Page 46 of Last Date
Maybe he was right. I did feel pretty buzzed already. “I wouldn’t say no to a glass of water.”
“Smart choice.” He laughed and signaled to the bartender. “Louis, can we get some water?”
“You got it.” Louis smiled.
The door to the Rusty Pier opened, and a blustery wind ushered in a college-aged kid and a middle-aged woman. I was surprised to recognize the woman as Mary Green, Allister’s mother. When the guy with her peeled off his scarf and beanie, I was shocked to identify him as the kid who might have given me a flat tire. Confused as to why that kid would be with Mary Green, I scowled down the bar in their direction.
Thomas took two glasses of water from Louis and set one in front of me. “Why are you glowering at Mrs. Green?”
“Who’s that guy with her?”
Glancing down the bar, Thomas said, “That’s Elon.”
I widened my eyes. “That’s Elon?”
“Apparently.”
I sat back on my stool, watching them make their way to the bar. Mary wasn’t generally the sort of woman who went to rustic bars like the Rusty Pier. She and her husband, Ken, were more the martini bar crowd. Allister had frequented all the bars in town, but not his parents. Had Elon dragged her in here? Why? He wasn’t even old enough to drink alcohol. She didn’t look very comfortable. She was holding on to her purse with a death grip, scowling at anyone who came too close.
“I ran into Elon the other night,” I mumbled. “I think he gave me a flat tire.”
Thomas wrinkled his brow. “Why would Elon Green give you a flat tire?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he didn’t. Maybe it was just a coincidence. But he was in the parking lot of this very establishment, and he asked me for the time.” I sipped some of my water, watching Elon over the rim of my glass.
“He asked you for the time?” Thomas looked like he thought I was pulling his leg.
“He did. It was the night we met Peter and… he who shall not be named for drinks.”
Thomas sighed. “Come on, Kip. Merrick is my best friend. You’re making it weird.”
I ignored him and continued to study Elon. “I can’t believe that kid in the parking lot was Elon. Did they ever do the DNA test?”
“I don’t know.”
“Was it only Allister who wanted it?”
“Again, no idea.” Thomas glanced over at Elon and Mary. “I find it weird they’re out at a bar right now.”
“Why?”
“Because if my brother or son had just died, I think I’d do my drinking at home.” He sighed. “I probably wouldn’t leave my house for a year.”
“Everyone handles grief differently.” Although, to be honest, neither one of them appeared grief-stricken.
Thomas muttered, “Why would Elon be hanging out in a parking lot, asking strangers for the time?”
“I didn’t know it was Elon, obviously.” I frowned. “But I remember thinking he was an odd kid, even before I saw the flat tire.”
“Wandering around alone after all he’d supposedly been through is weird. I’d think he’d stick close to home and people.”
“I agree.” I studied Elon as he ordered beverages for him and his mom. “I remember he said something about needing to get away from all the pitying glances. I got the feeling he wasn’t happy at home.”
“Well, it’s no secret Allister didn’t believe he’s who he says he is.”
“Yeah.” I felt a pang looking at Elon. Allister had challenged the validity of his younger brother’s identity. He must have had a reason to do that. “With Allister out of the way, Elon will inherit more money now.”
“That’s true.”
