“Okay,” he said.“Brooks is playing there tonight with another guitar player and a singer.He wanted me to come and see him perform.”
“That makes it even more fun,” said Hazel, pleased that Elliott was forming friendships.
###
After work, Hazel raced home to freshen up and change for the first night out of town in what had seemed a long time.
Wanting to be able to learn where things were, Elliott drove.
When he pulled into a dirt parking lot outside a rustic, wooden, one-story building painted red and sitting next to a narrow stream, Elliott turned to Hazel.“This is it?”
She laughed.“It isn’t fancy, but they have the best fried clams and fresh lobster around.”
They got out of the car and walked toward the building.
A colorful metal sign tacked by the front door advertised seafood and craft beer.Above the door, a carved wooden sign said “Stan’s”.
Inside, a bar lined one end of the room.The bar stools in front of it were mostly filled.The other end of the room held several four-top tables with red-checkered plastic tablecloths, adding to the casual atmosphere.
The side wall contained a small stage where a piano sat.Tonight, sound equipment was set up for the expected singer and two guitar players.There was no sign of Brooks, but it was early for his performance.
Elliott and Hazel sat at a table with an excellent view of the stage.
A young waitress wearing denim cut-off shorts and a red T-shirt came over to take their orders.
“Any specials?”asked Elliott.
“If you haven’t had our fried lobster or clam chowder, you’re in for a treat.Other than that, everything on the menu is really tasty, I promise you.”
“Ah, in that case, let me look over the menu.”He turned to Hazel.“Want a beer or something stronger?”
“I’ll take a Hampshire light ale,” said Hazel.She knew she’d have the fried lobster.She could already taste the sweet meat with a butter and lemon dipping sauce.
“Same for me,” said Elliott to the waitress.“I see you’re busy, so I’ll decide on my meal soon.”
After the waitress left, Elliott said, “Any recommendations for dinner?”
“A New England dish called ‘scrod’ is always delicious.It’s a baked cod dish that, done right, is delicious.Other than that, I’d recommend lobster, clams, or fish and chips.As the waitress said, Stan’s is all about excellent food and music.”
“Okay, I’ll try the scrod.”He looked around.“This is a happening place.”
“It’ll be even busier when it’s time for the music,” said Hazel.
Their beers came, and as they were waiting for their food, Mike showed up.
“What are you doing here?Where’s Tracy?”Hazel asked him as he sat at their table.
“She and I fought.I thought I’d give her some space,” Mike answered.“I hope your invitation still stands.”
“Sure.Misty and David are joining us too, but there’s always room for more.”
“I can go if it’s too crowded,” said Mike.
“No way,” said Elliott.He signaled the waitress, and when she came over, Mike ordered a beer.
They were chatting comfortably when Misty and David arrived.
Hazel watched them walk across the room.David was gently guiding Misty by her elbow and helping her weave through the tables.Hazel thought they were adorable together.
