3 Mango Bay (10 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

“Buck, You did great. Very professional and quite entertaining.”

He smiled. “Did I look old? Because I don't want viewers to think I'm old and washed up.”

“Buck, you looked tanned and healthy. You smiled a lot. People will remember that.”

Rubbing his hands together, Buck said, “Well good. That's all I can ask for.”

He stood, went to the fridge and got a bottle of apple juice. “You want something to drink?”

“
No thanks. I need to head back home. It's been a long day.”

I walked over to his computer and started to disconnect the amplified antenna cable.

Buck looked at me, “What are you doing?”

“
Disconnecting the antenna. You don't need it.”

“
Yes I do. You heard the producer.  They may want me for another call. Tell me how much the antenna costs. I'll pay for it.”

I shook my head. “It's not the cost. It's the antenna. It's only attached with a suction cup. First good wind, and it'll be gone. It's not designed to be outside in the weather full time.”

Buck frowned. “But I need it. What if I get another Skype interview request? I gotta have that antenna.”

I thought for a moment, then came up with a solution. “How about this. I'll order you something that'll work a whole lot better.  It costs a little bit more, but if you need high speed internet, it'll get the job done.”

Buck smiled, “Order whatever you think I need and I'll be happy to pay for it. In the mean time, let's leave that little antenna out there until the new one gets here.  Is that okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah, that'll work.”

I headed for the door.

“
Wait son. What's your hurry?  I owe you something for today. Will a hundred take care of it?”

I laughed. “Buck, you don't owe me anything. I really didn't do much. Plus, I got to see you in action. Live, and didn't even have to buy a ticket.”

Buck shrugged. “Well, if you won't take money, how about dinner tonight? I'm buying.”

I shook my head. “I appreciate the offer, but tonight there's a woman and her mother I need to make amends with.”

Buck grinned. “Woman trouble, huh? I'm pretty much an expert on that. I've had woman trouble of all kinds, and most of the time it was my fault.

“
But I've learned you can't give up. No matter how much trouble they are, it's usually worth it.

“
So are both these women single?”

I nodded. “Yes, they are.”

“Well son, that'll make it easier. You call and invite the woman and her mother to join us for dinner tonight. We can go to the Mango Bistro and have a nice meal. I'll entertain the mother while you try to make amends with the daughter. And who knows, maybe we'll both get lucky.”

I shook my head. “I'm not so sure. It might be that neither of these ladies will want to go out to dinner tonight.”

Buck handed me his phone. “Call the mother. Tell her you're sitting here with me and that I've asked you to call and see if she and her daughter would like to have dinner with us tonight. Be sure to mention my name.”

Reluctantly, I took his phone and punched in Polly's number.

She answered on the fourth ring.

“
Polly, this is Walker. I'm sitting here with one of your neighbors and he's wondering if you'd like to join us for dinner tonight at the Mango Bistro.

“
Before you answer, check the caller ID.”

There was a pause as Polly looked at her phone.

“Walker, is this a joke?”

“
No. No joke. Buck Waverly is sitting across the table from me, and he asked me to call and see if you'd like to go to dinner with him tonight.

“
And just so you'd feel safe, he wants Lucy and I to tag along. Kind of like a double date.”

Polly hesitated. “This is pretty short notice. What if I already have a date tonight?”

“Well Polly, if that's the case, Buck will be pretty disappointed. Should I let him know that you have a previous engagement and won't be joining him for dinner?”

She laughed. “Don't you dare tell him that. I'm in. What time are you going to pick me up, and what should I wear?”

It was agreed we would eat early. Around six and we'd all dress casual.

With Polly still on the phone, I asked, “What about Lucy? Should I call and ask her to join us, or would it be better if you made the call?”

Polly laughed, “Lucy was pretty mad at you this morning. She found a half naked woman in your motorhome. If it were me, I'd be mad at you too. But now that I know the full story, I'm actually proud of you. You did the right thing.

“
I've already talked to Lucy and filled her in on what really happened. So she's not nearly as angry as she was this morning. But I don't think she's ready to talk to you on the phone. So let me call her. I'll make sure she joins us for dinner tonight.”

I was relieved.  I wasn't looking forward to making that call. 
We said our goodbyes and ended the call.

Buck leaned back, smiling. “So I take it we have dinner dates?”

After I filled Buck in with the details, I headed back to my motorhome. Bob met me at the door, gave my shoes a quick sniff, then headed back to the bedroom to resume his nap. Like all cats, Bob was nocturnal – meaning he slept most of the day, and prowled most of the night.

Right now, he was catching up on sleep so he'd be sharp later on tonight. I should of been doing the same thing, considering what little sleep I had gotten the night before.

But sleep would have to wait. I had to shower and shave and get ready for my dinner date tonight.

CHAPTER THIRTY

At exactly five thirty, I left my motorhome, locking the door behind me and walked across the driveway to Polly's Airstream. Oscar the wiener dog must have heard me coming, because before I got to the door, he started barking.

Almost immediately, I heard Polly's voice, “You're right Oscar. Someone's out there. Let's go see who it is.”

The door opened and Polly said, “Look Oscar, it's Walker. From next door.”

Oscar danced around the floor, then walked over to his leash which Polly kept on a nearby table.

“Sorry Oscar, you won't be going with us tonight. Walker and I have a date. You'll have to stay here and protect the place while we're gone. Can you do that?”

Oscar didn't look happy. He wanted to go with us.

Polly pointed to the couch, “Oscar, get in the bed.”

Oscar issued a short whine of disappointment, then walked over to the couch and jumped up on it.

“Good boy. You stay here until I get back, and then we'll go for a long w. a. l. k.”

Upon hearing the word 'walk' spelled out, Oscar sat up, wagged his little tail and smiled as only a dog can. He was happy. He had been promised a walk.

Polly stepped out and locked the door behind her. “It's so rare that I go anywhere without Oscar. I don't know who feels worse about it. Him or me.

“
But he'll be fine. I've already walked him this afternoon, and when we get back I'll walk him again before bedtime.”

While Polly was telling me this, I was doing my best not to stare at her. She had untied her ponytail and combed out her hair so that it flowed over her bare shoulders. That combined with the white gauzy dress she was wearing gave her the appearance of someone twenty years younger.

“Wow, you look great!”

“
You don't think I overdid it, do you?”

“
No, not at all.”

Looking around, Polly asked, “Where's Buck. When do I get to meet him?”

“He's on his way. I called him just before I came over. He said he was going out the door heading this way in his black chariot.”

Looking down the drive toward Buck's trailer, we could see him coming our way in his golf cart, cowboy hat on his head, a smile on his face.

As he approached, Polly waved timidly. Buck waved back. He parked his golf cart behind my Jeep, got out and walked over to us.

I did the introductions. “Polly, meet Buck Waverly, your neighbor.”

Buck tipped his hat in Polly's direction, “Polly, the pleasure is all mine.”

She blushed, then said, “You're a real charmer aren't you?”

Buck nodded. “I try to be, especially when there's a pretty woman involved.”

Both Polly and Buck were smiling, like teenagers going out on their first date. I stood back and watched as they got to know each other.

After five minutes, I tapped my wrist where there'd be a watch if I wore one, “It's about time to go. Where's Lucy?”

Polly turned to me. “Lucy said for us to go ahead without her. She's going to meet us at the restaurant.”

Then she asked, “Who's car we going in?”

I pointed at my Jeep. “Mine.”

Polly looked at Buck, then back at me. “No, we're not going to ride in that thing. Too hard to get in and out of. Probably rides like a garbage truck.”

She tossed me her keys. “Let's take mine. Buck and I’ll ride in the back, you can drive.”

“A take charge woman,” said Buck. “I like that.”

It was a little early for the dinner crowd when we arrived at the Mango Bistro. The parking lot was nearly empty, so I parked close to the door.

Buck got out first and held Polly's hand as they headed into the restaurant. When he walked inside, the manager came over and greeted him. They spoke a few friendly words, and then the three of us were ushered to a private table in the back.

As soon as we were seated, a server appeared and welcomed us. She told us about the evening specials, took our drink orders and left.

Before she returned, another server brought over a tray of appetizers. Compliments of the owner. Moments later, our drinks arrived.

It was clear we were getting special treatment. Apparently eating dinner with Buck Waverly, at least in this restaurant, had it's perks.

Normally, when I go out to eat, I like to sit so I have a view of the front door. Call me paranoid, but I don't want people sneaking up behind me.

Buck is the same way, and it was he who was sitting with his back to the wall this evening, which gave him a clear view of the front of the restaurant. Polly sat beside him, and I sat across with an empty chair to my right for Lucy.

As we started our appetizers, I saw Polly look over my left shoulder and smile. “Here she is. I knew she'd come.”

Turning behind me, I saw that Lucy had just walked into the restaurant. Wearing blue shorts and a white button up shirt, she looked like she had just left work and had driven straight here.

As she approached the table, I stood and helped her with her chair. “Lucy, glad you made it.”

She returned my smile, then leaned over and whispered in my ear. “I'm doing this for mom.”

During dinner, Buck was a superb host. He shared stories from his past, listened intently when Polly or Lucy spoke, and was the perfect gentleman throughout.

After we finished our desserts, Buck suggested that he and Polly take the minivan back to Serenity Cove, while the young folks (Lucy and I), went out and did whatever young folks did these days.

Polly smiled. “Lucy, you don't mind driving Walker do you?”

Lucy started to object, but Polly gave her a look and shook her head. Apparently, Lucy got the message. “I'll be happy to drive Walker home. In fact, I have something in my car I want to give him.”

“Good, it's settled then. Buck and I'll take the minivan, and Walker, you'll ride with Lucy.”

After I handed the minivan's keys to Polly, Buck stood and held her chair as she got up. They said their goodbyes and left.

Lucy and I were alone at the table. She gave me a fake smile and said, “You ready to go?”

I nodded, then looked around for our server. She saw me and quickly came over.

“I think we'll be leaving. Can we have our check please?”

She shook her head. “It's already been taken care of. Earlier today.
Is there anything else I can get you?”

“
No, we're fine. The meal and service were excellent.”

After the server left, I pulled two twenties and placed them on the table.

When I looked up, Lucy was smiling. “Can you believe it? My mom is out with Buck Waverly. They're going back to his place. This is not at all like her.

“
So I'm betting you're involved in this somehow. It was you who got them together. Right?”

I smiled. “If you'll take me home the long way, by the beach, I'll tell you the whole story.”

Lucy got up from the table, jangled her car keys and said, “Oh, I'll take you home alright. But I get to choose the route.”

She then walked through the restaurant, out the front door and into the parking lot. I followed closely – fearing that she just might leave me behind if I didn't keep up with her.

After she unlocked her 4Runner and slid behind the wheel, I tried the passenger door and it was locked. I was unable to get in.

From the driver's side, Lucy looked up at me and smiled. She put the key in the ignition and started the motor.

I stepped away, assuming she was going to leave me standing in the parking lot as she drove off. But after a moment I heard the click of the passenger door unlocking.

“Come on, get in”, she said. “I'm not going to wait all night.”