Always, no sometimes, think it’s me. But you know I know when it’s a dream.*
(414 words, 2 minutes read time.)
It was growing late. The Snowbirds had left before midnight, having decided to run to Camping World in Barstow and have that awning installed before the weekend. The Cowboys had also packed it in, deciding to hit the new Hooter’s across town, hoping to hunt for fresher game.
Mel raised her Bloody Mary. “A toast to Doctor Hapless, and to our friend Bill, may his recovery be swift and hearty,” adding, “drinks are on the house for Bill’s friends tonight!”
As the others reached for their glasses, the Island woman raised hers just a little higher, tagging a clumsy toast of her own to Mel’s: “Yes, to our friend, Bill Smith, better known as William Robert Whittaker, master of letters, Rhoads Scholar, National Book Award Recipient, itinerant Preacher, hopeless romantic, and helpless drunk, but now, and here’s the big news…” she looked directly at Mel grinning broadly. Mel cocked her head, not knowing what to expect next, “Bill is now the fortunate widower of his recently departed wife, best known as Sylvia the bitch.”
Surprised glances were exchanged upon hearing this woman’s awkward addition to Bill’s salute as the four glasses clanked gracelessly together. The Islander woman realized at that moment that she had already drunk five glasses of wine since she had begun talking with Mel mid-afternoon. This was to be her sixth. No. She decided it wouldn’t, and asked Mel for water.
“Well, that all sounds absolutely crazy,” said Suzy before throwing back a hefty slug of Mel’s near premium bar wine. “And you know, if what you say is true, then that man should have tipped a whole lot better than he did.”
Neither Suzy nor the Doctor had any clue as to what the strange woman was doing in town or saying about Bill, the preacher. Mel, on the other hand, had some idea. In fact, he knew exactly who she was.
Bill had known her long before he wandered into Quartzite three years ago, answering an ad to fill the long-time vacancy at Our Savior’s Fellowship Church of Quartzite (also known as “The Sunshine Church because of the mural painted at the back of the altar. It radiated from the central wooden cross. Bill had had it painted to bring brightness and color into the old Dollar General Store. Initially, he had considered a rainbow but was told it was not the best concept for his flock.
~~~~~> nearing the end
<~~~~~o~~~~~>
*Lennon. McCartney (Strawberry Fields)
-dalton
5-27-26
(286)(494)(490)767/Split=A410-B345
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