Annella was shopping at the market when she saw Tallie walk through the door.
“Tallie! What are you doing here?” Annella hollered while walking over to her with a bundle of scallions in her hand. “Archie didn’t tell me you were coming.”
Tallie gave Annella a hug then stepped back. “Oh, well, he didn’t know. It was last minute. I didn’t have time to write to him.”
Annella smiled. “Well, he’ll be delighted to see you again. It’s been a few months now, hasn’t it?”
“Yes, it has,” said Tallie. “We’ve written a little, but I’ve been so busy with Ms. Perrelli I haven’t had a lot of time to write. Of course, it doesn’t help that I’m not really a great writer.”
“Is Ms. Perrelli here with you then?”
“No, not this time. Actually, I just needed a few days away, and Outlandish seemed the perfect place to run away to. I really love it here.”
Annella played with the tops of her scallions. “Shall I tell Archie you’re here? I’m going straight home after I check out.”
Tallie blushed. “Oh, well, I guess you could tell him I’m here. I mean, I don’t want to bother him if he’s busy.”
Annella rolled her eyes and chuckled. “I’m certain he isn’t too busy to see you.”
Tallie looked relieved.
“I’m working tonight and Albert is out of town, so Archie will be eating at the restaurant. Why don’t you surprise him?”
Tallie looked a little uncertain. “Do you think I should?”
“I do,” Annella said with a playful expression.
“Well, okay,” Tallie answered. “That does sound kind of fun. I’m just grabbing a few things for my stay. I’ll pop by the restaurant later. What time do you think he’ll be there?”
“He’s usually there by six.”
Annella grabbed Tallie’s hand and squeezed it. “He’ll be so happy to see you, dear.”
Tallie waited until six-fifteen just to be sure Archie would already be there. She hadn’t felt so nervous in a long time. When she walked in, she saw a band setting up by the dance floor, she also saw Archie at his table with his head down and a book open in front of him. Her heart began to race at the sight of him. She stood for a moment trying to decide how to approach him. Would she say something clever or just walk over and say “Hi”? While she was trying to decide, the hostess said, “One for dinner tonight?”
“Oh, no,” Tallie said. “Um, I’m here to see Archibald.”
The lady pointed to him. “He’s at his table.”
“Yes, I see that,” said Tallie. “I’ll just go on over. Thank you.”
The hostess smiled and turned back to her guest book.
Tallie was out of time for coming up with anything clever to say, so she just cleared her mind and decided she’d say whatever came out in the moment . . . which ended up being, “Is this seat taken?”
Archie knew her voice immediately and turned to see her. “Tallie!”
It wasn’t like Archie to show excitement quite like he did in that moment, but he was so surprised to see Tallie that it happened before he could stop it. He stood up and rather than taking time to open his umbrella to go to her, he put his hand out to her. When she took his hand, he pulled her into a hug.
Stepping back, she smiled and said, “I was so nervous about just popping in on you like this, but your mother suggested I surprise you.”
“My mother?”
“Yes, I ran into her at the market today.”
“Did she know you were coming?”
“No, no. I really did just run into her. She was as surprised as you are. I was going to write to you first, but I didn’t want to have to wait for your response. I was just so ready to get away . . . like yesterday.”
Archie motioned for Tallie to sit down. “Why did you need to get away? Is everything all right?”
“Oh yeah. Everything’s fine. Gemma can just get a little controlling, you know? I mean, I’m thankful for her help. Don’t get me wrong.”
“On a first name basis now?”
Tallie didn’t understand. “What do you mean?” she asked.
“Well, I’ve never heard you call her Gemma. It’s always been Gemma Perrelli or Ms. Perrelli. And she was stubborn with me about it as well.”
“You know, you’re right! Come to think of it, there was a point where she started letting me get away with it, but I honestly can’t tell you when, and I didn’t even realize I was calling her by her first name. I guess I’ve been too stressed out to notice.”
“She does like to call the shots, doesn’t she?” Archie said sympathetically.
“Yes! She does.”
“But you’re okay?” Archie asked.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“That’s good,” Archie said through a sigh.
They were both quiet for a moment, then Tallie bit her lip and dropped her shoulders. “Um, speaking of Gemma,” she said with hesitation. “I want to apologize for the photograph she sold . . . the one of us.”
“You don’t need to apologize,” he said. “It wasn’t you who sold the photograph.”
“It might as well have been,” she answered.
“What do you mean?”
Tallie bit her lip again and thought about changing the subject, but then she felt her face and neck grow warm and knew her bright red splotches would be a dead giveaway to her secret.
“I’m so sorry, Archibald. Gemma did ask me if she could sell it.”
Squinting her eyes and turning her face away as if expecting to be rebuked, Tallie added, “She even asked me . . . to ask you.”
Archie didn’t yet understand the full meaning of her words, but he could tell Tallie had more to say so he waited quietly.
Tallie look down at the table. “See, I knew what your answer would be. I knew it would upset you that she took the picture in the first place, so . . . I didn’t ask you, and later I told her we didn’t mind.”
Archie was still confused. “Did I do something to offend you, Tallie?”
“No, no, no. I don’t mean I wanted to upset you. What I wanted was for you to see the photograph in the paper.
“I’ve seen your dad reading the Pacific Coast Buzz, so I knew there was a good chance you would see it.”
“I guess I’m missing something. I don’t understand,” Archie said, narrowing his eyes.
Tallie sighed. “See, I liked the photograph and I thought if you saw us together, you would remember our time together. I wasn’t sure I’d see you again so soon, and I . . . well anyway, I am sorry. I know it doesn’t make any sense.”
Archie wasn’t offended, but he was bewildered by her confession and was still trying to solve the puzzle in his head.
“Well, shall we have dinner?”
Tallie examined him, trying to decide if he was upset or not. She couldn’t tell, so she asked. “You’re not upset with me?”
“I don’t believe so,” he said, putting his chin between his thumb and forefinger.
Tallie found his response to her confession terribly funny. She smiled and tried to hold back the laughter, but it didn’t work. Before she knew it she was laughing.
Archie laughed, too, but only because Tallie was laughing.
Tallie forced herself to stop and said as seriously as she could, “I would love to . . . have dinner with you, that is.”
While they were looking through the menu, the band began to play. Tallie found herself moving to the music and said, “I’m loving this music! What is it?”
“It sounds like a sort of bossa nova.”
“What’s a bossa nova?” asked Tallie.
“Hm. Well, technically speaking, it’s Brazilian jazz . . .”
“How would you even know that?” she asked.
“Well, I’m not certain, but I think it is. This might be a variation of it, but it does sound similar.”
“Are you a musician or do you just happen to know everything?”
“Mostly I just like to learn, and that must be one of the things I learned. And yes, I do play piano and play at a few other instruments.”
“A few other? Sheesh.” Pointing at the band, she said, “Can you play one of those? That is one massive cello!”
It was Archie’s turn to suppress a laugh. “It’s actually called a bass.”
“Really? What’s the difference?”
“I’m sure there are many differences between the two that I couldn’t explain, but at a glance, the bass is much larger. Also, cellos are played while sitting down and placing the instrument between the legs, and a bass is played while standing. That’s the standard method.”
Tallie giggled. “As you can tell, I’ve never known much about music, although I did learn to play the recorder in the fifth grade.”
Archie raised his eyebrows. “Well, I’d say that makes you know more than at least some.”
“I suppose,” Tallie said, shrugging. She then surprised Archie by saying, “I do know a little about dancing, and this is some pretty great dancing music. You’ll dance with me, won’t you?”
“Noooo . . . but thank you,” Archie answered. “As delighted as I am to see you, I just—”
Tallie interrupted. “Hey, I thought you said you could dance.”
“I can, and I’m quite good, too, but if you remember, I said I danced in my living room . . . with my mother.”
“You’ve never danced here at the restaurant?” Tallie asked.
Archie shook his head.
She prepared her next question in hopes of appealing to his competitive side. “Well, I’ll admit, I was surprised when you said you could dance. It just didn’t seem like something you would enjoy.”
Archie shook his head. “I know what you’re doing.”
“That didn’t make you want to change your mind?”
“Not in the least.”
“Come on, don’t you feel at least a little persuaded to show me your dancing skills?”
Archie shook his head and made it clear he wasn’t even considering it.
“I don’t believe you really can. I think you should prove it to me.”
Archie only looked at her in disbelief.
“Is it your umbrella? Nobody’s on the floor. We wouldn’t bother anyone.”
“No, Tallie, it’s not my umbrella. It’s my nerves. I’m simply too—”
“Afraaaaid?” Tallie asked.
“I guess I’m a little afraid.”
Tallie finally surrendered. “Oh, I missed you, Archibald Plumby.”
Archie changed the subject. “I really appreciate that you are willing to call me Archibald. I wonder why people are so uncomfortable with it. I always introduce myself as Archibald but inevitably I become Archie.”
“It’s weird,” said Tallie. “I wonder why?”
“I’ve never been able to figure it out. Is it very hard to say?”
Tallie said it carefully, “Arch-ibald. Ar-chi-bald. No. It’s actually really easy to say.”
Archie laughed. “Maybe it’s just a little too formal sounding for most people.”
“What is your middle name?” Tallie asked him.
“Benjiro.”
“Benjiro? I’ve never heard that before. What does it mean?”
“Peaceful.”
“Oh, that fits you perfectly! What about the name Archibald?”
“Bold and truthful,” he said, lifting his chin and showing a look of mock pride.
“Wow. Your parents did good,” said Tallie.
“Well, I think so,” he said with a chuckle.
“What about your name?” he asked.
“Oh, are you ready for this?” asked Tallie.
“Absolutely.”
“Well. Tallie’s short for, Tallulah. I’ll bet you’ve never heard that one.”
Archie replied fondly, “No, I haven’t, but it’s a beautiful name. Have you ever learned its meaning?”
“I’m not sure,” she answered. “I think I remember my mom telling me it means ‘leaping water’ or something like that,” she said with a laugh. “My mom’s adoptive family was Native American. Tallulah was my mom’s only sister who died when they were kids. She said they were super close. Anyway, almost everyone pronounced my name wrong, so I decided to start going by Tallie when I was pretty young.”
“That makes sense. And Tallie suits you. What about your middle name?”
“I don’t have a middle name. I mean, I do, but it’s only a letter.”
“A letter?” questioned Archie.
“I know, that’s weird, isn’t it? My mom was a little eccentric.”
“I don’t think it’s weird. But which letter?”
“Z,” Tallie answered. “Tallulah Z. Greenleaf.”
“So, Tallulah Z., shall we order our dinner?”
“Well, Mr. Archibald Benjiro, what do you recommend?”
“I recommend it all. My mother is the chef, after all, and I can promise you, everything is delicious. Why don’t you look through the menu and see what sounds good to you?”
“Okay,” she said, taking the menu from Archie.
Archie subtly admired Tallie while her attention was on the menu. He still couldn’t believe she had come. When she looked up from the menu he quickly turned his head to make it appear he was looking at something else. She could tell he had been watching her, and so he wouldn’t feel awkward she said quickly, “I’ve never liked fish much, but I’ve been told it’s because I’ve never had good fish. So if I were going to try some, what would you recommend?”
“Have you ever eaten shrimp?” he asked.
“Only fried. I don’t dislike it as much as most fish.”
“Grilled shrimp is delicious and pretty mild. You could try that. Or you could try the fish tacos. Mother uses haddock, which is also a pleasant flavor. She serves the tacos with cabbage, lime, avocado, and cilantro. They’re one of my favorites.”
“I’ll have that!” said Tallie.
Archie raised his hand to the waiter. When he walked up he said, “Hey Arch, my man. What’s up?”
“Hey, Taft, we’re ready to order if you’re ready.”
Taft pulled a pen from behind his ear and moved his long blond hair away from his eyes. “At your service, dude!”
Archie was used to Taft’s laid-back manner, but Tallie was caught off guard and laughed a little. Taft, always happy to keep the mood light, laughed back.
“We’ll both have the fish tacos,” Archie said.
“Excellent choice.” He looked at Tallie and said, “What can I get the lady to drink?”
“Oh, water’s fine. No, wait. I’ll have coffee, too. It’s been a long day.”
“Got it. More tea, Arch, my man?” he asked.
“You know, I think I’ll switch to coffee,” Archie said.
“Arch is gonna down some java. All right. I’m on it, dude.”
When Taft walked away, Tallie whispered, “His choice of words is hilarious.”
“That’s Taft,” said Archie. “He’s Outlandish’s most prominent surf bum.”
“Really?”
Archie nodded. “He surfs by day and waits tables by night, and occasionally leaves for a few days to compete. Mother is very accommodating.”
“Wow, I’ve never known anyone who surfs.”
“Yes, we both know how experienced you are with coastal living.”
“Gee thanks, Arch, my man!” Tallie said trying to look like Taft.
Archie laughed at her.
“How does he afford to live in Outlandish on a waiter’s salary? It’s expensive here!”
“Oh, he still lives at home. He’s lived here his whole life. His parents sell surfboards and surfing gear.”
“That’s great. Are his parents surfers, too?”
“Yes, and his two sisters, but his sisters are both married now.”
Taft came back with coffee and water and said, “Freshly brewed java for the man and his lady.”
Archie and Tallie both reacted to his comment by laughing it off, but when Archie looked back at Tallie, he noticed she was wearing her signature symbol of embarrassment—splotchy neck and cheeks. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I guess he just . . . assumed . . . and he’s not used to seeing me here with . . . women.”
“Noooo?”
Archie rolled his eyes. When he looked away, he was surprised to see Luke walk into the restaurant. When Luke looked his direction, Archie waved him over.
Tallie turned to see whom he was waving at.
When Luke got to the table, Archie put his hand out and said, “Luke!”
“Hey, Arch!”
Archie looked at Tallie and said, “Tallie, this is my friend, Luke Pindabrook. Luke, Tallie Greenleaf.”
Tallie shook Luke’s hand. “You’re the magician, right?”
Luke smiled. “One of the sixteen Pindabrooks!”
“Sixteen! Wow! I’m dying to see your show.” Looking at Archie, she said, “You’re going to take me to their show, right?”
“Of course.”
Archie said to Luke, “Do you want to join us for dinner?”
Luke had come to the restaurant hoping to spend some time with Archie, but since Tallie was there, he didn’t want to intrude, so instead he said with a smile, “No, no. I don’t want to interrupt you. I just came to grab some takeout.”
Tallie saw Luke wink at Archie but pretended she didn’t.
“It was nice meeting you, Tallie. I hope you will come and see our show. I could pull you in as a volunteer if you’d like.”
“That’s okay,” she said. “Stages freak me out.”
“I’ve heard that one before,” Luke said looking at Archie.
Tallie smiled. “I really enjoyed meeting you. Archie speaks very highly of you.”
“Well, he’d better,” said Luke.
Archie laughed.
“You two enjoy yourselves,” he said before walking away.
“You’ve been friends a long time, haven’t you?” asked Tallie.
“Yes, pretty much our entire lives.”
“That’s so great. He seems like a really nice guy.”
“He is a great guy . . . and currently a heartbroken one. His fiancée just broke off their engagement.”
“Aw, that’s so sad. How long were they together?”
Archie thought about it for a moment. “A year? Maybe a little longer. They were engaged for a couple of months.”
“I hate hearing that. He’s so cute though. He’ll find someone else.”
Archie was surprised at Tallie’s words and to his shame, he felt a little jealous. He’d always known the girls thought Luke was good-looking, but it had never bothered him until that very moment. He forced himself not to linger on his jealousy and changed the subject. “How long are you staying?”
“I have a reservation for a week.”
“The Lupine?” asked Archie.
“No,” she said pouting. “Sadly, they were booked. In fact, every hotel was booked.”
“Well, it is summer and this is a tourist town. Where are you staying?”
“I rented a little room above the Salt Boutique. It was all that was available. It’s fine. I don’t plan on spending much time inside. I’m hoping to see more of Outlandish this trip.”
“I’ll be happy to show you around,” Archie said.
“Would you? I was hoping you’d say that. I know you have to work. I don’t want to get in the way.”
“I think I can fit you into my schedule,” Archie teased. “You can come to work with me. As long as you don’t distract me too much.”
Tallie smacked his arm playfully. “Distract you from what . . . observing?” asked Tallie.
“Yes, and believe me, it can be done.”
“Well, I can’t write, but maybe I can help you observe. You can gaze one direction, and I’ll gaze the other.”
“Sounds perfect,” said Archie.
“Speaking of observing,” Tallie said. “I met the salt shop owners today. They are so interesting and their shop is incredible.”
“Did you ask them about their names?” Archie asked.
“No, but I am curious. Tell me.”
“Well, their parents met when they played in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Their father played the clarinet and their mother played the piccolo, so they named their two children after their instruments.”
“It sounds like their parents are as eccentric as they are,” Tallie said.
“I’ve met them,” Archie said. “They’re actually pretty normal.”
“What—no dreads and bare feet?”
“No, but they did get that red hair from their parents. They’re both quite redheaded,” Archie said.
“So the salt shop didn’t belong to their parents first?”
“No. They just moved here a few years ago and set up shop.”
Tallie admitted, “I bought a couple of things from them today.”
“What did you buy?”
“Well, they told me they were famous for their chocolate mint sucking salt, so I had to try it out.”
“And?”
“And . . . I actually haven’t tried it yet,” she said laughing. “I was so nervous about coming to meet you, it hasn’t even made its way out of the bag.”
“Why were you nervous?”
“I wasn’t sure you’d be happy about my coming unannounced.”
“Are you kidding? I am delighted to see you.”
“Same here,” she answered, feeling herself blush. “So, what have you been up to, Archibald?”
Archie thought about what he’d been doing the past few months and realized how hard it would be to answer her question. He would either keep it light and not really tell Tallie what he’d been up to, or he’d be honest and that might be too hard to explain. When he hesitated, she asked, “What?”
There wasn’t enough time to make a decision, so he changed the subject. “Have you heard about the sea lion pups that washed up on the beach, sick and stranded?”
“No, you can’t do that. You didn’t answer me,” she said.
Archie looked at Tallie. “Aren’t you curious about the poor sea lions though?”
“Actually, I am. But first you have to answer my question.”
“The truth is, Tallie, the answer is just too complex.”
“Try me,” she said.
Archie sighed. “I haven’t really done anything worth mentioning. It’s what I’ve been thinking about. That’s where the real story is.”
“So tell me what you’ve been thinking about.”
“How about you ask me about it after we’ve had some lighter conversation?”
“Fair enough.”
“Now it’s my turn,” he said. “What have you been up to?”
“Well. I’m pretty much in the same boat. So it sounds like we should wait for that conversation until at least tomorrow.”