It was now almost 11 am. Arflin returned back to the house and took a shower and changed clothes. He was anxious to see Lacey again. He waited until the lunch hour traffic at the café was over before he went in for lunch.
"I hope Lacey remembers me. I'm almost positive she will because I left a big enough tip the last time I was here," he softly said to himself.
His fears were put to rest when he walked through the front door of the café. Lacey greeted him and escorted him to a booth in the corner.
"Welcome, I'm glad you came back today Jock," she said as she took her pad out of her apron to take his order.
"I'm surprised you remembered my name," Arflin said as he watched her every move.
"I've always been good at remembering names. Jock is a popular name here and besides, you are quite the gentleman. It would be hard to forget you. You know what I do, what do you do for a living?" She said she asked if he was ready to order.
"Yes I'm starved I am ready to order. I'm a freelance reporter. I'm writing some articles for an outdoor adventure magazine. I'm starving what do you suggest?" He asked.
"Our cook makes some great beef stew and that just happens to be our special today," she said.
"Well your suggestion yesterday was pretty good. I think I'll stick with a winner like you and try the beef stew," he smiled as he gave her a quick wink.
By the time Lacey brought his lunch to him he was the only customer left.
"Just let me know if you need anything," she said as she placed his food on the table.
"Thank you I certainly will," he said as he seasoned the beef stew to his own taste.
While Arflin was eating his lunch Lacey was busy checking the salt and peppershakers on the other tables making sure they were full. When she was finished William motioned for her to come over.
"Yes can I help you?" She asked.
"Everything is just fine. I know you don't know me, but I was wondering if you would like to go to the Sydney Opera House with me Saturday night and listen to the Symphony. I have 2 tickets and I'm new here. I know this sounds crazy, but I've spent more time here than I have any place else since I got to Sydney 2 days ago?" He said as he gave out a light chuckle.