Walt runs his hand over his still damp hair and looks at the hat on the seat next to him. The last time he met a woman at The Red Pony he left his hat in the truck, thought it more suitable. But, he's always worn it anytime he's been there with Vic. He runs his tongue over his teeth wishing he knew the nature of Vic's plans for the evening. Is this supposed to be a date or something more casual? A post-it isn't exactly a formal invitation. Still...Stop over thinking, Walt. He can hear Martha's admonition in his head and can't keep from smiling. It's the exact thing Vic would say to him in this situation. He also realizes he never imagined Martha's voice when he was thinking about Lizzie. It's yet another example of just how different this thing with Vic is. She's someone Martha would have liked, foul mouth and all. He shakes his head to clear it, puts the hat on his head and goes inside.
"Walt, you are right on time." Henry greets him with a smile.
"Hello Henry."
"How was your day?"
"Good." Walt glances around the mostly empty bar.
"It must have been a slow day in the Sheriff's office today. I did not expect you to be so punctual. I will be right back." He disappears into the kitchen.
Just because Walt is used to Henry being cryptic doesn't mean he likes it. Thankfully Henry returns quickly, setting a brown bag on the bar along with a six pack of Ranier, "Here you go."
"What's this?"
"Dinner."
"Dinner."
"Yes."
"I'm not sure I, uh, understand."
"Vic called. She asked me to make your favorite and have it ready for you to pick it up at 6:00 sharp. I assume that's why you are here."
"No, well...yes, I, uh...I guess so."
Henry nods his head slowly, "I see. You thought you were meeting her here."
"Yep."
"It is okay that you do not know everything all the time, Walt."
"I don't know, Henry. I feel like I may be in over my head."
"That can be a good thing."
"So, uh, where am I supposed to take dinner?"
Henry holds up both his hands in mock surrender, "I am only in charge of cooking, not choosing the venue.." He lowers his hands and smiles warmly, "I am sure you will figure it out."
"Okay then."
Just a brief transitional chapter to bring everything back together again before the story wraps up in a few more chapters (unless the characters tell me otherwise). I *think* the two threads are now one again, but I reserve the right to split another chapter if the story needs it. I am a little sad but relieved at the same time. It's been fun, but also a huge challenge to keep the two story threads moving at the same pace. It has also required having two chapters ready to post with each update instead of just one, which has sometimes led to delays with which I was never satisfied. But, my final grades have been submitted and summer is upon us. Season 3 is on Netflix and season 4 is on the way so life is good. I look forward to seeing where things go from here and am very excited to finally get to read some of the new stories that have been started in the last two months that I have not yet had time to get to. Thank you for reading and reviewing!