The diner hadn't changed much in the 20-odd years since Patrick had been there, neither had the woman behind the counter. The years had left been gentle to her. She carried herself with the same regal bearing and kept the same up-do hairstyle. Some of the light had left her face, but it returned the moment she recognized the man who followed Landon into the diner. "Patty!" she exclaimed and nearly jumped the counter in her rush to embrace and greet him. "Oh my God! Why didn't you let us know you were coming?"
Patrick returned the hug, but ignored the question. "It's good to see you again, Ruth," he said.
She pulled away and stood back to give him a good look-over. "You've grown up," Ruth said, sounding disappointed. "But you look good."
"You look good too," he replied. "Just as I remember you."
She swatted him on the arm. "Always was a good liar," she said.
Patrick grinned. "I learned from the best," he said.
"You sure did," Ruth said, suddenly serious. "Have you heard from your Dad?"
"No," he said.
"You're just like him. You don't write, you don't call…"
"Leave the boy alone, Ruth." interrupted Landon. "Or it will be 25 years until we see him again."
"Boy?" questioned Ruth. "He's not a boy anymore," she said, sounding disappointed. "You want coffee Patty?"
"Some tea would be great," Patrick replied. Ruth rushed behind the counter to get it as Patrick and Landon took seats in a booth.
""Tea," said Landon. "So you haven't abandoned all of your heritage."
"What do you mean?" Patrick asked.
"You lost the accent. Or picked one up, I should say."
"I was born here," Patrick reminded him.
"Remember where your blood hails from."
"I do," said Patrick.
"Now who's harassing the boy?" Ruth said. She arrived with a metal pot of hot water, a tiny pitcher of milk and a cup and saucer with a tea bag. Placing these items in front of Patrick, she gave him a little shove to indicate she wanted to sit next to him. He slid over for her. She watched closely as he prepared his tea. Patrick felt as if he was being graded on his performance. "We saw you on TV a while back," she said. "You're doing well?"
"Yes," he said.
"And you're married now…" Ruth said, indicating his wedding band.
"Yes," he said again, and braced for the inevitable next question.
"Kids?"
"He's not here to talk about that kind of thing, Ruth," Landon cut in.
"What else is there?" Ruth asked.
"He's come to help us."
"You have?" Ruth brightened.
"If I can," Patrick said. "Say, do you still make the best pancakes and eggs on the west coast?"
Ruth practically flew out of her seat. "Of course I do! Will you have your usual?"
Patrick smiled. "That would be heavenly," he told her.
Ruth disappeared into the kitchen. Patrick put his cup back on the saucer, and leaned across the table toward Landon. "Maybe it's time you filled me in?" he suggested in a low voice.
* * * *
Stephanie wasn't sure how much time had passed since she was locked in the storage room, but she was sure she needed to use a toilet. There was a mop bucket in the corner, but she wasn't ready to sacrifice that much of her dignity just yet. Why the hell was George acting like he didn't know her? And why was he talking to Jane? She heard footsteps in the hallway and she went to the door and banged on it. "Let me out of here," she demanded. To her great surprise, the footsteps stopped outside.
The door opened. The person outside stared at her. "You!" she said.
"I can explain…" said Stephanie.