Page 79 of The Bombshell and the Bodyguard
The all-day-all-night diner on Eastport Bay’s waterfront main street was famous for two things—its cheeky slogan, “Come and Get it All Night Long,” and its pie.
Though Nooky’s served all kinds of food, there were never fewer than ten varieties of pie listed on the chalkboard wall menu.
The railcar-shaped diner’s retro décor included red-and-white checkered floor tiles, red laminate tabletops, and a long, chrome-topped counter with barstools.
As it had been in business since the ‘50’s, the diner’s walls were a virtual time capsule. They were covered with photos of Eastport Bay’s history as well as pieces of sports memorabilia recalling the triumphs of local teams like the Patriots, Celtics, and Red Sox—even a signed photo of my friend Sullivan Reece, who was a former world heavyweight boxing champ and Eastport Bay resident.
Lunchtime was always busy here, and today was no exception. About three-quarters of the tables contained lunch patrons. Several more came in behind me, asking to be seated.
Hap was already there seated in a booth. He stood when he spotted me. And smiled.
That was a surprise. When I reached him, he stretched out a hand, and we shook.
“Well, you look like shit,” my old friend said.
I smirked and slid into the opposite side of the booth, the tension in my shoulders releasing a fraction. “Thanks.”
Hap took his seat again. “No, I mean it as a compliment. It’s not an easy thing to achieve when your natural appearance puts male models to shame. You must be going for a world record on sleepless nights.”
“You’re so full of shit.” I laughed. “It’s that obvious huh? Listen... I’ve been wanting to talk to you, to apologize. I don’t know what to say—”
“Do you love her?” Hap asked bluntly.
Stunned by the direct question, I hesitated. I’d hoped we might ease into this.
At least we were in a public place where the exchange wouldn’t escalate into a fist fight... probably.
Pam Nookson, the owner of Nooky’s, appeared tableside with a pitcher of ice water and a friendly smile. She wore a t-shirt bearing the diner’s slogan and a red pencil tucked into her short pouf of blonde hair.
“Welcome to Nooky’s.” She set two menus on the table and filled the empty glasses in front of us. “Can I get you boys something to drink besides water?”
“I’ll have some iced tea,” Hap said.
“Water’s fine for me.”
“Okay, hon, I’ll be right back with your tea and get your orders.”
As soon as she was out of earshot, I answered Hap.
“I do. I love her.”
Hap leaned back in the booth, crossing his arms over his chest and studying my face. “When did all this happen?”
“Nothing actually happened until we’d been on the island a while.” Then I decided to drop all attempts at a defense. “But I always liked her, even back in high school.”
He sat forward again. “You did? Why didn’t you tell me?”
I dropped my chin and shot my friend theAre you fucking kidding me?look.
“Maybe it had something to do with all the death threats you were tossing around,” I said. “Besides, she was just a kid back then. At that age, the difference between a senior and a sophomore is pretty extreme. Then she went off to Hollywood to doJust Jade, and the point was moot. Why cause trouble if I could avoid it?”
“I always knew she had a crush on you, but I had no idea you were into her.”
My tone was defensive. “I didn’t plan it. I tried to fight it as hard as I could, but... I don’t know... she’s just... perfect. I’m not sure exactly at which point I fell in love with her, but... I did.”
Hap lifted his drink, took a swallow and set it down. “So... what are you doing here then?”
“What do you mean? I’m talking to you, trying to apologize.”
