A few days later, Mr. Simmons ate lunch with the same girl hed met on the beach. They went to a nearby place that was a resturant for anything you could think of. They ordered different meals. He ordered a glass of water and a glass of Merlot. She ordered tea. She really didn't care much for either wine or beer, so this was why she was happy with tea. At least she was nice enough to pay for lunch. Mr. Simmons didn't complain about her offer, so he went along with it.
"So, when do you return to Hillwood?" she asked once their waitress gave them their glasses and took their orders.
"Less than two weeks. I am pretty nervous about this new school I will be teaching. I have been with my students ever since I taught fourth grade. I'm not so sure if I can take it. I like teaching fourth grade and high school. But college level? I'll have to get used to these new names and faces."
"Don't start stressing about that now. I wouldn't worry about this while you're here in Hawaii," she told him.
"I do have an idea."
"What's that?" Mr. Simmons asked.
"Before you hop on that plane, why don't we exchange telephone numbers and addresses? I'd like to keep in touch."
"Let me think about it first and then I'll let you know."
"Sounds like a deal to me."
That's when their waitress came back. She gave Mr. Simmons his meal and then hers and left to take more orders from their guests. He'd ordered fish and she decided on crab. They ate in silence without their mouths open for conversation. It is very rude if you eat with your mouth full. The next minute or so, he started coking and coughing. He didn't realize this place had food poising.
"Is there anything wrong?" she asked.
He couldn't answer her question so she kept at it.
Later, they noticed there were several other locals and guests were watching, wondering what was going on. It felt like somebody had to call for an ambulance.
"Did you bring your emergency contacts?" their waitress asked him.
He nodded and then said, "I do. I have them back at my place."
"Like that's a good place for them," the waitress said.
"But I do have a number or two in my head," the replied.
"Could you give it to us, please?"
And he did just that.