23“Where's Ramon?” I dropped the bag of bagels on the adjacent seat and unfolded the paper before sitting down.
Nook looked glum. “He's not coming.”
“Why not?”
“You know…”
“Is he sick?”
“No.”
“Well then?”
“Luisa needs him. She's not feeling well.”
“Oh, that.” I took a look at the headlines. “Can you believe these damn gas prices?”
“Yes, that. And yes, I can,” he replied testily. The mochaccino sat untouched in front of him.
“Something wrong?” Nook shrugged. “Are you ticked about this?”
“Maybe.” Typical guy response, no commitment, no emotional outlay. Nook adjusted his glasses, resettling them on his nose.
“He'll be back.”
“Sure.”
I settled back in my chair, then looked up at the board, checking the prices. I should know it by now but could never remember the cost of the damn
