the couch.
She had been watching us silently. Bob took a few tentative steps in her direction. Then stopped and looked back at me.
