Post by Robert McClister on Feb 11, 2018 21:00:13 GMT -8
The restaurant was much nicer than any place he'd been in since moving to Vegas and he could understand why Eph had asked him to look presentable. He didn't make it into Paradise often and this was one of the better locations.
Robert had a habit of acquiescing to his older brothers requests if they were reasonable. He had a single set of 'nice' cloths that sat in the back of the closet forgotten most of the year. He was surprised they still fit.
The hostess greeted him with a smile and Robert did his level best not to scowl. He half smiled, uncomfortably, and said, “I'm supposed to meet some one. Ephraim McClister?”
He didn't miss her appraising eye sweep on his face before she answered. “Yes, he's already arrived. Please follow me.”
The scents inside were almost over whelming. What ever was cooking smelled rich and much more complex than his regular diet. He was momentarily curious if he'd find something to eat here or wait till he was home. The young woman took him to a table in a quiet part of the restaurant. Only a few people sat in the section.
“Your friend is just over here.”
“Brother” Robert corrected quietly.
Eph sat at a table by him self and he stood when they approached and the woman greeted him. The sharp suit blended in with the atmosphere and he looked like he belonged. The hostess spoke her usual lines, her eyes avoiding any contact with the blind mans dark glasses and she quickly moved away from the table after that.
They hugged briefly but Robert didn't miss the cocky smile plastered across his face.
“What?” He asked Eph bluntly as they sat.
“It's good to see you. You didn't show in October.”
“I'm aware.”
“The family missed you.”
Robert snorted. “No they didn't.”
Ephraim chuckled. “Morgan and I missed you. Craig and Aidan asked where you were.”
“I thought after last year I'd pass. I spent my holiday in peace at home.”
The blind man reached carefully for a short glass with amber liquid in it. His fingers touched it gently before grabbing and taking a sip. “Change is good. Tradition is important.”
Robert could feel a lecture coming on and fidgeted at the thought. Eph meant well, but he could get over bearing. Subject change. “What are you doing in the city?”
Eyebrows went up over the glasses and another sip went down. Before he could answer the waitress approached. She didn't look at Ephraim and kept her head down.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
Robert looked up. “Laphroaig neat please.”
“Yes sir. Your food will be out shortly.” She moved as quickly as was polite away from the table.
Confusion crossed his features and Eph must have sensed it. “I ordered for you. There are no entree's here without meat, but I'm friendly with the manager. Chef made you that Italian dish you like. Penne alla vodka.”
“Oh? Thanks.” That was unexpected.
“Anyway, I was on my way back from seeing our sister in New Orleans. Got a case with one of the tribes in South Dakota. Figured a small detour wasn't a big deal.”
Robert crossed his arms. “You mean check on me.”
“What ever wording makes you feel better. My flight leaves early anyway.”
“So how is Morgan? I haven't heard from her since the last time I was there with T-”
“She's good. Her and the.... boyfriend are good.” Eph made a face.
Robert started laughing. “Oh you two finally met?”
“We did. It was different. Yeah. We'll go with different.”
The waitress set Roberts drink down and disappeared as quickly as she'd come.
“Ok Switzerland. Sure. He's nuts.”
“I was gonna say unstable.”
“Anger issues” Robert countered, and took a sip of his drink.
“Paranoid”
“Funny.”
Eph frowned. “Ah fuck. Of course you like him. Of course.”
Robert shrugged.” We got along fine. He makes her happy.”
“Yeah, she was happy.” Ephraim shrugged,” I didn't know people could be happy sleeping with ticking time bombs.”
“All of us have some weird friends Eph. I'm no exception and neither are you, or Craig. Or Davin.”
“Look at these words of attempted wisdom from my little brother! I feel old and proud. I could do a dance if I wouldn't trip over my feet.”
“Get fucked.”
“Slainte mhaith then, little brother.” Eph tipped his glass
“Slainte agad-sa.” Robert returned.
“Your pronunciation is getting better.”
Their food arrived, the server vanishing quickly after being assured they had everything they needed. The dish was rich but good. Ephraim worked on the steak in front of him and they ate in comfortable silence. Robert glanced around the room several times. Here and there he'd catch people looking, but they averted their eyes. The restaurant it's self was quiet and pleasant and the scotch went down easy.
When their plates were nearly cleaned, Ephraim spoke. “ So, Aidan, may have tracked down the problem in New York. If it's a solid yes, he's going to need some help.”
Robert had a good buzz going but could still comprehend the words and read between the lines. “Is that your way of asking me to fly out there?”
“Is it working?” His brother looked hopeful.
He rubbed at the bridge of his nose. Then sighed. “Sure. Just figure out how I'm getting there.”
“Thank you. Maybe next time I'm here I'll have time to visit your place.”
“It's not seeing impaired friendly, but you're welcome.” He waited for the usual chuckle at his pathetic attempt at a joke. Nothing. He looked at his brother. Ephraim's head was down and he was muttering to himself. His hand hovered in front of him. Robert was sure it wasn't the liquor in him. He wasn't shit faced. But as Eph moved his fingers it looked like they rippled the air around them.
“New trick?” Tact wasn't his strong point.
The blind man straightened and put his hand down. “Something caught my attention.” He paused. The server brought the check,and Eph claimed it. Placing card in the tray, he asked “What time is it?”
Robert looked at his phone. “Almost nine thirty.”
“Then my Uber should be outside any minute.” When she returned he unfolded his white cane and stood. “Lead the way.”
Ephraim grabbed Roberts forearm and tapped the cane from side to side in a sweeping motion. It wasn't as slow as it could be because he had a guide. People respectfully moved out of their way and Robert watched several of them look to the side again. How very annoying.
He saw his brother into the Uber safely, and walked along side a rail with his hand out contemplating the nights conversations. This was the furthest he'd lived from family before. It was liberating.
The night air felt good on the way back to the truck. Could he drive right now? He'd had more than a few to drink. There was a sharp pain and he withdrew his hand from the metal rail. His finger was starting to bleed from a jagged edge.
Huh. He stared at the blood for several moments and moved it around with his thumb. So much from such a small cut.
A duo of women walked by him giggling and staring at him, and it was annoyingly sobering. The vapid sound was like nails on a chalk board. Yeah, that was the limit of his people tolerance for the day. He stared at the blood on his hand for a few more seconds while his head cleared. Home was sounding good.
When Robert slid behind the wheel of his truck he checked his phone again and saw the voice mail waiting.
It was from Eph.
“Hey, I almost forgot. Back in the restaurant? You have some weird stuff going on in this city. The vibe is off. Spirits active. Just be careful please. I don't know why you want to be here, but tread carefully. And for fucks sake call one of us if something happens. Love ya.”
Well there are certainly worse ways to close out a night.
Robert had a habit of acquiescing to his older brothers requests if they were reasonable. He had a single set of 'nice' cloths that sat in the back of the closet forgotten most of the year. He was surprised they still fit.
The hostess greeted him with a smile and Robert did his level best not to scowl. He half smiled, uncomfortably, and said, “I'm supposed to meet some one. Ephraim McClister?”
He didn't miss her appraising eye sweep on his face before she answered. “Yes, he's already arrived. Please follow me.”
The scents inside were almost over whelming. What ever was cooking smelled rich and much more complex than his regular diet. He was momentarily curious if he'd find something to eat here or wait till he was home. The young woman took him to a table in a quiet part of the restaurant. Only a few people sat in the section.
“Your friend is just over here.”
“Brother” Robert corrected quietly.
Eph sat at a table by him self and he stood when they approached and the woman greeted him. The sharp suit blended in with the atmosphere and he looked like he belonged. The hostess spoke her usual lines, her eyes avoiding any contact with the blind mans dark glasses and she quickly moved away from the table after that.
They hugged briefly but Robert didn't miss the cocky smile plastered across his face.
“What?” He asked Eph bluntly as they sat.
“It's good to see you. You didn't show in October.”
“I'm aware.”
“The family missed you.”
Robert snorted. “No they didn't.”
Ephraim chuckled. “Morgan and I missed you. Craig and Aidan asked where you were.”
“I thought after last year I'd pass. I spent my holiday in peace at home.”
The blind man reached carefully for a short glass with amber liquid in it. His fingers touched it gently before grabbing and taking a sip. “Change is good. Tradition is important.”
Robert could feel a lecture coming on and fidgeted at the thought. Eph meant well, but he could get over bearing. Subject change. “What are you doing in the city?”
Eyebrows went up over the glasses and another sip went down. Before he could answer the waitress approached. She didn't look at Ephraim and kept her head down.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
Robert looked up. “Laphroaig neat please.”
“Yes sir. Your food will be out shortly.” She moved as quickly as was polite away from the table.
Confusion crossed his features and Eph must have sensed it. “I ordered for you. There are no entree's here without meat, but I'm friendly with the manager. Chef made you that Italian dish you like. Penne alla vodka.”
“Oh? Thanks.” That was unexpected.
“Anyway, I was on my way back from seeing our sister in New Orleans. Got a case with one of the tribes in South Dakota. Figured a small detour wasn't a big deal.”
Robert crossed his arms. “You mean check on me.”
“What ever wording makes you feel better. My flight leaves early anyway.”
“So how is Morgan? I haven't heard from her since the last time I was there with T-”
“She's good. Her and the.... boyfriend are good.” Eph made a face.
Robert started laughing. “Oh you two finally met?”
“We did. It was different. Yeah. We'll go with different.”
The waitress set Roberts drink down and disappeared as quickly as she'd come.
“Ok Switzerland. Sure. He's nuts.”
“I was gonna say unstable.”
“Anger issues” Robert countered, and took a sip of his drink.
“Paranoid”
“Funny.”
Eph frowned. “Ah fuck. Of course you like him. Of course.”
Robert shrugged.” We got along fine. He makes her happy.”
“Yeah, she was happy.” Ephraim shrugged,” I didn't know people could be happy sleeping with ticking time bombs.”
“All of us have some weird friends Eph. I'm no exception and neither are you, or Craig. Or Davin.”
“Look at these words of attempted wisdom from my little brother! I feel old and proud. I could do a dance if I wouldn't trip over my feet.”
“Get fucked.”
“Slainte mhaith then, little brother.” Eph tipped his glass
“Slainte agad-sa.” Robert returned.
“Your pronunciation is getting better.”
Their food arrived, the server vanishing quickly after being assured they had everything they needed. The dish was rich but good. Ephraim worked on the steak in front of him and they ate in comfortable silence. Robert glanced around the room several times. Here and there he'd catch people looking, but they averted their eyes. The restaurant it's self was quiet and pleasant and the scotch went down easy.
When their plates were nearly cleaned, Ephraim spoke. “ So, Aidan, may have tracked down the problem in New York. If it's a solid yes, he's going to need some help.”
Robert had a good buzz going but could still comprehend the words and read between the lines. “Is that your way of asking me to fly out there?”
“Is it working?” His brother looked hopeful.
He rubbed at the bridge of his nose. Then sighed. “Sure. Just figure out how I'm getting there.”
“Thank you. Maybe next time I'm here I'll have time to visit your place.”
“It's not seeing impaired friendly, but you're welcome.” He waited for the usual chuckle at his pathetic attempt at a joke. Nothing. He looked at his brother. Ephraim's head was down and he was muttering to himself. His hand hovered in front of him. Robert was sure it wasn't the liquor in him. He wasn't shit faced. But as Eph moved his fingers it looked like they rippled the air around them.
“New trick?” Tact wasn't his strong point.
The blind man straightened and put his hand down. “Something caught my attention.” He paused. The server brought the check,and Eph claimed it. Placing card in the tray, he asked “What time is it?”
Robert looked at his phone. “Almost nine thirty.”
“Then my Uber should be outside any minute.” When she returned he unfolded his white cane and stood. “Lead the way.”
Ephraim grabbed Roberts forearm and tapped the cane from side to side in a sweeping motion. It wasn't as slow as it could be because he had a guide. People respectfully moved out of their way and Robert watched several of them look to the side again. How very annoying.
He saw his brother into the Uber safely, and walked along side a rail with his hand out contemplating the nights conversations. This was the furthest he'd lived from family before. It was liberating.
The night air felt good on the way back to the truck. Could he drive right now? He'd had more than a few to drink. There was a sharp pain and he withdrew his hand from the metal rail. His finger was starting to bleed from a jagged edge.
Huh. He stared at the blood for several moments and moved it around with his thumb. So much from such a small cut.
A duo of women walked by him giggling and staring at him, and it was annoyingly sobering. The vapid sound was like nails on a chalk board. Yeah, that was the limit of his people tolerance for the day. He stared at the blood on his hand for a few more seconds while his head cleared. Home was sounding good.
When Robert slid behind the wheel of his truck he checked his phone again and saw the voice mail waiting.
It was from Eph.
“Hey, I almost forgot. Back in the restaurant? You have some weird stuff going on in this city. The vibe is off. Spirits active. Just be careful please. I don't know why you want to be here, but tread carefully. And for fucks sake call one of us if something happens. Love ya.”
Well there are certainly worse ways to close out a night.