Meeting Joe Whitecloud
Linda grabs the menu and reads out the choices, asking Laura many questions. The others listen to the customers in the nearby booths, fascinated by their accent.
Laura points out Joe Whitecloud – a tall man, moving
energetically behind the counter, pouring coffees and taking orders.
After a few minutes Joe waves to Laura and heads over to their booth. Arms folded, he looks down at them with clear black eyes. He is lean and muscular – as if he enjoys physical work. His long black hair is braided with leather thongs.
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"Hi Laura. These must be your Australian friends." |
He smiles warmly and Laura introduces everyone. Joe is wearing cowboy
boots, a singlet, jeans and a black leather belt with a huge patterned
silver buckle.
Linda can’t take her eyes off it and Joe laughs at her.
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"You like my buckle, eh Linda?" |
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"Yeah - it's really cool! I've never seen one like it before. Where did you get it?" |
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"An old craftsman from up near Tule River gave it to me. Some of the silver came from the mine near here. I’ll tell you what it represents sometime, when we’re better acquainted. Now you folks must be hungry. What can I get for you?" |
Laura orders her usual breakfast – orange juice, muesli, rye toast and coffee. Brad, Ben and Megs order cereal and toast. Linda orders juice, bacon and eggs – sunny side up, with hash browns, whole-wheat toast and a short stack of pancakes with syrup. The others groan. Joe laughs at Linda again, and then walks off to place their order and fetch their drinks.
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