“Now you know,” she giggled, then scanned the menu one more time. “I’m debating between the traditional burger and onion rings or the fries.” She glanced over the top. “Which one would you go for?”
“You can’t go wrong with either. Everything is made from scratch.” Tim leaned back in the booth. “How about if we order one of each and split them?”
“You’re okay with having more carbs?”
“Uh-huh. One of the rules of being in the sloth zone is?.?.?.”
“We do everything our own style,” Gemma finished.
“Exactly.”
“Then it’s a deal.”
Gemma watched as Tim waved to the chef again. He nodded and tapped a bell. A couple moments later, a server in a red-and-white checked uniform roller-skated over to their table. Gemma was impressed she was able to glide so effortlessly on the slick tile floor. “Welcome in, Tim and?.?.?. ”
“This is Gemma.”
“And Gemma. Can I get you guys started with drinks? Did you want your usual?”
“Actually, I think we’re ready to order.”
“Perfect.” She pulled a notebook and pencil from a red apron. “What will it be?”
“I’m changing it up on you. Tonight, I think I’ll have the cheeseburger, a Cherry Coke, and an order of fries,” he rattled off.
“And for you?”
Gemma glanced at the menu once more. “May I please have the All-American Burger with the onion rings?”
“Got it. And how do you guys want your meat?”
“Medium rare,” Tim said.
“Well done for me,” Gemma added.
“And your drink, Gemma?”
“Just water.”
Confirming their orders, the server promised she’d be back with their beverages momentarily and skated away.
“What’s your usual order?” Gemma inquired.
“When I splurge, it’s a piece of hot cherry cobbler topped with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.”
She licked her lips. “That sounds much better than pumpkin pie.”
“It is,” he agreed. “The cobblers are popular. On the weekends, they’re gone before the lunch rush. People turn up as soon as the place opens to order whole pies.”
“What about food?”
“I like the hand-carved roast beef sandwich on sourdough, dipped in au jus, with a pickle and coleslaw on the side.”
She cocked her head sideways. “That’s oddly specific.”
He shrugged. “I’m a creature of habit. I know what I like. Why mess with success?”
“I can’t say that I blame you.”
