The Maine Events, Rodney Riesel [best books to read in your 20s TXT] 📗

trolleysgoing around town.”

“Can't miss 'em. Well, in that case, I can't wait to take aride through town with you.”

“Tips will be accepted, but not expected.”

Allen held the door open for Mya and let her enter first.

“Mya!” said the hostess.

“Hi, Susan,” Mya replied.

“Your table is ready. Are you ready to be seated?”

“I think so.”

Susan picked up two menus. “Follow me.” She led them aroundthe corner to the right, to a four-top next to a window.

Allen pulled out the chair for Mya and she sat down.

“Susan, this is Allen Crane, a friend of mine.”

“It's nice to meet you, Allen.”

“It's nice to meet you,” Allen returned, shaking her hand.

Allen sat down and Susan placed the menus in front of them.

“Justine will be right with you,” Susan said, and returnedto her station.

“Do all hostesses know each other?” Allen jested.

“Yes,” Mya replied. “It's an elite network of women. Come tothink of it, Susan and I forgot to do the secret handshake.”

“Elite network of women? What about the men?”

“There are no male hostesses, Allen. Only hosts.”

“I see. I wonder what their network is like?”

“Similar, but with much more drama.”

“I would imagine,” Allen responded dryly.

Allen picked up his menu just as Justine showed up with apitcher of water.

“Would either of you like a glass of water?” Justine asked.

“What the hell,” Allen said. “She's driving.”

“Yes, please,” said Mya.

“What else can I get you to drink?” Justine asked, as shefilled their glasses.

“I'll have a Malibu and pineapple,” Mya said.

“And I think I'm going to have a margarita, please,” saidAllen.

“Frozen or on the rocks?”

“On the rocks.”

“Salted rim?”

“Yes, please.”

“I'll put those in and give you some time to look at themenu.”

Allen quickly scanned the menu. “Well, I know what I'mhaving,” he said.

“Already?”

“Gotta go with the lobster.”

Mya's big brown eyes went to the many lobster choices.“Which one?”

Allen stabbed the menu with his index finger. “The pound anda half.”

“Me too,” she said.

Allen looked to his left, out the window. “Nice view,” hesaid, marveling at the lighthouse.

Allen had seen the lighthouse before, on his last visit toMaine, several years earlier. But just like gazing at the same sunrise dayafter day, a lighthouse could be admired over and over again.

Mya leaned forward a bit so she could take in the view.“Yes, it is,” she replied. “I've lived here my whole life, and I still findmyself snapping a picture every once in a while.”

“I've never been much of a picture taker. However, I didtake a few pics a couple mornings ago for an old couple I met on the seawall.”

“Why were you taking pictures for them?”

“They had forgotten their camera, so I snapped a few of thesunrise for them and texted them to the old guy.”

“That was nice of you.”

“That's me, Mr. Nice Guy.”

“Have you decided what you'd like?” Justine asked upon herreturn.

“I'll have the Lighthouse Dinner with the pound and a halflobster,” said Mya.

“Great choice. And you?”

“I'll have the same thing,” Allen said.

“Okay, I'll put those orders right in,” said Justine, andshe hurried away.

“Do you eat here often?” Allen asked.

“No,” Mya replied. “This place is a little more touristy,which is why the prices are a little higher. Usually, if I'm in the mood forlobster, I go to one of the smaller lobster shacks.”

“Do you usually go with friends, or …”

Mya smiled. “Are you asking me if I date a lot, Allen?”

“I … uh—”

“My grammy told me she mentioned to you that I had dated JimTucker. Is that why you're asking?”

“Yes, and no. I mean, I was wondering— I mean, I justwondered if you dated a lot. It was a stupid question, I know.”

“I actually don't date a lot. I work most nights, and whenI'm not, I'm kind of a homebody. Do you date a lot?”

“This is my first date since I dated my wife.”

Mya reached over and put her hand on top of Allen's. “You'redoing very well so far.”

Allen chuckled. “Gee, thanks.”

“Any more questions about my social life?”

“Not now, but I'm sure I'll think of something.”

“The inquisitive mind of a writer.”

“That reminds me. Did Tucker ever tell you why he came backto York?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Just something I've been working on.”

“To do with your book?”

“Yes.”

“Why, is there going to be a cop with a really bad temper inthe book?”

“Tucker has a really bad temper?”

“Yes.”

“Is that why you broke up?”

“Part of the reason. He's also jealous and possessive.”

“The hat trick of any good relationship.”

“Don't get me wrong, Jim never laid a hand on me orthreatened me in any way. Oh, he punched a few walls and kicked a few doors,but that's as far as it ever went. We just couldn't get along.”

“Paul Rose knew about our date tonight. He said Tucker toldhim.”

Mya cocked her head. “Really?”

Allen nodded. “Yes. You didn't tell Tucker we were going outtonight?” He sipped his margarita.

“God, no. I haven't even spoken to Jim in weeks.”

“Here we are,” said Justine. She placed Mya's plate in frontof her, and then Allen's in front of him. “Can I get either one of you anotherdrink?”

“Can I just get a water?” Mya asked.

“Of course.”

“I'll have another margarita please,” Allen said.

“Comin' right up.” Justine whipped around and was off.

“I was invited to Paul Rose's house tomorrow night fordinner,” said Allen.

Mya was putting her glass to her lips and froze. “Are youserious?” She had a slight smirk.

“Yes,” Allen replied slowly. “Why?”

Mya shrugged. “No reason.”

Allen studied her face. “There's a reason, or you wouldn'thave said it like that.”

“Like what?”

Allen tried to simulate Mya's smirk, but it came off asover-exaggerated.

“I've never made that face in my life,” Mya said.

“Come on, spill it,” Allen said.

Mya set her drink down. “Okay,” she said, looking around thedining room for listening ears. “There's always been a rumor that Paul and hiswife are swingers.”

“Always?”

“From when my friends and I were younger.”

“How younger?”

“Like fifteen and sixteen. One of my best girlfriends livednext door to him. She said she saw Paul Rose, his wife, and two other couplesthrough a window one night.”

“And they were all having sex?”

“Well, yeah.”

“And other than your girlfriend saying it, is there anyother proof?”

“No. Like I said, it was just a rumor.”

“Started