Making a Date
Jimmy Kelp stopped by the Tavern for a drink. He’d been to Coffs on business for the station. He didn’t often come into the Tavern, preferring to drink with some of the guys from Nana Glen.
Steve set him up with a pint and he picked up a menu from the bar, he’d missed lunch and although it was getting on to three o’clock he thought he’d grab a sandwich or something to tide him over until dinner.
Nell Walker pulled up by Millie’s and let Nina out. “Sorry you had to come in early on my account,” Nina said closing the car door.
“I didn’t have anything else to do this afternoon besides it’s only an hour.” Nell walked into the Tavern and ordered a Coke.
“Is that what pretty ladies drink in a bar in the middle of the afternoon?” Jimmy grinned pushing his hat back.
Nell looked at him, “This one does. I don’t believe I know you.”
“I’m Jimmy Kelp from over at Glenridge Station.”
“I’m Nell Walker, I work here in the restaurant, I’m a waitress.”
“Is that so? I’ve been meanin’ to have me a meal in there, is the food good?”
“Yes, it’s excellent. Where are you from?”
“Arizona, I’ve been here for about five years. You must be local.”
“Yes, I’m from Coffs Harbour.”
“Well it’s nice to meet you Nell Walker. I uh was going to order something. What do you recommend?”
“Depends on what you want, all the sandwiches are great.” She sipped her coke.
“I don’t know what I want,” he said,looking at the menu again, “I get enough beef at the house…is the chicken good how do you like it cooked fried or grilled?”
“I get the grilled, it’s better for you.”
“All right that’s what I’ll have and add a side of fries with that,” he handed the menu back to Steve and took his beer down the bar to where she sat.
“So tell me Nell what time do you get off work?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your concern Mr. Kelp.”
“Oh, oh its MR Kelp is it? Well just so you know I’m not about to jump you here in broad daylight. In fact I’m quite a gentleman, my mama would be proud. If it was my business what time do you get off?”
Nell turned to give him a smart retort and caught the twinkle in his eyes she couldn’t help but smile back. “I get off at 9:00.”
“We might could catch a late show in Coffs if you’re into movies.”
“I live in Coffs.”
“Do you now, that makes it even better.” He smiled broadly. “Where do you want to meet?”
“At the theater, there’s a show I’d like to see it starts at 10:20.”
“Really sounds like you got a plan Nell.”
“Well actually I was going anyway but yeah, it would be nice to have company.” She smiled shyly.
“It’s a date then. Looks like my chicken sandwich is here, thanks Steve.”
“Well I’d better get to work, it was nice meeting you Jimmy, I’ll see you tonight about 10:00 okay?”
“Sounds great Nell, nice meeting you too.” Jimmy took a bite of his sandwich and thought he’d have to stop by more often maybe slick up and go into the dining room.
