Chapter 4 - Page 31 - 2000 Acres

   Both men shook hands, and Jim returned to his room to shower and shave. When he finished, he still had about twenty minutes before he was supposed to meet Jackie. As he waited, Jim settled into a colonial-style chair and read through some pamphlets about Africa. His excitement grew. Soon, perhaps, he would have the land he needed to build his village.

   At seven-twenty he went down to the restaurant and looked around for Jackie. The dining room was very modern, with highly polished hardwood tables and chairs. A few large plants accented several half walls that cut inward to make little hideaways. He finally spotted Jackie sitting at a table by himself in one of the hideaways.

   He walked over and sat across the table from him. “Hello Jackie,” Jim said as he pulled his chair closer to the table.

   “Howdy partner,” Jackie replied, knowing Jim was from Texas. Both men smiled.

   “Have you ordered yet?” Jim asked.

   “Not yet,” Jackie replied, “I just got here, myself.”

   The waitress walked up with a “Good morning” and handed them menus. “Can I get you something to drink?”

   “Yes ma’am,” Jim replied. “I think . . . I’ll have a glass of orange juice this morning.”

   The waitress pulled an order pad and pen out of her apron pocket. Jackie ordered coffee, then looked at Jim, smiling. “You’re from Texas,” he said, “and you ordered orange juice?”

   “Sure,” Jim replied. “The rest of the world orders coffee, but true Texans always order orange juice.”