What If

by Ann Ritchie Domela

  Chapter 7

  Rock and Roll Diner

  When she arrived in the lobby, Heather was astonished to see that Duncan was already waiting for her. He was seated at one of the lounge chairs next to the fireplace with a cup of coffee setting beside him on an ornate side table. On the center table was a huge bouquet of fresh flowers. All about were hints on the name of the Apple Farm such as the small set of checkers in the shape of yellow and red apples, set up ready to be played. She did love the quaint Victorian theme in the lobby as well as the rest of the Inn. It was so inviting.

  Duncan rose as she entered. “Hi.”

  “Good morning. I know I am a little early. How long have you been waiting?” Heather managed to regain some of her composure. If he were Ian, she would have to learn more about amnesiacs in order to deal with him. What else could it be? If he were a look-a-like, would it be that she was so desperate to put things at right with Ian that she saw what wasn’t there?

  Heather looked at the desk clerk who was in hearing range. The clerk smiled as if they shared a secret. Heather knew by this eye exchange with the man who called himself Duncan that he had probably been waiting for some time. He took her gently by the arm and led her outside. “My vehicle is just up the hill a short way.” They walked past the exquisite floral displays.

  “Isn’t this amazing?” trying to make conversation, she gestured around at the many plants.

  “Yes, spring is such a great time of year. Did you know that there are 92 varieties of plants and shrubs? And…50 different varieties of flowers.”

  “Wow. You certainly know a lot.”

  Duncan smiled as he opened the passenger door to a fairly new Dodge tan truck. “I was reading the brochure on the hotel while I waited. With my job, I have to have a good memory.”

  “I guess so….I certainly appreciate you picking me up here at the hotel.” She was trying to keep her equanimity. Heather wasn’t going to break down crying as she had done the previous evening in the ladies room.

  “This is nice. What is that funny thing in the back?” she pointed to a large metal object that seemed to be part of the vehicle.

  “That’s my fifth wheel hitch.”

  “Isn’t a fifth wheel something like a trailer?”

  “Yup. Only the front bedroom area hitches to the back of the truck. That’s the simplest way I can describe it.”

  “I’ve seen lots of trailers and they just hook on with a ball thing at the back of the truck.”

  “A trailer would, but I prefer the stability of a fifth wheel. Some people like a trailer and others a big motor home. Just a matter of choice.”

  “Where is your fifth wheel?”

  “In the shop at the moment. Just a little repair work.”

  “And your home?”

  “That is my home. But while I am getting the work done, I am staying here at the other side of the hotel. It’s the more economic part of the hotel. I don’t need much and it is handy since I am critiquing the Apple Farm Inn Restaurant.”

  “How is it going?”

  “Almost too easy. Haven’t had a bad meal yet. In fact, it’s all been good. Too good.” He patted his stomach. “Have to do a lot of work for Linda Sue to get rid of some of this.” Duncan smiled in such a warm way.

  As he entered the driver’s side, he mentioned, “I looked up Linda’s address on my computer and made up the map.” He handed it to her. “Does this look right to you?”

  “Yes, but I’ve never actually driven there. She has always picked me up and mostly we go to the art studio near her home. But Shell Beach isn’t that big. I don’t think we could miss it. Looks like we can get off at either end of Shell Beach Road, drive to her street and head toward the ocean. Can’t miss.” Heather was trying to be casual while looking at him for any sign of recognition.

  None was forthcoming. Heather didn’t know what to say. The more she looked at this man, the more her mind was confused. He did look like her Ian; he did, she told her mind. But he didn’t act like her Ian. He was almost too nice. But any major accident or trauma could change a person, especially if he didn’t remember anyone. But if he were her Ian, how did he get here? How would he know where to find her? Then, why would he try to find her if he didn’t remember her? What should she do? Linda Sue had told her to go slow. Talk to him as if he were this Duncan. Maybe she was so desperate to restore Ian to her life, that she was seeing him in a perfect stranger. Maybe it was her that was mentally off.

  “Heather. Heather. Did you hear me?” Duncan had been saying something to her as they drove the distance from the hotel to Shell Beach.

  “No, I’m sorry. I was kind of lost in thought. What did you say?”

  “I asked if this looked like the right turnoff to go to Linda Sue’s house.”

  “Ay, I mean yes, you can either take this one or the next. This is probably closer.”

  Duncan turned his truck off the freeway and got onto Shell Beach Road almost immediately. “Will you recognize the street or should I start looking for the sign?”

  “Yes, yes, I will know it. I’ll try to warn you ahead of time. Oh, there it is. Turn there.” She pointed toward the street. Duncan complied.

  “The house is just down near the end of this street. Right? Isn’t there a windmill at the very end of this street?”

  “Yes. We’ve driven by it.”

  Duncan noted the address number on the mailbox and pulled up in front of the house. “This it?”

  “Yes.” Heather got out of the truck and headed past the fence gate. Linda Sue came rushing out to greet them.

  “I’m all set. Karen will be at the shop all day and I’m all dressed in grubbies to work. We have just got to get this room done.”

  Heather raised her eyebrows, not understanding the word. “I don’t have any of those grubbies to wear for work. Is there any place I can get them?”

  They tried to hold back, but both Linda Sue and Duncan laughed aloud. “I’m so sorry, but it is funny. Grubbies are just any old clothing that you no longer want to wear. Making them as working grubbies is the last of the line for clothing. Just work clothes you intend to throw away.”

  Heather laughed as well. “Will I ever learn?”

  “You will, sweetie, you will.” Linda Sue led the way into her guest room. It had once been a screened in porch. The former carpenter had put up walls, put in a new floor and had just not trimmed out the windows or the finishing trim on the walls. There were also a few things in the bathroom to complete. And. there was a lot of cleanup.

  “Where are the tools, nails and etc.?”

  “Over there in the closet. We’ll have to put on the closet door as well. Heather, I hope you are good with a broom. If you’ll sweep up, I will put the extra wood out onto the pile outside while Duncan, you can do what you think best. Okay?” she asked.

  “Sure.” The tall good-looking man took off his shirt preparing to work with only a white undershirt covering his handsome body. “I’m sorry, Linda Sue, I should have asked if this is okay with you. The shirt is all I’ll take off, I promise. It is kind of warm in here.” He almost pleaded.

  Linda Sue took in the form of the man. “Mhmm,” she agreed. It is getting quite hot in here.” She wiped the imaginary sweat off her brow. “Take off all you want.” She smiled. “We won’t mind.”

  “Maybe I had better put it back on.” He started to put the shirt back over his shoulders.

  “No, you’re right. It is hot. Just take off whatever you want that makes you feel comfortable.”

  “Alright, but with you two, I think this is enough.”

  Heather said nothing, but gave Linda Sue a look that said, “How could you?” she was embarrassed.

  “Lighten up,” Linda Sue said. “Just get used to it and grab the broom.”

  “What about my grubbies?”

  “Oh yes, let me get some of my old clothes out for you. I’m sure I have something that will fit you well enough.”

  Within minutes, Heath
er came back into the room dressed in a large red t-shirt and a loose pair of gray sweat pants.

  “Now that’s an outfit that will turn any man’s head.” Duncan was unsuccessfully attempting to hold back his laughter.

  “Hush,” Linda Sue ordered. We’ve got a lot of work to do today and only today to complete it. At least I have taken this day off. I can’t take more than two days off in a week and actually this is my third this week. What do you think, Duncan? Can we get this all done in one day?”

  “Yes, Mam, if you stop talking and let me get to work here.”

  Heather just grabbed the nearby broom and started to sweep up piles of sawdust. Linda Sue started picking up the various pieces of wood that was just lying around the room. They all continued working for about a few hours. Progress was quickly being made. Linda Sue had disposed of all the excess wood while Heather had swept up the entire room. Duncan had completed the trim around both windows and was beginning to work in the bathroom.

  “Before we go any further, maybe I should send out for some lunch.”

  “No, I’m not all that crazy about take out. You’ve both done as far as you can go. I’ve got about another hour and I’ll be done. A little more clean up and the room will be ready for the painter tomorrow. Why don’t you two clean up and have some coffee. As soon as I’m done, I’ll take you both out to a favorite place near here.”

  “Where would that be?”

  “I’ll show you. No dress up required. Just good food.”

  Both girls washed up, and Linda Sue made them all some coffee. They sat at the kitchen table, sipping from the large cups.

  “You sure do like your coffee.”

  “About as much as you enjoy your cuppa.” Linda Sue answered.

  From the guest room, they heard Duncan singing softly. “I belong to Glasgow, dear old Glasgow toon (town). Oh there’s something the matter with Glasgow, cause it’s going roon (round) and roon (round). I’m only a common old working man, but as anyone else can see, when I get a couple of drinks on a Saturday,” his voice rose higher, “Glasgow belooongs to me.”

  “Do you hear that?” Heather whispered.

  “Yes, I did.” Linda Sue rose and brought in a cup of coffee to Duncan. “Hi, there. What’s that you are singing?”

  “Sorry to disturb you. I sometimes sing while I work. That’s just a song my dad sang when he was a working or even when he had a dram (drop of whiskey) or two. Hope it didn’t disturb you.”

  “No, it’s not a bad voice. Go ahead. Are you almost done?”

  “With the work or the song?”

  “Both.”

  “Yes, to both. Give me a few more minutes and then I’ll get cleaned up to take you both out for a bit to eat.”

  “See, see,” Heather kept her voice low. That is an old Scottish song.”

  Linda Sue gave her a look. “That song isn’t restricted to just a Scottish person. In fact, I like it. I belong to Glasgow,” she sang. “Forget about it and let’s get ready to go. Come on, you can change into something a bit cleaner in my room.”

  “But my things are at the hotel.”

  “Did you forget? You did leave a few suitcases here in my closet. You said you didn’t want to bring everything to the hotel.”

  “Oh yes, how daft (dumb) of me to forget. I’ll get ready right away. Is it okay if I get a quick shower first?”

  ‘No.” Linda Sue laughed at Heather’s visual reaction. “Of course, you go first and I’ll get some towels so Duncan can clean up in the guest shower.”

  Shortly they were all showered and on their way in Duncan’s truck. “Now this is what I call cozy.” Duncan commented on the three of them sitting comfortably in the cab.

  “Are you okay?” Linda Sue asked of him.

  “Sure. I kind of like it like this.” His smile was warming.

  “Where are we going” Heather asked.

  “As usual, I am heading for one of my favorite places.”

  “Casual okay?”

  “Yes, that is my preference. Although sometimes I will go to the more expensive restaurants, I specialize in the offbeat or out of the way place for the average wallet.”

  “That is nice,” Heather was impressed. But where did her Ian learn about restaurant reviewing? There were so many changes in this man. Could it be that he was not her Ian, but some other look alike? She knew now that he was not a ghost or Linda Sue would not see him. All she had was the small photo of him and that was so worn even she wasn’t sure about Ian’s features. Could it be that he was just a memory? Was she so desperate that she was seeing this man as her Ian?

  “We’re here now.” Duncan pulled up in front of what looked like a dining car of a train. It was different, but neither of them had expected a railroad car.

  “I’ve seen this place many times, but I thought perhaps it was just a hamburger style place.” Linda Sue opened her door before Duncan could come around and play the part of a gentleman.

  “You couldn’t be more wrong in a way. They do have all kinds of hamburgers including Black Angus burgers, but well…wait until you get inside and look at their menu.” Duncan assisted Heather out of the truck.

  The three walked inside to be greeted by a waiter with menus in hand.

  “Hi, Marios. Can we have a table in this dining car, please?” Duncan gestured to his right. “It’s much more comfortable for three in this car, although the other one is okay too.

  They were seated at a large table. “Can I get you something to drink?” the handsome server asked.

  “Coffee, coffee and coffee; lots of coffee for me,” Duncan spoke and Heather? Linda Sue?” he asked.

  Linda Sue agreed on the coffee while Heather opted for her favorite, tea. The waiter left to give them immediate service.

  “Just so you know,” Duncan said, “Marios is the owner, manager, and at the moment, our special waiter.”

  Linda Sue opened her menu. “Wow! That is not what I expected at all. Are these Greek foods? And American as well? Even some Mexican specialties. This is a great menu. The only problem is what to order. Any suggestions?”

  “Well, you can get many of the items almost anywhere. So why not order something different? If you like, I can order several things and we can all share. That way, we get the tastes of many things.”

  “I like that idea, but not too much. How about you, Heather, sound good to you?”

  “Yes, some of these things sound very good. But like Linda Sue said, not too much.”

  Marios returned with their drinks. Now, what can I get for you or would you like some more time?”

  “We’re ready. First, we’ll have a Greek Sampler. That’s dolmades, hummus, spankopita, tzati and pita bread. Wait until you taste the spanokpita. It’s the best. It is spinach, feta and herbs in phyllo pastry. The dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with rice. The rest, you’ll just have to try for yourself.”

  “Anything else, sir?”

  “Oh yes, we’ll have a lamb shish-kabob, and one Zorba’s Feast for two.”

  “Duncan,” Linda Sue admonished. “Are you out of your mind? We can’t eat all that.”

  He just smiled. “I know, but it is so hard to resist. It’s really not all that much; if you skip the salad, some of the rice and go easy on the pita.”

  “It’s only three meals, kind of.” Heather defended him.

  “Yes, what she said,” Duncan put his arm around her lightly as if they were siding against Linda Sue.

  For a moment, she caught her breath. It was as if Ian had touched her, but it couldn’t be. It wasn’t. “Let’s just enjoy the meal. I have an idea of what lamb shish kabob is. Lamb is very popular in Scotland. But what is in the Zorba’s Feast?”

  “Two chicken souviaki’s which is similar to chicken strips only better, 4 sheftalia’s which is pork meatballs and two gyros along with rice, salad, pita and delicious baklava.”

  Linda Sue raised her eyebrows.

  “Anything else” the waiter asked with a slight smile on
his pleasant face.

  “Not at the moment. But we might save room for dessert.”

  Linda Sue just gave him a quick look and then began looking around the diner. “No wonder they call this the Rock and Roll Diner. Look at those photos on the wall. That’s Elvis, my favorite. And…James Dean too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen some of these photos.”

  “Did you know that both of these railroad cars were built in 1948? This one was part of the Orange Blossom Special. You know the one that Johnny Cash sang about. The other one was on a Chicago run.”

  “Look, Linda Sue,” Heather had retained her menu, “Did you see this? They cook their meats on an open pit barbeque. That must be good. We’ll have to come back here for some of the other things too.”

  “Don’t you just love this red and crème décor?”

  “And the music,” Linda Sue answered. “I adore this music. Reminds me of my youth. Now all they have to do is play an Elvis song and my day will be complete.”

  As if by request, they could hear “Love Me Tender” by Elvis. Linda Sue just grinned.

  The waiter returned with their salads and pita bread.

  “I’d really suggest that you set them aside until we finish with the meal. Trust me. You want to enjoy every bite. You don’t want to be full before we get to the best part.”

  Both girls pushed their salads away.

  “Now that we have all that little carpentry work done, are you ready for the painters tomorrow?”

  “I’m pretty sure.”

  “If there is anything more I can do, please, please give me a call.” He handed Linda Sue his card.

  “What color are you going to use?” Heather asked.

  “No, no, that’ a surprise, but I am sure you will like it. The rug is due to be put down in two days and the furniture will be delivered within three days after the rug. It won’t take me that long to decorate, curtains, etc. So…your room should be ready in about a week. When you move, you can start to do the additions that will make it yours. Can you handle the hotel that long?”

  “It’s not exactly an imposition for me to stay at that luxurious hotel. And you did give me a few hundred things to do while I am there.” Heather was beginning to relax.

  The first item to arrive at their table was the Greek sampler. Duncan acted as host and divided up the items on to small plates handing them out.

  Heather picked up the spanakopita while Linda Sue tried the dolmades.

  “Mmm,” Heather took a bite of the spinach, feta pastry. “Oh my, I love this. Linda Sue just nodded in agreement.

  Before they could finish the sampler, the waiter arrived with a tray of the ordered items. Again, Duncan placed various items on plates. Linda Sue took a bite of her shish kabob. “I didn’t know this food was so tasty. Who would have thought this was available at a diner?”

  After trying out a few more things, Duncan sat back catching a breather. “I’ve got to rest before I go on.”

  “Told you,” Linda Sue pointed at him.

  “Oh, we’ll finish this. How can we not? It’s all so good.”

  “Duncan, how did you get started in such an odd profession?” Linda Sue asked.

  “I am a confirmed bachelor and I love to eat. When I was in a restaurant, some time ago, I met this reviewer who told me about his job. I thought this is the right job for me and did some research on how I could get started. I do write for local newspapers and some magazines about the places I go to. I also do an online reviewer’s corner and am in the process of writing an area book on several areas I have checked out. Right now, I am doing one on the central coast. Here”

  “I know you said you liked out of the way places.” Heather commented. “What is it that makes you choose any place?”

  “First I check out the quality and taste of food. And then the cost versus the quantity and quality.”

  “What else is left?”

  “So much more. Naturally, the service. And the cleanliness.”

  “You said you don’t tell them that you are a reviewer.” It was Linda Sue’s turn. “How do you get into the kitchen to check things out?”

  “Don’t need to.”

  “Oh?”

  “Run your hand around the edge of the table. If it is sticky, that is a sure sign the waiter does not clean thoroughly. And.that the manager doesn’t care enough to check. Then, not to be crude, but the bathrooms had better be clean before I will even order in a place.”

  “What else?’

  “The staff. If they don’t show they care about the place, why should I care to go there? I expect cleanliness, courtesy, caring. If the staff is not good, I blame the management for not following up. It’s easy to spot good management as well as poor managers.”

  “What do you look for in food?”

  “So many things. Taste, quality and I do prefer something a little on the unusual or unique.

  “How many places live up to your expectations?” Linda Sue asked while putting a piece of the spanokpita into her mouth. “Oh,mmm, oh yes, this is the best.”

  “Wait until you try the rest. And to answer your question, many places live up to my expectations. Most people don’t even start the tedious business of a restaurant unless it is their intention to create wonderful meals and ambiance. Not to mention, making money.”

  “So what happens then?” Heather finally joined in also picking up one of the appetizers.

  “Many things. Sadly, a good cook or chef has little idea about what to do in the management of a restaurant. He or she knows only the kitchen and oddly, it is their nature to make a delightful dish no matter what the cost. And it is management that must control the cost or go under. Think about it, the management must buy the best food possible, pay the cost of the building, pay the utilities, the help and control loss. Without all that, the owner would wind up paying people to eat in the restaurant. It’s a careful knowledgeable balance that will make a restaurant go. That is why some family restaurants go so well. Usually, there is only one boss, often a parent and the kids no matter what age are geared to obey without question.”

  Heather picked up a piece of pita bread and placed it playfully in Duncan’s mouth.

  “It’s not my fault,’ he wailed and pointed to Linda Sue. “It’s hers. She got me started on my soap box subject.”

  Before they could continue, the waiter brought out the rest of the food assisted by another young waiter.

  Heather’s eyes widened. “This is a meal for only three or three hundred? I don’t know when I’ve seen so much food. I hope you two have enough appetite. I know I can barely touch a part of all this.”

  “Just enjoy as much or as little as you can.” Duncan said.

  “You can just bet I will. Heather, you are on your own.” Linda picked up one of the lamb shish kabobs. “We, or at least I, will diet for the next week, but tonight, we eat.” Linda Sue smiled.

  “Isn’t it a shame that there is so much good food available to us and we spend so much time worrying about what it can or cannot do to our bodies?” Duncan picked up another of the lamb shish kebobs. “You are right, Linda Sue, for tonight let’s enjoy this meal and be grateful we can. Tomorrow, I have to spend the day writing. You both will be supervising the poor painters.”

  “If you knew what I have to pay those painters, you would never consider them poor.” Linda Sue said.

  “Right. Now, after this meal, I’m going back to the hotel to collapse. I’m not used to hard work.” He smiled in a way they knew he didn’t mean it. “As I said, I am busy tomorrow, but I do have another restaurant to review the day after that. Heather,” he turned toward her as if talking to her alone, “I will be near some great ocean views. If you like, I can pick you up early and bring you to the views. Not too far from here. Then we can do lunch and you can give me your opinion. It would mean a lot to me.” He hesitated. “That is, I can certainly use your help. I feel sometimes I don’t have enough of an objective view.” Then, as if suddenly realizing he might be sli
ghting Linda Sue, he turned toward her. “I’m sorry, of course, if you would be able to join us….”

  “No, Duncan, I can’t get away, but thanks for inviting me. I’m afraid I have to catch up at the shop. I have a client who is looking for more paintings from another artist I have featured at the gallery.”

  “Who is that? Someone I know?”

  “I’m not sure. Have you ever seen the Paramount logo?

  “Who hasn’t?”

  “That artist was Jan Domela. He not only did that, but worked at that studio for many years and in fact, earned a few academy awards for his art, a few in major movies like “The Ten Commandments”. He has done many landscapes, but it is his cathedral interiors that I have and am looking for more. They are astonishing. My client can’t seem to get enough of them.”

  “So you are not just featuring Heather?”

  “She is my main artist now and has a great audience, but I don’t put all my eggs in one basket.” She looked at Heather to see if that bothered her.

  As if to answer the unasked question, Heather spoke, “I would expect nothing else. It is impossible, almost, for any artist to paint enough to keep any gallery going.”

  Trying to get back in the happy mood they had been in, Duncan continued. “About Thursday, are you available?”

  Heather stopped and looked to Linda Sue for approval. The pretty blonde nodded and stated, “If you are looking to me for a day of work, go ahead. The more photos you have of different areas, the more paintings you can do. The more paintings, the better for all of us.”

  “Then I accept your offer, Duncan. Do you want to pick me up at the hotel lobby at 9 or so?”

  “Perfect. I’ll be there.”