Room for Murder - Tim Myers [21]
Alex said, “No, we can’t afford the time away, not with an inn full of guests.”
Mor said, “I hope you’re at least going to Hickory. They’ve got some pretty nice places there.”
Alex answered, “We’re going to Mama Ravolini’s. It’s the best I could manage with the time we’ve got. Irma’s promised me the best table in the house, though.”
Mor shook his head. “Alex my friend, after all these years studying at my feet, I thought you’d be able to come up with something better than that for your first date with Elise.”
Alex laughed. “You must not be half the teacher you thought you were.”
Mor pretended to consider that for a moment, then said, “No, even a brilliant teacher can’t do anything with a backward student.”
Alex couldn’t help the laugh that escaped just as the ladies joined them.
“What’s so funny?’ Elise asked.
Mor said, “Just some man talk.”
Emma smiled briefly. “Discussing curtains and manicures again, boys?”
Mor said, “Enough guff, woman.” He gestured to Elise. “What’s in that basket?”
“I made some baloney sandwiches and brought some warm milk. I thought a picnic snack might be fun,” she said, though it was apparent to all from the delightful aroma emanating from die basket that she’d fried chicken for their impromptu picnic dinner.
“That’s too bad,” Mor said. “What I really had a hankering for was some fried chicken.”
Alex said, “Should we eat first or go ahead and light the beacon?” He was getting those butterflies again, eager to light the lens. The air was charged with electricity; it was almost as if the lighthouse itself sensed what was coming, and Alex fed off it.
Emma said, “Why don’t we eat first? That way we can enjoy the light without worrying about attracting every moth in seven counties.”
Mor put an arm around her. “That’s why I love this woman. She’s so practical.”
Emma rolled her eyes. “And that’s why I love you, you big moose. I just adore the way you sweet-talk me.”
Elise laughed as she started to spread the blanket out on the platform. Alex grabbed the other end and they soon had it down, though the tug of the wind threatened to displace it. Mor said, “I can take care of that,” and promptly sat down in the middle of everything.
“That’s fine, but now there’s no room for the rest of us,” Emma said.
He moved over, and the four of them anchored their respective comers. Elise made a show of peeking inside the basket, then said, “Shoot.”
“Forget something?” Alex asked. “I’ll be glad to go back down for it.”
Elise said, “No, it’s too late for that. I meant to put a baloney sandwich in here to tease Mor with, but I must have left it on the counter.”
Emma said, “Knowing him, he found it and already ate
it.”
Elise passed out plates, cups, and silverware, then started pulling food out of the hamper at a surprising rate.
Mor asked, “Any sweet tea in there?” as he reached for a peek into the basket.
Emma slapped his hand. “You just wait and see, you choosy beggar.”
Elise pulled out a container of tea. “I wouldn’t forget that. Alex, would you mind pouring?”
Alex opened the jar of tea, poured a little into his cup, and treated it like a fine wine. “It’s got a robust flavor with a hint of playfulness; an unpretentious little vintage.”
“Give me that, you big goofball,” Mor said as he swiped the tea.
After dining on fried chicken, potato salad, and homemade rolls, Mor said, “I don’t suppose you have any pie in there, do you?”
Emma said, “Even if she did, where in the world would you put it?”
“Hey, I’m a growing boy. I need to eat to keep my strength up.”
She patted his stomach. “If you grow any more, you’re going to have to buy new clothes.”
Mor said indignantly, “I’ll have you know I’m the perfect weight for my height.”
Alex said, “I need to see that chart,” as he helped Elise clean up. “Is everybody ready for the lighting?”
“Absolutely,” Mor said. “Why don’t you two go fire it up? Emma and I will watch it from here.”
Alex said, “Don’t forget, face outward. That lens puts out some real light.”
“We’ll be careful,” Emma said. Though they had enjoyed a good meal with fine fellowship,