Noel Street

by Richard Paul Evans

  “It’s just me,” he said. “As usual.”

  “You can sit wherever.”

  He looked around, then said, “Where are you serving?”

  “That section,” I said, gesturing to my zone with a menu, which I handed to him. “You can seat yourself. I’ll get you some water.”

  “Thank you.”

  A moment later I brought him a glass. “Do you know what you want?”

  “A chili cheeseburger and fries.”

  “And to drink?”

  “A Dr Pepper.”

  “Anything else?”

  “I would like to apologize.”

  I looked up from my pad. “For what?”

  “You asked if I wanted to do something sometime, and I said no.”

  It hurt just hearing it again. “Don’t worry about it.”

  “I haven’t stopped worrying about it since you left. I came to see if I could take you out to dinner.”

  “Why do I feel like you’re doing this out of pity?”

  “Because I am,” he said.

  “Oh, really?” I said.

  “Not for you,” he said quickly. “For myself. Any man who would turn down an offer like that from a beautiful woman like you is pretty pitiable. Or maybe he was just a recluse who was out of his head recovering from an illness.”

  “You were pretty sick,” I said.

  “Delirious,” he said. “Totally out of my head.”

  “I might be able to cut you a little slack—being sick and all.”

  He grinned. “You are as merciful as you are beautiful.”

  I smiled.

  “Are you busy tomorrow night?”

  “I’m off,” I said. “But I’ll need to find a sitter for Dylan. Can I call you?”

  “I don’t have a phone at my apartment, but you can call me at Renato’s.”

  “You’re already back at work?”

  “I start back tomorrow. Renato needs the help. He came over this morning to see if I had a pulse.”

  “Apology aside, do you still want the food?”

  “A man’s got to eat.”

  “Yes, he does.”

  Back in the kitchen Jamie said, “How did it go?”

  “He came to apologize and ask me out.”

  “Did you accept?”

  “Of course.”

  Jamie smiled. “Smart girl.”

  William didn’t stay long. He wolfed down his burger and was gone. He left me a ten-dollar bill for a four-dollar meal.

  CHAPTER thirteen

  I’m so scared. It’s been more than nine years since I went out on a date. Back then I was childless. The playing board has changed substantially, but the pawn is still vulnerable.

  —Elle Sheen’s Diary

  A few minutes after he left, I called Fran to see if she could watch Dylan. As usual, she was happy to help.

  The next morning I called William at Renato’s. It took him a while to come to the phone.

  “Sorry. I was under a car.”

  “Again?” I said.

  He laughed. “It’s getting to be a habit.”

  “So, I got a sitter.”

  “That’s good news,” he said happily. “Can I pick you up at six?”

  “Six is good.”

  “Is there anyplace in particular you’d like to eat?”

  “Anyplace but the diner.”

  He laughed again. “Fair enough. Do you like Italian food?”

  “I love Italian food.”

  “Renato recommended a place in Ogden. DiSera’s Italian. Have you been there?”

  “No, but I’ve heard it’s good.”

  “I’ll make reservations,” he said. “I’ll see you at six.”

  “See you then.”

  I hung up. It had been years since I’d been out on a date. Let’s be honest—it had been years since I’d been out anywhere. I couldn’t wait.

  CHAPTER fourteen

  William took me to a fancy Italian restaurant. He listened too well and I talked too much. In other words, I still have no idea who he is.

  —Elle Sheen’s Diary

  I finished work that day at two. On my way out, Loretta stopped me at the back door.

  “I hear you have a date,” she said. “With the soldier.”

  “Word spreads fast.”

  “It’s a small town. Where are you going on this date?”

  “DiSera’s. In Ogden.”

  “Oh, he’s a big spender,” she said. “That’s pricey.”

  “You’ve been there?”

  “Many times. Renato loves that place. Their lasagna is delicious, as is their gnocchi and sage-butter spaghetti.”

  “You’re making my mouth water.”

  “Which is what I hope your date does for you.”

  “You’re incorrigible.”

  “Yes, I am. I was hoping it might rub off on you.”

  I drove home, showered again so I didn’t smell like coffee and cigarettes, then went through my closet looking for something to wear. I didn’t have many things to dress up in. The life I was living didn’t require anything. I ended up in a high-necked blouse with ruffles on the cuffs that Loretta had given me the previous Christmas and a long denim skirt.

  Fran arrived at a quarter to six. “You look nice,” she said. “Love the blouse. Where are you going?”

  “I’m going out on a date,” I said proudly.

  She looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language. “A date?”

  “Try not to look too surprised.”

  “Who’s the lucky man?”

  “William,” I said. “He’s the one I was taking care of earlier this week.”

  “Ah,” she said.

  “What does that ‘Ah’ mean?”

  “It means that I wondered if there was a little flame there. I mean, you did spend the night.”

  “I didn’t ‘spend the night.’ He was sick,” I said. “It’s just a first date.”

  Just then Dylan came out of his room. “Where are you going, Mama?”

  “I’m going out to dinner with a friend.”

  “Can I go?”

  “No, not this time, buddy.”

  He looked puzzled. “How come?”

  I realized that this had to be strange for him. Outside of work, I rarely, if ever, went anywhere without him. “Sometimes moms need time for themselves.”

  “How come?”

  “They just do,” I said.

  Thankfully, Fran interjected. “Dylan, I thought you were going to watch TV with me.”

  “I want to go with my mom.”

  “We can watch The Waltons.”

  “I don’t want to watch The Waltons.”

  “How about The Six Million Dollar Man?”

  “All right,” he said.

  A few minutes later the doorbell rang.

  “That’s him,” I said. “I don’t know when I’ll be home. We’re going to dinner in Ogden.”

  “The big city,” she said. “What time do you want Dylan in bed?”

  “He can stay up late. Maybe nine.”

  “Do you want me to stay the night? Just in case?”

  “In case of what?” I said. I opened the door. William stood in the doorway. He was dressed in bell-bottomed jeans and a knit sweater. His hair was nicely combed and he was clean-shaven.

  “You look nice,” he said.

  “Thank you, I was thinking the same about you. I just need to get my coat. Come in.”

  As I walked over to the closet, Fran approached William.

  “I’m Fran,” she said, looking a little too interested.

  “I’m William. It’s nice to meet you. Thanks for babysitting.”

  “It’s cool,” she said.

  “All right,” I said, walking between them. “I’m ready.” I looked around. “Dylan? Where are you?”

  Dylan was hiding behind the kitchen table. I forgot that Dylan and William had unresolved history.

  “Dylan, come here.”

  “No.
”

  “Dylan,” I said more forcefully.

  William raised his hand. “It’s okay.” He walked into the kitchen, crouching down a couple of yards from Dylan. “Dylan, my name is William. We got off to a rocky start, so I brought you something. It’s a peace offering.”

  “What’s that?”

  “A peace offering is something you bring someone to say you’re sorry. In this case, it’s a candy bar.” He brought a Hershey’s Chocolate bar from his jacket. “Do you like chocolate?”

  Dylan nodded.

  William turned to me. “Is this okay?”

  “It’s too late now,” I said. “He’s seen the goods.”

  He smiled, then turned back. He handed Dylan the candy bar. “I’m sorry I yelled at you. I promise I won’t do that again.”

  Dylan took the chocolate. “It’s okay.”

  William put out his hand. “Then we’re cool?”

  “We’re cool,” Dylan said, taking his hand.

  “All right,” William said, standing. “Big relief.”

  “Since you boys have it together,” I said, “can we go?”

  “Have a good time,” Fran said to William.

  Then she leaned in and whispered, “He’s cute.”

  “Maybe you should sleep over,” I said. I put on my coat and walked out with William into the cold.

  “I’m in the Cadillac,” he said, motioning to his green pickup.

  “I remember.”

  He opened the door for me and helped me in, then he walked around and climbed in the other side. There was a Little Trees air freshener hanging from the mirror.

  “I’m sorry, it smells like motor oil in here. I bring my work home with me.”

  “You work on cars at home?”

  “I meant the oil,” he said. He started the truck and pulled out into the road.

  “By the way, good job with Dylan,” I said. “You won him over.”

  “The magic of chocolate. Does wonders with kids.”

  “I’ve got news for you. It’s not just kids. It’s pretty much catnip for women.”

  He looked over and smiled. “That’s good to know.”

  * * *

  DiSera’s was one of the nicest restaurants in Ogden, evidenced by the full parking lot. I followed William into the crowded lobby, passing several people grumbling about the long wait.

  William walked up to the hostess, who, understandably, looked a little frantic.

  “May I help you?” she asked.

  “We have reservations for seven,” William said. “It’s under Smith.”

  She looked at her guest book, then looked back up. “William Smith for two?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “It will just be a few moments while they clear the table, Mr. Smith for two.”

  “Thank you.”

  I looked around the dimly lit restaurant. Outside of the diner, I hadn’t been in any restaurant for several years. I watched the waiters and waitresses scurrying about with a kind of shared empathy, wondering what it would be like to work in an environment where people dressed up to eat.

  “Follow me, please,” the hostess said.

  William motioned for me to go first and I followed the hostess to a candlelit table in the corner of the main dining room. William pulled out the chair for me and I sat down. The hostess unrolled our napkins and handed us menus in faux leather frames.

  “Charlotte will be right with you,” she said.

  William looked at me and smiled. “Does it feel different being on the other side of the menu?”

  “It feels different sitting down to cloth napkins.” I looked over the menu. The prices of the meals were triple those at the diner. I instinctively began looking for the cheapest item.

  “I hear the lasagna is good,” he said.

  “I’ve heard that too,” I said. “It’s expensive. Everything on the menu is expensive.”

  “You’re worth it,” he answered.

  I smiled at him. “I may be, but you don’t know that.”

  “Maybe I do,” he said. “You’re easily the best nurse I’ve ever had.”

  “Maybe I missed my calling in life.”

  “Would you like some wine?” he asked.

  “Yes.” I loved wine but, with the exception of Loretta’s Christmas party, I hadn’t had any in two years. “I love red wine.”

  “They have some excellent Chiantis,” he said.

  “You’ve been here before?” I asked.

  William shook his head. “No. Renato told me. He speaks reverently of this place. I think food is akin to religion in Italy.”

  Our waitress came with a basket of breadsticks. “May I take your order?”

  “Please,” William said, deferring to me.

  I ordered the lasagna. William ordered the spaghetti with clams and requested a wine list. A few minutes later the restaurant’s sommelier came out with their list and his recommendations. He returned with a bottle of a Ruffino Chianti Classico and poured our glasses.

  I sipped the wine. “This is really nice. I don’t want to know how much it cost.”

  “You don’t need to worry about that. We’re celebrating.”

  “What are we celebrating?”

  “Whatever we want,” he said.

  “Maybe I should get a job here,” I said. “Getting tips on this menu would change my world.”

  “How much of your income is in tips?”

  “Most of it. It’s not a lot, obviously.”

  We both took a drink of wine. “That is good,” he said.

  “Heavenly,” I said.

  He set down his glass. “Were you born in Mistletoe?”

  “No. I’m from Cedar City.”

  “Where’s that?”

  “It’s a town in southern Utah. It’s not as small as Mistletoe. I didn’t even know Mistletoe existed until the day I arrived there. It’s one of those towns you drive past on the way to somewhere else.”

  “How did you end up there?”

  “Now that’s a story.”

  “I’m up for a story,” he said.

  “It may cost you another drink,” I said.

  William smiled as he refilled my glass.

  I took another sip of wine. “So, how I ended up in Mistletoe. Basically, I ran away from home. At least what was left of it. My parents disowned me or maybe I disowned them. It went both ways.”

  “What happened?”

  “I married someone they didn’t want me to marry.”

  “They didn’t like him?”

  “They never met him,” I said. “He was black.”

  He nodded knowingly. “Where did you meet?”

  “In school. We fell in love. But I knew my parents would never approve of me marrying a black man, so after a year of dating, we were secretly married and living a double life.

  “I wish we had been more open, but neither of us had any money. Finally, he dropped out of school to work.” I paused. “That’s when he was drafted into the war.” I took a drink, then a second.

  “He didn’t believe in the war. He said he had some friends moving to Canada to avoid the draft, but I wasn’t going to do that. I was still a small-town girl. I didn’t think there was life outside Cedar City, let alone America. I couldn’t leave my friends and family.” I sighed heavily. “If only I’d known how things would turn out. I lost my family and him.” I took another drink. William just looked at me sympathetically. I was drinking too much. It certainly loosened my tongue.

  “The thing is, my family bleeds red, white, and blue. My great-grandfather served in World War I as a general, my grandfather was a colonel in World War II, and my father served in the Korean War. I told my husband that if we ever hoped to have my father accept us, he’d have to serve. So he did, for me.” My eyes suddenly moistened. “I asked too much. He never came back.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me too,” I said. I took another drink of wine. “But he left me something. We didn’t know it at the time
he was deployed, but I was pregnant. My parents, of course, were apoplectic. They thought I was an unmarried pregnant woman.”

  “You didn’t correct them?”

  “Not at first. I knew that the truth, to them, would be worse. When they finally learned that I was married and that my baby would be black…” I shook my head. “Let’s just say they weren’t real pleased.

  “I thought they’d change their mind after Dylan was born. I thought, who could reject a baby? But they did. About six months later we got in a big fight. My mother said he wasn’t their grandson and never would be. I remember looking at my father, waiting for him to come to my defense, but he said nothing. I think that silence was worse than my mother’s rejection.” I breathed out. “That pretty much destroyed any chance of reconciliation. I told them that if they disowned their own grandson, then I was disowning them. That’s when I left. I had a hundred and fifty dollars and the Fairlane my grandfather had given me.

  “Unfortunately, I pretty much left without a plan. I drove north, looking for a job. I couldn’t find anything. I wasn’t exactly a stellar candidate—a single college dropout with a six-month-old baby. Dylan and I slept in the back seat of the car. After a week I was desperate. I was exhausted and almost out of money.

  “That’s when I found Mistletoe. I was driving at night. It was snowing so hard, I was afraid I’d drive off the interstate. Then I saw this light ahead. It was the diner. I was down to my last few dollars and gas. I was just praying that something would work out.

  “I carried Dylan inside the diner. When I walked in, the place was almost deserted. There were Loretta, Jamie, and a couple of truckers. One of the truckers spun around in his chair, looked me over, and said, ‘Well look what the storm blew in.’

  “Loretta was on him like sesame seeds on a bun. She got in his face and said, ‘You say one more word like that and that’s the last meal you’ll eat at my place. You got me?’

  “The man backed down like a scolded schoolboy. He said, ‘Yes, ma’am.’

  “Then Loretta came up to me and said, ‘What’s his name, darlin’?’ I told her. She took Dylan from me and then said, ‘Sit down, sweetie, before you fall down. What do you want to eat?’ I said, ‘Just some coffee and toast. I don’t have much money.’ She said, ‘You’re in luck, girl. We’ve got a special on dinner tonight. It’s free ninety-nine.’ She kept bringing me food; then, after I was done eating, she asked where I was spending the night. I said, ‘We’ve been sleeping in the car.’ She said, ‘That’s no place for a baby. Where are you headed?’ I said, ‘Wherever the road takes us.’ She said, ‘Well, honey, it’s taken you here. And I have a room in back you can stay in. Lord knows we’ve got plenty to eat.’ ”