Lainey
For as long as we’d owned the property on Hilton Head, Max’s place had offered the finest dining on the entire island. Don and I had spent countless hours having dinner while enjoying the relaxing sound of jazz, and the ambience of this restaurant over the years. Max was like family, and took good care of us whenever we breezed through town for a weekend.
I followed the hostess to our favorite table near the baby grand piano. Wearing my sundress with a shawl wrapped around my shoulders, I took a seat and began looking at the menu. Although, I always ordered the broiled scallops on a bed of rice, I thought I’d see what other specials Max had to offer.
“Let me guess, you’re having the scallops.” I heard a familiar voice, and felt fingertips on my shoulders. “That’s a shame, because I had the chef prepare a wonderful filet mignon just for you.”
“Are you saying that my scallops are boring?” I smiled and stood to get a hug from Max, who was dressed in his usual black tuxedo.
“No, I’m saying you should broaden your horizons.” He laughed heartily. “How are you, sweetheart?”
“I’m fine.”
“I heard about Don, and it broke my heart.” He said, “Are you holding up all right?”
“Doing my best.”
“Well, you look fabulous. Lit the place up when you walked in!”
Max was beginning to age. His old-school afro was now salt and pepper, but his face was still the same; handsome as always.
“Thank you,” I said. “You look pretty good yourself.”
“For an old man, huh?”
“Those are your words, not mine.” I smiled. “How is your family?”
“Lenny is graduating college this year. Wants to go to law school, you know.” He was proud; I could tell by the way his chest stuck out when he mentioned his youngest son. The one who’d given him the worst trouble. “I can’t believe he’s actually doing something with his life.”
“I remember the time you and your wife had with him.” I smiled at my old friend. “You should be very proud.”
“He’s graduating at the top of his class, Lainey.” His laughter echoed through the room. “You and Don remember what we went through with Lenny when he was in high school. He was cutting school, getting suspended, experimenting with drugs. And then that thing that went on…you know, when he ended up in Juvenile?”
“I remember,” I said. “I kept him in my prayers.”
“We didn’t think he was gonna graduate high school, let alone college. And certainly not at the top of his class.”
“And now he’s considering law school.”
“Considering?” Max said. “He’s been accepted and ready to go next fall!”
“That’s wonderful.”
“I owe it all to your husband. He encouraged Lenny to go to law school. Had a nice long talk with him…” Max shook his head. “He helped me out a lot with that boy, and I’m grateful. It tears me apart that he’s not here to see the results. He would be so proud.”
“Don knew about Lenny going to college. And he was proud.” I wasn’t sure if Don really knew, but I needed to give Max some hope. “I’m sure he was so proud.”
Max took a seat at my table.
“How you holding up, Lainey? You doing okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Be straight with me.” He grabbed my hand. “I’ve known you and Don since you were first married. You’re like family to me. If you need anything…anything at all, you let me know.”
“I will, Max.” I smiled at him. “And I’m fine.”
“Good.” He stood, just as the pianist began to play a familiar tune on the baby grand piano.
Went to show off his pearly whites and greet his other customers.