I was having a late lunch one afternoon, finishing a pepperoni and onion pizza the size of a satellite dish. The place was jam-packed, and one of the few empty seats was at my table. A young lady asked if she could join me. My pleasure, I said. What’s your name? She said, Jane from Winslow. I introduced myself, and we had this very special conversation.

JANE: Cap’n Greg, you put your hand on my knee again, I’ll pick you up by the nose and throw you under a passing SUV.

CAP’N GREG: That wasn’t me, Jane, I swear. It’s the house dog. He has been licking my ankles for over an hour.

JANE: Sorry, Cap’n Greg. But I don’t like aggressive men.

CAP’N GREG: Can’t say I care for them much, either.

JANE: This is my first time in Rocky Point, and so far it’s fabulous. Hey! Here’s the waiter. Buy you a drink?

CAP’N GREG: Maybe just one, thanks. How about a jumbo pitcher of margaritas and two glasses?

JANE: Uh, sure. You come to Rocky Point often?

CAP’N GREG: I’m guessing for longer than you’ve been alive, Jane. But compared to some of the old timers, I’m a newbie.

JANE: I’ll bet you’ve seen a lot of changes.

CAP’N GREG: Depends what you mean by change. There are more beach developments, more high-end Mexican and American-style restaurants, and sports bars. Certainly not a sleepy fishing village anymore, but it’s the same friendly people, same vibrant culture, same mañana attitude, same beautiful ocean.

JANE: You feel safe here?

CAP’N GREG: Depends what you mean by safe. You’ll be fine as long as you keep track of your surroundings and avoid excessive behavior.

JANE: Excessive behavior? What’s that?

CAP’N GREG: The kind my wife helps me stay away from.

JANE: Your wife? But I thought…

CAP’N GREG: That someone so friendly, rugged, and handsome would be available for a torrid hookup?

JANE: Hahahahahahahahahaha!

CAP’N GREG: It’s not that funny, Jane.

JANE: Hahahahahahahahahaha!

CAP’N GREG: Say! My wife is meeting me at Playa Bonita to watch the sunset. Want to join us?

JANE: Maybe some other time, Cap’n Greg. I think I’ll take my chances with the dog.