AT THE WAGON WHEEL CAFé OUT EAST ON THE HIGHWAY there were a great many cars and pickups in the parking lot, and when they got inside the front door of the café people were standing about in groups, waiting to be seated. The hostess wrote Raymond’s name on her list and said it would be about twenty minutes.
Would you rather wait outside? Rose said.
Will she find us out there?
I’m sure she will.
Outside, Rose sat down on the brick ledge of the café’s flower bed. More people were coming in from the parking lot.
I should of made us a reservation, Raymond said. I never thought so many people came out in the middle of the week.
It’s because it’s such a pleasant night, Rose said. It’s finally springtime.
Yes ma’am. But I still didn’t think we’d have so much competition.
A middle-aged couple stopped to speak with Rose, and she said: Do you know Raymond McPheron?
How do you do, the man said.
I’m doing pretty good. If I could get us something to eat, I’d be doing even better.
How long have you been waiting?
We just got here. But the woman said it’d be about twenty minutes.
It better be worth the wait, hadn’t it.
I have nice company to wait with anyhow, Raymond said.
HALF AN HOUR LATER THE HOSTESS STEPPED OUTSIDE THE door and called Raymond’s name and they followed her to a table in the second room, and Raymond held Rose’s chair out, then sat down across from her. The hostess left their menus on the table. The waiter will be with you in a minute, she said.
Raymond looked around the crowded rooms. I was in here with Victoria about a year ago, he said. With her and Katie. But not since. I just thought of this place because this is where she and Del come last week. It’s no telling how soon we’ll get waited on.
Is there any rush? Rose said.
He looked across the table at her and she was smiling at him. Her hair was shining under the light and she had taken her sweater off. You’re right. I better quit talking about it.
Aren’t you having a good time?
I wouldn’t be no other place right now, Raymond said. It’s just kind of late to be eating supper, that’s all I mean. He looked at his watch. It’s getting awful close to seven-thirty.
You wouldn’t do well in New York or Paris, would you.
I wouldn’t even do very good in Fort Morgan, he said.
She laughed. Let’s relax and enjoy ourselves.
Yes ma’am. That’s the right idea.
IN FACT, THE WAITRESS CAME RIGHT THEN, A YOUNG woman whose face was flushed from hurrying back and forth in the crowded rooms. She and Rose knew each other. You’re really busy tonight, Rose said.
Isn’t this crazy, for a Wednesday, she said. I’m about to lose my mind. Can I get you something to drink?
Rose ordered a glass of the house wine and Raymond ordered a bottle of beer, then the young woman rushed away.
It looks like you about know everybody here, Raymond said.
Oh no, not everyone. But quite a few.
While they waited, another couple paused to speak with Rose, then the waitress brought their drinks and they each ordered a steak and a baked potato and salad, and then Rose held up her glass and said: Cheers.
Happy days to you, Raymond said, and they clinked glasses and drank, and Rose smiled at him.
Happy days to you too, Raymond.
Later, after their steaks had been served, an old man on his way out of the café came over wearing his black hat, and Raymond was able to introduce Rose to someone she didn’t know. This here’s Bob Schramm, Raymond said. I want you to meet my friend Rose Tyler. Bob here has a nice place out north of town.
Schramm took his hat off. Not like the McPherons’ place, he said. How you been, Raymond?
Well, I’m doing all right.