Page 12 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

“Okay,” said Lori. “Actually, I’m hungry too.”

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Ken’s turned out to be a neighborhood bar, very different from the upscale restaurants in the area. The pine paneling on the walls, the booths with red plastic-covered benches and the wooden tables and chairs all spoke of comfort. The staff was friendly, and the other diners acknowledged them pleasantly.

Lori noticed a white-haired man sitting at the bar chatting with the bartender. He wore a golf shirt and khakis and seemed to know everyone.

Standing in the entryway, Lori tugged on Griff’s arm and indicated the man.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Griff asked her with a playful grin.

She nodded. “I’m going to ask him.”

Lori walked over to the man and stood by his side until he noticed her.

“Hi, there,” the man said smiling at her. His blue eyes showed his curiosity.

“This is going to sound strange, but I promise you there’s a reason for it. Would you mind having my picture taken with you?”

He grinned. “Mind? It would be my honor. I’m Vinnie, by the way. Vinnie Russo.”

“Oh, I should’ve introduced myself. I’m Lori Hamlin.”

“Okay, what’s the story?” asked Vinnie.

“I told my family I met a nice older man on my vacation so they wouldn’t bother me about having dinner with him,” she said, indicating Griff.

Vinnie looked from her to Griff and burst out laughing. “A cover-up, heh? Okay, glad to help a lady out.”

Lori handed Griff her cell, and he took several photos of Lori and Vinnie before handing her phone back to her.

“Thank you very much,” said Lori. “That’s going to help a lot.”

“C’mon. Have a seat at the bar and lunch is on me,” said Vinnie. “Where are you two visiting from?”

Lori and Griff looked at one another and then Griff said, “I’m Griffin Sawyer from California,” and took a seat next to Vinnie.

“And I’m from upstate New York,” said Lori. She sat on the empty stool on Vinnie’s other side.

“Hey, Ken,” Vinnie called. “See what my friends want for lunch. My treat.”

Ken, a man who looked to be in his fifties, approached them and handed them menus. “Our special thing is hamburgers, and we have a variety of beer on tap and cocktails.”

“How about wine? Do you offer that?” asked Griff, sending a look of surprise to Ken’s face. “As a matter of fact, we have some California wines. I visited the Napa region recently and have some exceptional Sawyer Adeline Hills wines.”

Griff gave him a thumbs up. “Good to hear.”

“Wait a minute. Griffin Sawyer? You’re from that winery?” asked Ken.

Griff smiled. “My grandfather owns and runs it.”

“With your help,” Lori interjected.

“Yes. With the help of many,” said Griff. “Which wine and vintage?”

“The Griffin, 2023,” said Ken, shaking his head and laughing. “I can’t believe I even got some. You have to order well ahead.”

“And now you have an inside friend,” said Griff. “I’ll have an IPA. It sounds refreshing after a walk. Save the Adeline Hills wine for a special occasion. It’s that exceptional.”