When did I last eat properly?
I walk towards the truck, its generator humming low in the night air, the sizzle from the grill becoming more pronounced.
It feels different approaching it alone.
Last time, I was wrapped in Matthew’s blazer, buoyed by wine and a tiny spark of hope.
Tonight, I’m adrift.
Exhausted, heartsick, wearing the same clothes I started the day in.
I reach the counter, pausing just outside the direct light.Inside, I see Sal wiping down a surface, his back to me.
Steeling myself, I step up to the ledge.“Hello, Sal.”My voice is weaker than I expected, barely a croak.
Sal turns, cloth in hand.His eyes land on me, and instant recognition lights up his weathered face.A broad, welcoming smile crinkles the corners of his eyes.
“Hey, hey!I remember you!”His voice booms, full of genuine warmth.“Matty’s girl!”
“Amy.”My meek correction goes unheard.
“What a nice surprise!”He drops the cloth onto the counter, leaning closer.
His gaze sharpens, sweeping over me.“How are you doing?”The booming warmth tempers, replaced by a quieter, assessing tone.“Everything good?”
The shift makes my stomach flutter nervously.
“Yes!”I reply a little too brightly.
Sal nods slowly.His friendly smile returns, but it doesn’t quite reach its full wattage this time.It’s now tinged with curiosity.
“Looks like you can use one of my burgers,sí?”he asks after a thoughtful pause.
“Guilty.”I raise both hands in defeat.
Sal chuckles, though his eyes remain observant.“You know what?”he starts.“Angie’s out late tonight.Girls’ night.”He rolls his eyes good-naturedly.“And I haven’t eaten yet.Why don’t you come on up here?”He points to the steps with a decisive nod.“Keep an old man company.Let’s eat inside where it’s warm.My treat.”
“No, Sal, honestly.I couldn’t trouble you like—”
“Porfa, chica, it’s no trouble at all!”He leans even closer conspiratorially, voice dropping.“You’ll be doing me the favor.Honest.Hate eating alone.”He moves toward the back.“Come on.This way.”
I give a weary nod and walk around to the side of the red truck.I climb the metal steps toward the narrow door Sal has propped open.The warmth hits me, followed by the rich, savory scent of beef.
“Okay, but you have to put me to work,” I say, stepping inside.
Sal throws his head back and lets out a hearty laugh that fills the compact space.“Put you to work?”He eyes me up and down with amusement.“But you are a lady and I am a gentleman.”
My giggle softens into a smile.“Tonight, we are friends making burgers.”
“Alright,jefa,” he lets out a hearty chuckle, “you got it.”
“I already have a couple patties on.”He gestures with his spatula toward the flat-top grill further down the truck.“Figured it was time to eat before I shut down for the night.Made an extra one just in case.”He gives me a friendly wink.
“Thank you.”My smile grows.
He nods.“Órale, keep an eye on these beauties for me, maybe give ’em a flip when they look ready?Think you can handle that?”he asks, a teasing glint in his eye.
“I run a whole café.Pretty sure I can handle a couple of burgers.”
