They went quiet, too busy eating to talk much. After a few minutes, the most insidious hunger pangs had been assuaged, and conversation resumed.
“What is it about being out in the sun and near water that makes everything taste so good?” Harper took another bite of her chicken salad sandwich but was already eyeing up the gingershrimp salad Lucas had brought. She was definitely having some of that and his fruit salad.
“It’s a special kind of magic,” Mitch said, going for a big forkful of the ginger shrimp. “Thanks for adding to the meal, Lucas.”
“My pleasure,” Lucas said. “And the least I could do in exchange for the invite. Really appreciate it, man.”
“No problem. Happy to have you along,” Mitch said.
Lucas scooped more fruit salad onto his plate. “You ever play racquetball at the community center?”
“Not in a long time. You?”
“Once in a while. We should play a game. See if the old bones can still move.”
Mitch snorted. “I’m afraid to find out. But it’s not a bad idea. I try to get out for a run four or five days a week, but a game of racquetball now and then might be good.”
Harper smiled as she ate. It was nice to see Mitch putting himself out there. Even nicer of Lucas to ask. He probably had no idea how much Mitch needed a friend.
“I’m holding you to that,” Lucas said. “Give me a day next week and we’ll make it happen.”
“Um…” Mitch shrugged. “Tuesday maybe?”
“You have a racquet?”
Mitch nodded.
“Then I’m reserving a court. Early. Eight or nine. You good with that?”
Mitch laughed softly. “I’m going to regret this, aren’t I. Yeah, I’m good with that.”
Harper kept quiet and ate, but it warmed her heart to see the interaction between the two men. Mitch was a good guy and despite doing his best to retreat from the world, having a buddy could be really good for him.
Arlington had probably filled that role for him. But since Arlington’s passing, she doubted Mitch had found another friend of that caliber. Or any friend, really.
He’d been too busy grieving Jeanie and Arlington. Now, however, he seemed to be doing all right back in the land of the living.
She could not have been happier for him.
He got off the captain’s chair and set his mostly empty plate aside. “I’m going to grab another drink. Anyone else want anything?”
“Any diet soda in there?” Frankie asked.
“Yep.” Mitch dug into the ice. “One Diet Coke, coming up.”
Willa lifted her hand. “Another regular Coke, please.”
“You got it.” He pointed at Harper. “Another water? Or something else?”
“Water’s good.” She smiled. “Thanks.”
“Lucas?”
“I’m all right.”
Mitch got Harper a water, then passed the other drinks out.
Willa looked around the table. “What’s for dessert?”
