Page 25 of Something More

Deb’s Diner was located right at the edge of town when you approached Myers. When we were younger, our parents would bring us here for ice cream floats as a treat for getting a good report card. The place hadn’t changed much since then either. The building was shaped like an old Airstream and is silver to boot. There was minimal parking along front, and other than counter seating, there were only like five booths inside. The waitstaff wore all white uniforms with the little paper hats. You’d think it was 1950 when you stepped inside. Small nickel jukeboxes adorned each table and pink and green neon was everywhere.

Lou’s red Mustang was parked right by the door when I pulled up. I laughed. She’d been driving that car since she first got married. Charlie bought it for her as a wedding gift. I kept telling her she needed something newer, but she insisted that she still loved it.

I climbed out into the sweltering heat, and quickly went inside. The cool air conditioning was welcomed as the glass door closed behind me. I made a quick scan of the small space before spotting my sister in the back corner booth. Her head was bent down, her chin tucked against her chest as she stared at a menu. “Hey.” I smiled as I slipped onto the bench across from her.

“Hi.” Her voice was barely a whisper. She lifted her eyes and it looked as if she’d been crying.

“Whoa. Are you ok? What’s wrong?” I was genuinely concerned and the hunger pangs I had mere minutes before seemed to fade away.

“I’m fine.” She sniffed. “Charlie and I had an argument. It was my fault. I’m ok, though. I just wanna visit with you. Ifeel like it’s been forever.” She forced a smile. I let it drop but planned to circle back before I left.

“How’s Amy been doing?” I changed the subject.

“She’s great. We have to go overnight in a few weeks for her last competition of this season. You and Jack can come if you want.”

“I don’t know if Jack would want to do that, but if I can get Mom to keep him, I’d love to. I bet Charlie’s happy she loves it so much.”

“Yeah.” She mashed her lips together and looked away for a moment. “Remember when we used to come here for shakes all the time?” She changed the subject. “Mom made us split one when we were little. I remember being so excited when she said we were old enough to each have one. I couldn’t wait to pick my own flavor.” She laughed.

“Yeah, she let us each pick our own and we ended up getting the same thing.” I burst into laughter. Growing up, Lou and I were the closest. When I moved away, I thought we’d stay in touch more, but it seemed to be harder and harder. Then she married Charlie and it was like our bond just disappeared.

“I’m glad you came today. I miss this.” She reached across the table and squeezed my hand.

“Me, too. You should come over. I’m all moved in now. Amy and Jack could hang out. Bring Charlie. He can shoot the bull with Hank.” I tried to hide the smile that was pulling at my lips.

“Wait! What?” she gasped. “Are you two like together?”

“I think so.” I leaned closer. We looked like two high schoolers gossiping about our latest date. “We went out on a date and we’ve kissed a few times.” I blushed and looked away.

“Just kiss?” She giggled.

“I have a ten-year-old in the house, yes!” I shot her a look.

“How’s he ever gonna be a big brother if you don’t, ya know?” she whispered.

“Have sex?” I leaned back. “We will, we’re just not there yet.” I sighed.

“Do you want to be there?” Her head tipped to the side as she stared at me. Did I want to be there?

“Maybe?” I sighed. “I don’t know. We just kinda happened again, and we’re letting it happen naturally. It’s a lot. There hasn’t been anybody since I lost Alex.” I looked out the window.

“It’s ok to feel something for him, ya know?” Lou’s voice softened. “Does he know about before?”

“No.” I shook my head. “It’s just a lot. I’m trying to help Daddy, and make sure Jack is ok with everything…” My voice trailed off.

“I’m sure he understands. Maybe we will come over. Grill out or something.” She smiled and looked at her watch. “I have to get back to the studio to pick up Amy.” She slid to the edge of the booth and stood.

“Ok.” I stood, too. “Wanna say Saturday? I’ll let Hank know. We can get some steaks or something.” I shrugged.

“Perfect,” She leaned forward and wrapped me in a hug. “I’m really glad you’re back.”

“Me too.” I hugged her tighter before we went our separate ways. I needed to head into town to the Best Buy to get a laptop. This paper system my dad had going on needed to be remedied, fast.

*****

When I arrived back home, I grabbed the laptop off the front seat of my car and went inside. I wanted to change into something more comfortable, and then I was going to start working on inputting all the data. I quickly changed into some shorts and a tee before making the trek down to the big house.

The kitchen was cleaned up from lunch with a half-eaten pie on the table. It was quiet inside, and I guessed my mom was probably in the garden. I went back to my father’s officeand unlocked the door. I peered out the window looking toward the lower field and could see the group going through the field, harvesting the corn. Jack was skipping around, I’m sure driving them all crazy with questions. I laughed to myself as I moved to gather piles of paper and stuff them into folders. I looked for anything that had been collected over the last five years and carried them back to my place.

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