Inside, the diner buzzes with life.The walls are lined with vintage signs and framed photos; a mix of old-town charm and coziness.Mouthwatering scents of sugar, salt, and coffee hit me.My stomach growls in protest.
An older woman with silver-streaked hair, a blue sweater, and rosy cheeks spots Keith and beams.“Morning, Keith!”She wipes her hands on her white apron as she approaches.
“Good morning, Genevieve.”
Her eyes shift to me, widening with curiosity.“And who’s this?”When she glances at Keith, her expression practically shouts,You didn’t tell me.
“This is Adrian.He just moved here,” Keith introduces casually.
“Well, of course you are.I’ve been hearing all about you.Welcome, sweetheart.”She extends her hand but surprises me by pulling me into a hug.I stiffen, and by the time I awkwardly pat her back, she’s already pulled away.
“Let me get you two a table.”She arches an eyebrow at Keith like she’s silently asking if we’re expecting anyone else.Keith shakes his head, and she leads us to a booth tucked in the back corner.It’s perfect.I can see the entire diner from here.I’ve always felt more comfortable with my back to the wall, a habit from years of needing to anticipate what’s next.
“Can I get you started with some drinks?”she asks, handing us menus.
“Sure.I’ll have an Americano, no sugar or cream,” I say.
“And your usual, Keith?”she asks.
“Yes, thank you.”
She saunters off, adjusting her apron as she goes.Flipping open the menu, I pretend to read while sneaking glances around.
The diner is filled with the comforting sounds of conversation, the hiss of the espresso machine, and the occasional clink of silverware hitting plates.I’m reminded of a familiar Sunday morning spot my dad used to take me to: the smell, the sounds, even the regulars in their usual seats, it’s all coming back.
“So, what’s good here?”I ask, hoping to save myself the effort of choosing.
“The big breakfast is a good choice if you’re hungry.If not, the frittatas and baked goods are amazing.Honestly, everything here is great.That’s why I brought you.Figured you needed to taste the best of what Pulse Point offers.”
“You’re really trying to sell me on a place I already agreed to live in.”
He grins.“There’s still time for you to run.”
Run to where?I swallow the thought, staring at the menu.
Genevieve returns with our drinks.“Have you decided what you’re having?”
“I’ll take the big breakfast, please.Poached eggs with a side of avocado.”
“And for you, Keith?”
“Fried eggs on toast and crispy bacon, thanks.”
She writes it down and disappears into the bustling kitchen.I glance around again, noting a table stacked with newspapers and used books.Keith already gets the paper delivered daily, though I’ve initially avoided reading it since the last headline wasn’t exactly flattering.But curiosity got the better of me.I dug it out of the trash when Keith wasn’t looking and read the article that’s now etched into the town’s memory, thanks to a woman by the name of Amelia.
Keith’s voice pulls me back.“They’re quick with the food here.Morning rush, you know?”
“Yeah, makes sense,” I mumble.
A server swings by with two steaming plates balanced expertly on her arm.“Big breakfast, with poached eggs and avocado for you,” she says, sliding the plate in front of me.“Fried eggs on toast with crispy bacon for the doctor.”
Keith grins.“Actually, Kallie, he’s a doctor too.”
She winks at me.“Welcome.”
I mumble a quiet “Thanks,” and for a few moments, we eat in comfortable silence.The food is greasy in the best way.
Keith wipes at his mouth with a napkin, then leans back.“So… what do you think of the food?”
