Peripheral Vision: A Supernatural Thriller(12)
“What’s the matter, Nick?”
“We have a bit of a situation here, Walt.”
“What’s wrong?” Walt looked concerned.
“Well, my new friend over there is hungry.”
“The grill is off, Nick.”
“I know. And I know you’re trying to close up soon, but…any way you could fire up one of your famous cheeseburgers for her? It’d be a big favor. I’d owe you one.”
The expression on Walt’s face was far from happy, but he nodded. “I could probably turn the grill on for you. Do you remember where everything is?”
“Of course. Thanks Walt!” Nick popped behind the bar, grabbed a white apron from a hook on the wall and pushed his way through the kitchen door.
Sarah watched from a distance, definitely confused, but definitely curious. The bartender looked over at her and shook his head.
“He used to work here a few years ago. Helped me out on the weekends. I don’t normally let people just head into my kitchen.” He then turned to the kitchen door and pushed it open with his foot. “And don’t make a big mess in there either!” He warned.
Sarah could tell that the old bartender- Walt, his name was Walt, she reminded herself- was enjoying the little banter between the two. And he wasn’t the only one. The kitchen door swung open again and Nick stuck his head out.
“You like everything on it, Sarah?”
“That sounds great.” She smiled at him. This was the most fun she’d had in awhile.
●
Nick paused, watching Sarah devour her cheeseburger, debating on whether to continue his next thought. “You really don’t have any family?”
“No, it’s just me-” Sarah stopped, wondering if she should keep going and tell Nick about her parents, about Signal Hill, about all of it.
Why not? Her mind asked. At that moment, she realized that she felt oddly comfortable with him already. He had a nice smile, and he’d crafted quite the burger for her. She took in a deep breath and let it out.
“My parents were killed in a car accident when I was five.”
“I’m sorry...” Nick started, but Sarah kept going.
“I don’t have any siblings. I figured I might learn something about my family here.”
Nick nodded. “That makes sense. Maybe I can help there too. How long are you in town?”
“Indefinitely? I just lost my job, so I don’t really have anything to rush back to the city for. God, I must be depressing you.”
“No, not at all.” Nick stole a French fry from Sarah’s plate and took a bite. He looked to be pondering something important as he chewed.
“Indefinitely?” He asked. “So there’s no Mr. Sarah waiting back in California for you?”
Sarah laughed nervously. “No. No Mr. Sarah.” She smiled at that and then continued. “My job was my life, and I was damn good at it… but it made it rather difficult to maintain any sort of relationship. Well, except for Emma.”
“Who’s Emma?” Nick asked.
“She’s my best friend.” At this statement, Sarah realized that she hadn’t even called Emma yet to tell her that she’d made it. She pulled out her phone with the idea of texting her friend, but stopped and looked back at Nick. “Honestly, I’m feeling a little lost right now. I’m hoping this trip brings me some clarity.” Sarah, suddenly embarrassed by how much she had just shared, looked back down at her phone. “I’m sorry. I barely know you. I’m talking too much. I guess I’ve been driving alone for too many hours.” She gave her uncomfortable smile and tried to laugh it all off.
“Don’t apologize, Sarah.” Nick said her name with such familiarity, that Sarah was taken back. “To new beginnings....” Nick said and raised his glass.
“To new beginnings.” Sarah raised her glass as well.
●
As much as Sarah wanted to stay in the bar and talk with Nick all night, her body had told her it was time to get some sleep. She thought it better to end the night on a high note, rather than to fall asleep in her drink, in front of her new, hot friend. Nick was a perfect gentleman, and walked her out. He held the door open for Sarah as they exited the bar.
“Thanks, Nick,” Sarah said. “That’s me, across the way. It was really nice meeting you, maybe we can talk about my aunt again soon… when it’s not so late. I’d love to hear some stories about her.”
“Of course. I’d be happy to.” Nick looked at the Wagon Wheel Motel. “Let me walk you across the street. You shouldn’t walk alone.”
“You don’t have to...”
“I’m kind of old-fashioned like that.” Nick said, matter-of-factly.
“Thank you.” Sarah tried to hide her smile. She was surprised and impressed by his chivalry. It was not something she’d experienced before. Well, at least, not that she remembered anyway.
The two walked side by side, across the street and into the large, nearly empty parking lot of the Wagon Wheel. They seemed to be the last two out in the night. There are so many stars, Sarah thought, as she looked up at the visible Milky Way in the dark sky. She felt the smile form on her face. Why hide it?
“Sarah,” Nick interrupted her thoughts, if you don’t have plans yet for tomorrow… maybe we could meet for lunch or something?”