The Magnolia Cafe(39)

“Well, you’re right. That does appeal to me. I just thought you always did spontaneous stops.”

“Well, then. I guess I’m just full of surprises.”

They headed into the motel and rang the bell on the counter. An older man with a weathered face and a slope to his shoulders came out of the back room.

“Good evening. Looking for a room?”

“Two rooms, please. For one night.” Hunt saw the desk clerk raise one eyebrow, but nod.

“Two rooms it is. Just passing through?”

“I’m actually doing a photo assignment. Small towns after the recent hurricanes the last few years.”

“We sure got hit by a doozie with the hurricane a few years ago. I’m just getting the place opened back up. Fought with the insurance company but ended up dumping my life savings back into re-opening the place. My name is Frank, by the way.” The owner held out his hand.

Hunt shook the man’s hand. A firm handshake.

“Would you mind if I took a few photos of the place? Do you have any photos of the damage?”

“Wouldn’t mind a bit. The town could use a touch of publicity to show how far we’ve come with rebuilding the area.”

Hunt had the man sit behind the counter with some photos of the damage in his hands. The evening light streamed through a side window, perfect lighting for the photograph. He glanced over and saw Keely was writing in a small notebook she’d taken from her purse. He’d have to ask her about that. That was the third time today she’d written in the notebook. They chatted a bit longer with Frank and he recommended a diner in town for dinner. He swore they had the best shrimp on the coast.

Frank gave them the keys to their rooms. “Let me know if I can get you anything.”

“Thanks, Frank. I’ll be sure and let you know when the article comes out.”

Hunt led the way to find their rooms. They were side by side near the back of the motel, away from the road noise. Keely said she’d be ready in thirty minutes for dinner. Hunt was pretty sure that was code for she was going to call Katherine and see how things were going at the cafe.

Hunt looked at his watched. He was dying to look at the photos he’d taken today. He’d just enough time to off load some of the photos from the memory card. He dumped the photos from his camera onto his laptop, quickly going through each one and flagging the photos he wanted to take a closer look at tonight. He typically worked late into the night when he was on assignment, sorting through the photos, and trying to come up with the ones he wanted to send in. He was pretty sure he’d process this whole series in black and white. It seemed to fit the mood of the series.

A knock at the door made him look up from his work and glance at his watch. He went to open the door.

“You ready?” Keely stood there looking at him expectantly. She had a just scrubbed look about her, with no hint they’d just spent a day in the truck driving and stopping at small towns along the way. She looked good. Really good.

“Um, yep. Just a sec.” He shut his laptop and grabbed his camera, just in case.

They walked down the street to the diner. Frank had assured them it was only a short stroll away. The diner sat overlooking the coastline. As they entered the restaurant they were surrounded by the smell of fried fish, the clatter of dishes, and laughter coming from a group of people sitting near the back.

“Just take a seat anywhere.” A waitress motioned to them.

They found a table near the window and the waitress dropped off menus for them. “Be back in flash. Just gotta give that table over there their check.”

He watched in fascination as Keely took in every little detail of the diner. The old formica tabletops with a boomerang pattern on them. Vinyl booths. Cheery lighting. A long soda counter across one side of the diner with bright red stools. Almost every stool was in use. A table of kids looking about high school age sat near the back, drinking shakes and sharing a huge plate of french fries. Only two waitresses bustled around serving everyone, but they seemed to be keeping up with the dinner crowd.

“Scouting out the competition?”

Keely turned to him and smiled. “Can’t help it. It’s so interesting to see another small restaurant and how they are run. The place is doing a great business, but those two waitresses are keeping up with it all. And it’s so light in here. No dim corners. That one back corner at Magnolia Cafe has always been dark. I think I’ll look into new lighting for it when we get back.”

The waitress came, and they ordered a plate of fried shrimp, a plate of garlic buttered shrimp, and a side of fried onion rings to share.

“Enough analyzing of the diner. How did your photos turn out? I noticed you were looking at them when I came and got you for dinner.”