Ruby Falls by Nicole James Page B

came into view, and he made the turn into a huge gravel parking lot that ran the length of The Roadhouse, which was a big wooden building that looked a lot like a huge log cabin. Steve pulled down an aisle to the very end and parked the truck in one of several empty spots. He climbed out on his side, and Pop climbed out on the other side.
    Summer made a move to scoot to Pop’s door, but Steve’s hand on her arm stopped her. “Come out this side, darlin’. I’ll lift you down.” She slid under the steering wheel and swung her legs around. He grabbed her waist, she put her hands on his shoulder, and he lifted her down.
    “Thank you, Steve,” she said, smiling up at him.
    “You’re welcome, Summer.”
    Cary’s truck pulled into the spot next to them.
    Cary looked over at Jessie. “Don’t move.” Then he jumped out, went around, and opened her door.
    Steve moved Summer to the side and shut his door. Then he watched in utter amazement as Cary opened the door for Jessie and helped her down.
    Cary turned and looked at Steve. “What? You think you’re the only man with any manners?”
    Steve grinned and shook his head. “Apparently there’s hope for you, yet.”
    They headed toward the building.
     
    Summer could hear music pouring from inside and could smell steaks cooking. “Umm, something smells good.”
    Steve took her by the hand, led her up the steps of the wooden porch, and inside. They stepped into a large entryway. Summer realized the place was one big log building. The walls were exposed logs, the floors worn hardwood. There was a hall straight in front of them, off the entryway that contained restrooms. To the left was a large archway that led into the main dining room. On the right was another large archway that led into the bar and dance hall. That was the side that the music poured out of.
    Steve led her into the dining room. Pop, Cary, and Jessie followed. They grabbed a big round table in the back. Steve pulled out a chair for her.
    Summer looked around the room, as the others all took their seats. The room was big, with open rafters. There were tables of all shapes and sizes crowded together. A bar ran the length of the back wall, and some customers were sitting eating at the bar. Waitresses hustled around the room, taking orders, carrying trays of food, and fetching drinks from the bar.
    Steve pulled the single five-by-seven inch hand written menu from the condiment basket sitting in the center of the table. He slid it in front of Summer. She looked down at it. There were only three things on the menu entitled Friday Night. Steak. Ribs. Chicken. The sides included, baked potato, fries, vegetable of the day. Dessert listed banana pudding or pecan pie. That was it.
    A waitress walked up to the table. “Hey, everybody. How y’all tonight? Can I start y’all off with something to drink?”
    “Yeah. Give us a pitcher of draft and four glasses,” Steve said, then he nodded toward Jessie. “And a cola for the underage minor over there.”
    “Dad! God, you’re so embarrassing.”
    He winked at her.
    “And can I also get a glass of water, please?” Summer added.
    “Sure thing, hon. I’ll be right back with your drinks and to take your order.” She hustled off.
    Steve dug his hand into the bucket of peanuts on the table and laid them on the table in front of him. He cracked one open and shook out the nuts. Then he reached over, took Summer’s hand, turned it palm up, and dropped the peanuts into her hand. She looked at him, smiled, and popped them into her mouth. He winked at her.
    Cary threw a nut, shell and all, across the table at Jessie.
    She threw one back at him.
    He threw another at her. It fell right down the scooped neckline of her tank.
    She sucked in her breath. “Oh, you are so dead.”
    Cary’s mouth fell open, and then he tried to stifle a laugh. “Swear to God, Jess, I didn’t mean to do that.”
    She dug the peanut out and prepared to throw it back at him.
    “Okay, you two.