‘Hunters Diner Flirt’ By Tim Stevens

Hunters Diner Flirt

It was their late lunch Friday. Seemingly late for scrambled and bacon. This Friday included coffee, a first for both. Odd she thought, been years she had to ask him how he wanted anything cooked. Black he said, two sugars, after the meal. He shared a smile with her delima. No matter how curious, she never looked into the case. Well worn leather screamed out it was a very expensive guitar with too many tune groves etched over the years. She never asked where he played, the early afternoon late breakfast just said it was mikes away. And even though she could be his granddaughter, she was drawn to him. But she was too nervous to cross that small talk barrier. Even though his tips were more generous than most, she stopped caring about those years ago. He was there for the food, and her for him. And no matter the age difference, his chin, his hands, and shoulders found their way into her after work soaking bath. It made her pillows just a little more safe.
Dropping off his coffee, she seemed to notice something different in his usual thank you smile. It was as if his eyes were just a little more friendly. Not like the young customers, she knew where those thoughts were and how short they lasted. She let her hand lightly graze his shoulders, as if to say, ask me anything you want, realizing why he ordered coffee. Before he could finish the coffee, she delivered the check, hoping he didn’t notice it was a little moist. Not sure I ever asked, but do you happen to enjoy old country music ? Of course, who doesn’t, she unleashed that full smile enough to perk up those brown eyes. I have a new gig tonight, actually in Buffalo. I’ve written some new songs, and with my wife gone, I’ve lost my sounding board. Of course it’s a little safer given I rarely play in Buffalo. But I’m hoping to add to my Auburn local list. And, she said smiling, as her gulped the last of his coffee. Well, and I could be wrong, but you have a genuine honesty chiseled in that chin, warm but no nonsense. An honesty necessary to reverberate a genuine thumps up or thumbs down. I know you are off after lunch, and I don’t go on till eight. What do ya think, are ya up for a ride? Smiling now into her watch, I can be back here by 4:30. Would that give you enough time to set up? Absolutely he answered, raising to his feet. I’ll meet you out front, grabbing his check. Her hand was no longer grazing his shoulders. And she almost forgot just how tall he was. Don’t forget your guitar she reminded laughingly.

She had seen his SUV many times through the window, but she didn’t remember quite this shiny. And although no dates had done if before, somehow she knew he would get the door for her. Then she realized she said it, although only in her head, but this was now officially a date. Now adjust the heat, the music or anything else like you were in your car. Pointing to the back seat, I brought an extra jacket and sweater,in case it rains or you get cold. Although you will be swimming in those, it’s just in case. Pulling away from the curb, she asked if he brought any of his music, he replied no. I didn’t want you to change your mind, half way there. She realized she never heard him laugh that loud, and she never felt this safe in a strange car, that had quickly lost its strangeness.
As they pulled in, in Buffalo, it hit her, the size of this place, the special parking, thus wasn’t a small time dive bar. Donning the cowboy his cowboy hat and a cowboy helping with his equipment made her feel special. But the girl taking her arm to seat her sealed it, she felt like a celebrity. I’ll join you after I’m set up. Order anything ya want, hope ya brought ID he said roaring out loud

You forgot your hat. It’s up on the stage. You’ll see it when the lights come up. That’s my reminder to join the stage, in just a few minutes. A beer ?? I would have thought wine in your case. The waiter wouldn’t even let me pay for the beer, she said with her hands in the air. I know he has my card, you can even order dessert, anything you want, they have a Friday’s seafood special, and their clam chowder is close to yours at the Diner. Do you have your picture in front at every place you play ? Only the places that charge more, he said drinking his water. Well it’s a nice picture of your hat, she said almost giggling in her beer. I bought that on my first trip to Nashville. They had a great little shop next to this out of the way open mic place. The hat gave me courage, like I really belonged there, he said laughing. It seemed to work for at least two of the three songs. I don’t think they ever heard of Sewardsville. Sewardsville she said tripping on her beer. Where in Gods name is that? Well I’m not a good enough lyricists to rhyme much with Auburn. She looked cuter with that puzzled look. Ok ok …. I was actually born in Gardiner Maine, on the coldest February Maine ever had. At least if you believe my mom. She quickly escaped that cold on a train to Florida. We were back on that train north when we witnessed a hurricane. I named it Sewardsville because of William H Seward. You’ll hear it good from here. Oh, is that you hat on the Mike. Yep he said rising to his feet. Wish me luck darlin, he said winkin….

She had seen his SUV many times through the window, but she didn’t remember quite this shiny. And although no dates had done if before, somehow she knew he would get the door for her. Then she realized she said it, although only in her head, but this was now officially a date. Now adjust the heat, the music or anything else like you were in your car. Pointing to the back seat, I brought an extra jacket and sweater,in case it rains or you get cold. Although you will be swimming in those, it’s just in case. Pulling away from the curb, she asked if he brought any of his music, he replied no. I didn’t want you to change your mind, half way there. She realized she never heard him laugh that loud, and she never felt this safe in a strange car, that had quickly lost its strangeness.
As they pulled in, in Buffalo, it hit her, the size of this place, the special parking, thus wasn’t a small time dive bar. Donning the cowboy his cowboy hat and a cowboy helping with his equipment made her feel special. But the girl taking her arm to seat her sealed it, she felt like a celebrity. I’ll join you after I’m set up. Order anything ya want, hope ya brought ID he said roaring out loud.

You forgot your hat. It’s up on the stage. You’ll see it when the lights come up. That’s my reminder to join the stage, in just a few minutes. A beer ?? I would have thought wine in your case. The waiter wouldn’t even let me pay for the beer, she said with her hands in the air. I know he has my card, you can even order dessert, anything you want, they have a Friday’s seafood special, and their clam chowder is close to yours at the Diner. Do you have your picture in front at every place you play ? Only the places that charge more, he said drinking his water. Well it’s a nice picture of your hat, she said almost giggling in her beer. I bought that on my first trip to Nashville. They had a great little shop next to this out of the way open mic place. The hat gave me courage, like I really belonged there, he said laughing. It seemed to work for at least two of the three songs. I don’t think they ever heard of Sewardsville. Sewardsville she said tripping on her beer. Where in Gods name is that? Well I’m not a good enough lyricists to rhyme much with Auburn. She looked cuter with that puzzled look. Ok ok …. I was actually born in Gardiner Maine, on the coldest February Maine ever had. At least if you believe my mom. She quickly escaped that cold on a train to Florida. We were back on that train north when we witnessed a hurricane. I named it Sewardsville because of William H Seward. You’ll hear it good from here. Oh, is that you hat on the Mike. Yep he said rising to his feet. Wish me luck darlin, he said winkin….
Well, thanks folks, you’ve been a great crowd. But the owner just informed me a Buffalo Blower has suddenly arrived. And he’s worried about ya. He’s decided this next tune should be our last. I learned this old Bing Crosby tune from a mother with a much better voice than mine. She put me to sleep with it Occapella, and it’s the only song that falls out of my mouth that way. So if you want to leave early, don’t worry, you won’t be the only ones. Before I start, I have a recent back story that’s worth tellin. A week after our youngest daughter was born, I found out I am allergic to adhesive tape glue. I developed a rash off the tape on my right pocket golf pants on a Sunday. My then wife convinced me an emergency room trip was necessary to avoid endangering the newborn. I didn’t realize how red my face could get till the cute nurse assisted i exposing that rash. The doctors diagnosis was as quick and routine as changing a tire. Handed the nurse the ointment tube and prescription walking out. Her approach was as routine as sun tan lotion, at least at first. Running she said “I know you” as my face got even redder in bewilderment. “ You’re the guy that sings Tur A Lur A Lura to hi daughters at bed time downstairs from my in-laws. You almost put us all to sleep” I avoided that hospital for ever after.
Well sorry my dear we never got to your song. Next time she winked as he helped with her coat. The weather forecast isn’t pretty she said as he opened her car door. And the thruway to Syracuse is closed. Well, he said starting the car, turning and pointing to the hotel across the street, shall we ?
Dropping her off at the entrance he chimed, there might be a line. Joining her inside, dusting the snow off, how is it ? Did you see the family leaving ? They turned down the last room, given it had one bed. I’ll get the car he said turning around. Well, I’m ok if you are she said smiling. I’m sure they still have extra blankets and a comfortable sofa. So, you come here often, she said chuckling. Only once he said pushing their button. Once, she smiled even wider. Yes, I’m not up this way often.Snow storm again? She said exiting and grabbing his arm. Nope, summer time and too much scotch. I didn’t think you drank, she chimed as he keyed the door. Not in a long time he said placing his wallet and keys. Were you alone? Yes, I had a few with some ladies who too liked my hat after the gig. It was fun and great conversation trying to widen my audience. Back when I thought that was important. I even turned the expense in as a tax deduction. Real professional he said retrieving the extra blanket from the closet. The girls seemed to lose interest realizing my ring was welded on. By then, too much scotch. As I recall he said turning to the door, there’s a vending machine next to the ice machine with toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletries. I’ll load up, want some ice? He returned arms full, ice and a couple of sodas. Not much to Eat in there, you hungry? No thanks, tired, not hungry. Reaching for the sodas as she opened the toothbrushes. I suspect you wanted diet, he said, exposing the label. Not really, I am more of an exercise it off girl. You can put that blanket back as far as I’m concerned She said winking. I was hoping I could hear that Bing Crosby one time, just one more time, with my head on your chest, in this strange room. Well I certainly didn’t come prepared for anything more. And I purposely left my pills home. He said folding his pants.
She never heard the second verse. Her morning smile indicated her neck was more nimble than most. You want the shower first ? He offered. No, I’ll check the weather, and shower home. Let me just jump in and brush my teeth.
Picking her up at the door, she noticed his guitar case. You didn’t bring your guitar in last night. She said buckling up. No, I took a chance based on the weather. How did that all start she asked. One night I just left it in the car as usual. And as it turned out, somebody wanted my car more than me. With the insurance I got this one. And your guitar she quipped ? Semi smiling. Well, he paused, guitars are a different animal together he told her jumping on the thruway. You see the older the guitar the better it sounds. And this was old, it was my first. The action was too high and it took years for it to sound good. We aged well together. Even if the borrowers played, they probably threw it away because it was hard to play. Every guitar player establishes the key to open it up and let the music out. Was it a gift?,she asked, back just a little straighter. Nope, my first wife was a John Denver fan. Who?she asked, almost too loud. I’ll dig some of his work out later. So I walked in the guitar store and said I want to play like John Denver. After everyone stopped laughing, I was handed my Ibanez guitar, a John Denver record and book. So where did you get lessons? She asked quietly, trying not to sound too young again. I took a few lessons at SU, but realized they were way over my head. So I played each night until my fingers started bleeding or it sounded like music. He chuckled. I have to tell ya, I wasn’t the only one clapping last night. Really he retorted smiling? Yes really said. But I’m not sure I can believe your story, she said, trying to look serious. And why would that be, young lady? She responded, chuckling again, well your towel made a liar out of you and your story about leaving your pills at home. He apologized quickly. I didn’t think you noticed. That hasn’t happened to me in quite a few years. As the car got as quiet as his face got red. She nestled back in her seat murmuring under her breath. How about some John Denver she said, draining a little red from his face .

Never really heard much of John Denver, but I like some of this music. It doesn’t really sound like your music. Do you play much of it when singing out? Not really, I seemed to lose interest after the divorce. Understandable she said turning off the music, I do have a question about your hat, she asked turning more towards him in her seat. It was as if he was going to divulge long lost secrets. Ask away, ask away my dear he said as if awaiting a jeopardy question. I got the impression, that when you rescued you Stetson from the mic, your show actually started. How did you start doing that ? Did you copy someone on Grand Ole Opry she asked with a little giggle. Hardly he replied mimicking her giggle. I used to nervously forget the darn thing when I first started. And I never got comfortable with the guitar strap fitting over the hat. So, one day took it off and placed it on the mic to put the guitar on. After that I just placer it on the mic like an addition to the equipment. I never made the association you did with it starting the show, but I do now, he said laughing, thanks.
So this is where you live, he said opening her car door. I never knew they built this out here. Great looking apartment building. Looks like Hoops Park out here he said , closing her door. Retrieving a cd from his jacket, here’s the song I wrote for you. I’d rather hear it in person, she said handing it back. Smiling, she said, let me know when you’re playing out again. I want to see that hat come off the mic. She said kissing his cheek.
It is odd how you can pass the same shrub for years, and suddenly, one sunny day, a new flower is exposed. Sure you’ve seen flowers before, brilliantly beautiful flowers, pedals almost as clear and seductive as her eyes. And a singular fragrance, that rivals the most expensive perfume. But, not like this, not today, and certainly not in this snow. Some visions, once exposed, will never escape, your eyes, nostrils, or memory. I suspect the diner food could never taste better.

 
Tim Stevens

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