“I love it. It makes me feel alive. Free. Kind of like your motorcycle does for you, I suspect.”
“You’re right about that.”
“Plus, I’m healthier than I have been in years.”
“You look great, honey. I’m glad you feel good too.”
I smile at his compliment as we make our way to the rickety door of the restaurant. The minute we step foot into the diner, the scent of fried food swirls around me. It smells like comfort and love.
You know what I just said a minute ago?About healthy choices. I saidmostof the time.
ChapterFourteen
Nate
How many timesdo I have to say it?
One more, I guess.
I’m in fucking trouble.
We step into Stella’s place, and I spot the woman herself at the bar. “Nathanial Michael Visch, how the hell long as it been, son?”
“Too long.” I place my palm on Prudence’s back and nudge her in Stella’s direction. “I see you fixed up the place.”
She cackles, and I love it. I’ve missed her. She and my mom were thick as thieves growing up. Best friends, as they say.
“Don’t fuck with me, son.” She laughs again. “And who do we have here?” She’s looking at Prudence with a lot of interest.
We’ve made it to the bar where’s she’s camped out on her usual stool. “Stella, this is Prudence. Prudence, this old bag is Stella McCartney.” I chuckle.
“It’s just a coincidence.” We speak the words at the same time because she’s said them to every new person she’s ever met, which means I’ve heard those words enough to repeat them.
Stella chuckles as I continue with the introductions, “She and my mom were friends.”
“Bestfriends.” She points a finger at me. “Your mother, rest her, was the love of my life.” I can’t see Prudence’s face, but I’m guessing she’s surprised by those words since Stella adds, “Platonic love, my dear.”
“Oh,” Prudence doesn’t hesitate, saying, “I get that. I feel the same about my best friend, Laura. She completes me.”
“Exactly.” Stella looks up at me and nods at Prudence. “I like her.”
I do too, but I keep my mouth shut. “Prudence has never been here. Thought I’d treat her to the best fuckin’ food in Iowa.”
“You got that right.” She gestures to the restaurant that’s as busy as always. “Find a seat. I’ll get Kenny over to take your order shortly.”
As we pass, I lean in and kiss Stella’s cheek. “Good to see you, Stella.”
“You too. Wish you’d visit more.” Her age is starting to show. I noticed she didn’t bother getting up from her stool, something that was unheard of when my mom was still around. From the corner of my eye, I see a cane leaning against the bar. I make a mental note to come out next week when it’s not busy. Maybe there’s somethin’ I can help with around the place.
I look out into the restaurant and spot Prudence. She’s found a table near a window overlooking the pond that sits behind this place. “You’ve never brought a woman here before.” Stella’s whispering, and her brow is arched. “Except Jackie.”
“Don’t read shit into this, Stella.”
“Mm-hmm. Don’t tell me what to do, boy. I changed your diaper.”
She always mentions that fact. In high school, it bothered me, but now that I’ve had my own kids, it’s just a reminder that she helped raise me. She was a godsend for my mom since my dad ran off when us kids were little. The bastard.
“Whatever, Stella.” I chuckle and kiss her cheek again. “I’m starvin’.” I glance over at the table where Prudence just sat, and some jackass has moseyed on up to chat. Grumbling, I clench my fists as my side. “Who the hell is that fucker?”
