Page 76 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

Soon enough, we’re the only two seated at an open hibachi table. The little kappa chef comes out and stands on a special stool, then fires up the grill and sharpens his knives.

“Good evening, I’m Kentaro. What are you two thinking of trying this evening?”

“What do you recommend?” I ask. “Any specialties?”

The chef considers my question as he continues to prep his workspace. “Our beef and shrimp combo is a top seller. We get the beef locally and the shrimp is brought in fresh with our fish from the coast every couple of days. We just got a batch in this morning.”

“Sold!” I turn to Hal. “How about you?”

“I’ll go with the Pacific salmon and veggies.” He smiles. “Reminds me of my youth.”

I can’t hold back a grin as I watch Kentaro do his fancy knifework and start cooking the food. It’s a whole performance, and I’m enraptured the entire time. The steaming onion tower is my favorite part of the show, and I cheer him on while Hal chuckles at my side.

Once our food is ready and Kentaro serves us, he gets down from his stool and heads over to another table, where a newly arrived family is waiting.

As we eat, I tell Hal about my previous experience with this type of dining. “One time when I was a kid, my grandma took me to a hibachi place for my birthday. She had a coupon, and we shared a single hibachi meal together. It was one of the best birthdays I ever had.”

“I’m glad you had such a special time with your grandma, and I’m happy we can make more of them for you. We’ll come here as often as you like.”

I hold up my hands. “Let’s not go overboard. First, we need to start bringing more business to the B&B and I want to be in the black at the salon before fancy becomes our norm.”

Hal smiles. “Don’t worry. My life’s quite frugal for the most part. And even though the B&B doesn’t have a lot of traffic, I make a tidy side income from selling my afghans and other crocheted items online. Sylvia handles all the orders for me since I’m not very good with computers, as you’ve seen. You’d be surprised at how many people want my handmade goods. I know I am.”

I shake my head. “Nah, I’m not surprised at all. You’re super talented, and I love your blankets. You can tell they’re made with love.”

He blushes, and it’s real fucking adorable.

As we continue to enjoy our meal, I update him on the latest renovation details at the salon. We also discuss some of the behind-the-scenes work for the festival that I’ll help with now that I’m officially part of the team. We laugh over Elvira’s latest antics at home and speculate on how big she’ll get someday.

To some, this might seem super mundane and boring. But to me, it’s so much more. This is the kind of connection I’ve always longed for. Just being with Hal, talking about our days and sharing a meal, makes me happy.

As we’re near the end of our meal, Hal’s cell phone starts ringing.

He pulls it out of his apron pocket and looks at the screen, his brow furrowing.

“Everything okay?”

“It’s my sister.”

I make a shooing motion. “Dude, you gotta take it. Don’t worry about me, I’ve still got some food left here. Take your time.”

“I’ll keep it brief,” he assures me, and answers the phone. “Hi, Fern. What’s up?”

I try not to eavesdrop, really, but his sister’s voice comes through loud and clear. It makes me wonder if Hal’s quiet speaking voice is a sasquatch norm or if they all tend to boom.

“Have you thought more about what we discussed?”

“Is that why you’re calling me again so soon, and in the middle of dinner, no less?”

“Sorry, I forget the time difference. But someone’s got to convince you to come back home, little brother, and it might as well be me.”

My stomach drops at her words.

Then my anger flares. Hal’s happy here, and I’m getting a vibe already that she’s about to try and guilt-trip him for that.

Squashing my urge to grab the phone and give her a piece of my mind, I take hold of Hal’s hand in silent support and he clasps it like a lifeline.

“Fern, let me make this perfectly clear once and for all. I love you. I love our parents. But I will not be moving back.” There’s a note of finality in Hal’s voice. “My home is here in Mystic Hollow. I love my life here. I’m part of a wonderful community and have plenty of friends to rely on.” He looks at me, something warm and wonderful reflected in his eyes. “And now I have a boyfriend too.”