Chapter 539: Rerun's Bar and Grill

Thursday, February 23rd, Evening

After the basketball game, he got into the car and drove into the town. He found a spot in the municipal parking lot and got out of the vehicle. He walked down the street to the local watering hole.

The Newcomer entered Rerun's Bar and Grill and quickly gazed around the bar room. A young blonde looked at him and flashed a quick smile.

"Sit anywhere; I'll be with you in a second," the blonde said in all too perfect English.

The Newcomer found a small table against the wall. He took a seat and looked up at the screen. A college basketball game was on, and he looked it over.

The blonde server came back and looked over The Newcomer. "Hi Sweetie, I'm Kora; I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with anything to drink?" she asked, in that all too perfect English.

"Yes, I'd like a Modelo Negro," The Newcomer said.

"Would that be all?" Kora asked.

"I'd like the medium guacamole with the chips," The Newcomer said.

"Very good; I'll be right back with your drink and chips, Sweetie," Kora said and walked away.

He picked the menu out of the holder and looked it over. Smiling, The Newcomer put it back and started to watch the game.

Kora returned, putting the chips down and followed by his beer. "Here you go, Sweetie," Kora said, "Would there be anything else?"

"I'd like the double stuffed Enchilada Platter," The Newcomer said, "Medium heat."

"Very well, Sweetie," Kora said.

"Oh, where is my guacamole?" The Newcomer asked.

"They were just finishing up a new batch; it will be right out," Kora said.

"Very well," The Newcomer said.

"Okay, I'll put your order in, Sweetie," Kora said and walked away.

The Newcomer sipped his beer and watched the game. One would think that just coming from a basketball game; he would need a break from the sport. The Newcomer missed the passion for basketball down in North Carolina.

He fiddled with a chip and snapped it in half. The Newcomer took a bite out of the chip, smiled, and nodded. A few minutes later, someone came out and placed the bowl of guacamole on the table.

"Never expected to see you back here," a female voice said.

"I figured Rerun mentioned I stopped in earlier this week, Mina," The Newcomer said.

"He might have mentioned something," Mina said and sat down across from him.

"Yeah, and the food is good here, so I came here for dinner," The Newcomer said.

"Don't you have a life back in Canada?" Mina asked.

"I did. Am I keeping you from working?" The Newcomer asked.

"I'm good," Mina said.

"Okay," The Newcomer said.

"So, what brings you for a visit this time?" Mina asked.

"Not, a visit, I'm returning," The Newcomer said.

"You're trying to reconnect?" Mina asked.

"I've been staying with my brother," The Newcomer said.

"Jen is tolerating that?" Mina asked.

"She seems to be, but she always seems tired," The Newcomer said.

"She's been busy over the last few years," Mina said.

"Why?" The Newcomer asked.

"There have been issues at her job that they've put off addressing; from what I hear, it will be addressed soon," Mina said.

"I guess it is a good thing," The Newcomer said.

"Yes, it will be," Mina said.

"Especially for Jen," The Newcomer said.

Mina pointed to her lips, then pointed up and finally to her ear, "Yes," Mina said.

"Are you still at Beaulieu?" The Newcomer asked.

"Yeah, I'm driving Sawyer and Keni, among other things," Mina said.

"Is that what you do, drive?" The Newcomer asked.

"It's honest work, and the kids are good, but I'm probably not driving them much longer," Mina said.

"Why?" The Newcomer asked.

"Sawyer will turn sixteen soon and start driving, which means Sawyer will be driving Keni around," Mina said.

"So, what will they do with you?" The Newcomer asked.

Mina shrugged, "I'll probably start driving for the B&B," she said.

Kora came over and put down The Newcomer's meal. The Newcomer looked it over and nodded with approval. Finally, he looked up at Kora.

"Is everything to your approval, Sweetie?" Kora asked.

"Everything is perfect," The Newcomer said.

Kora nodded and walked away. The Newcomer looked to Mina. She nodded.

"She's an interesting one," Mina said.

"What does that mean?" The Newcomer said.

"She found us and is studying at the local college," Mina said.

"Sounds pretty normal," The Newcomer said.

"Yeah, but there's something about her and how she speaks," Mina said.

"I see," The Newcomer said.

"So, why are you really back?" Mina asked.

"I sold my business, and since Sasha passed, there's not much left for me in Canada," The Newcomer said.

"Okay," Mina said.

"It's the truth," The Newcomer said.

"Just let's get something straight," Mina said.

"What?" The Newcomer asked.

"She doesn't live here anymore and hardly comes to visit," Mina said.

"I'm not here for her," The Newcomer said.

"Good," Mina said, stood up, and looked at The Newcomer, "Enjoy your meal."

The Newcomer nodded and started to eat.