The Waiter by Bradleigh Collins (bill gates books recommendations .txt) 📕

Our coffee arrived and the three of us proceeded to plan out the rest of our day. We’d finish breakfast and head down to the GreenFlea. Afterwards, much-needed naptime followed by Mexican food at Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Then the parade.

“I wish you guys didn’t have to leave tomorrow.”

“I know. Our December trip will be a lot longer.”

“I wish you were coming up for Thanksgiving.”

“You know my mom would kill me. She’d kill you too. She’s sad you won’t be there this year.”

“My mom, too. And Josh’s mom. But they’d rather have us home for Christmas.”

We finished breakfast and took a few photos in front of the restaurant before leaving. Then we walked down to the GreenFlea. I hadn’t gone anywhere near it since I moved here because I thought it would be too painful. I did feel a tinge of sadness as we approached the entrance. But it didn’t last when I saw all the children running around in their Halloween costumes. They were having a trick-or-treat event at the market today.

As soon as we walked in, I spotted the farmer’s stand with the fresh grape juice. “Come with me immediately,” I said to Dana and Simon. “You guys have to try this.”

We walked over to the stand and I ordered three cups.

“When Jesus turned the water into wine, this is what it tasted like.” I paid the vendor and handed a cup to Dana and then one to Simon.

“Wow!” Dana said after taking a sip. “I think I need to sit down.”

“Right?”

“That’s really good,” Simon agreed.

We took our cups and started exploring the market. Dana quickly found an antique silver necklace that she loved and promptly purchased. Simon was shopping for baseball cards. I was just standing there, watching them discover every hidden gem the same way I did the first time I was here.

We turned the corner and there was the vintage record booth with the same older couple I’d seen before. This time, they were dancing to Dean Martin’s version of “On the Street Where You Live.” I couldn’t help but smile. And the closer we got to them, the wider my smile became. “This is one of my favorite booths. Aren’t they lovely?”

We walked into the booth and began browsing the record collection. Then Simon started dancing with Dana. The older gentleman held out his hand, inviting me to dance with him. His wife smiled and insisted. I couldn’t say no.

“I really love your shop,” I said as he twirled me around. “How long have you and your wife been together?”

“Fifty-five years,” he replied proudly.

“Wow. What’s the secret?”

“Dancing,” he said, smiling. We continued to dance as he told me the history of the song. It was originally from My Fair Lady. Then it was recorded by Vic Damone in 1956. But his favorite version was Dean Martin’s, and that’s why he always played it.

“Do you mind if I cut in?” I heard a familiar voice behind me. My stomach dropped like a roller-coaster. I turned around. It was The Waiter.

He had a look on his face like he wasn’t sure if I was going to hit him or hug him. I could hear Jackie’s voice in my head. Just be open, Sammy. I threw my arms around him.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, holding me tighter than I’d ever been held before. “I got scared. I’m an idiot.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“I’m here every Sunday.”

I looked up at him and started to cry. He leaned down and kissed me as Dean Martin continued singing.

“You taste like grape juice,” he said smiling. I started laughing as the tears rolled down my face.

“Young man,” the elderly gentleman tapped him on the shoulder. “She wasn’t crying when she was dancing with me. I’m just saying.”

Then we were both laughing. I looked over to see Dana and Simon just standing there staring at us. I took The Waiter by the hand and walked over to introduce him.

“I know exactly who you are,” Dana said. “And I am so happy to finally meet you.”

“Sammy’s told me so much about you.”

“Dana and Simon came in yesterday. We’re going to the Village Halloween Parade tonight.”

“Do you want to come with us?” Dana asked immediately.

“I’d love to,” he replied, looking down at me. “If that’s okay with you.”

“Of course. You’re not working today?”

“No.”

“Great,” Dana said. “And now, Simon and I are gonna check out the rest of the market and let you guys catch up. Call me later Sam and let me know what time we’re going out.” She hugged me and dragged Simon away.

“I guess we have some catching up to do,” The Waiter said.

“Definitely. But first I have to do something.” I walked over to the older gentleman. “Can I buy that album? Or one with that song on it? And one of your vintage record players, too.”

“You certainly can my dear,” he said with a wink. “That’s why we’re here.”

I turned to The Waiter. “Come help me pick out a record player.” I introduced myself and The Waiter to the couple. Their names were John and Adriana.

“This is the first official purchase for my new apartment,” I said to them. “Well, I ordered a futon, but that hasn’t arrived yet so it doesn’t count.”

“New apartment?” The Waiter asked. “Where?”

“Tiemann Place and Riverside.”

“Isn’t that where Josh lives?”

“It’s exactly where Josh lives. I got his apartment. He’s moving in with Katie next weekend.”

“Wow. That’s great. So where were you living before?”

I was going to have to tell him. Everything.

“That is a very long story.”

“I’ve got time. Wanna get some coffee?”

“I’d love to. Right after I pay for this.” I pointed to the cutest light blue record player I’d ever seen. It was similar to one my sisters had in the seventies. One that I wasn’t allowed to touch.

“Let me buy it for you,” The Waiter said. I shook my head.

“Thank you, but no. You can buy me a Sinatra record if you want.”

“Deal.”

The record player wasn’t cheap. Luckily, I