“Elijah? I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.” Trixie placed a menu in front of him.
“It was a last minute decision.” He looked up at her. “I didn’t know you worked here.”
“I started three weeks ago.”
“That’s great. I guess you were off the other times I’ve stopped in.”
“Probably.” She pulled an order pad from her apron pocket. “What can I get you to drink?”
“Sprite.”
“I’ll be right back.”
He glanced at the menu and didn’t see a paper listing the specials. When she returned with his drink, he asked, “What’s good tonight?”
“We have a hamburger steak with mushroom gravy that comes with a roll and two sides. It’s been popular with the locals, and we also have chicken parmigiana. I’ve not heard as many good things about that, although it smells good.”
“I’ll have the hamburger steak with mashed potatoes and peas.”
“It’ll be right out.”
She walked away, leaving him to gauge her reaction to him. They hadn’t spoken since that day he’d stopped by her parents’ house, but he had seen her at church last week. Not that he expected them to be best pals after how he’d treated her, but he had thought they’d reached a point of friendliness between them.
True to her word, she brought his food out within minutes of taking his order. She offered a smile. “We’re slower than expected tonight and have lots of extra so they gave you larger portions.”
The savory aromas reached his nose and made him glance at the plate on impulse. Looks like he’d have leftovers again, but he wouldn’t complain. The food smelled delicious. “Give the cook my thanks.”
“I will.”
“Do you work until close?” His own question caught him off guard. It came out of the blue and didn’t fit into the flow of the conversation.
“No, you’re my last customer of the night. Hannah will take care of any customers that come in after.”
“I’ll try to hurry then.”
“Take your time.” She smiled again. “Alice will already be in bed when I get home, and I can use every last second on the time clock.”
“In that case, I’ll eat real slow, and maybe have dessert.”
She winked. “They baked a fresh batch of bread pudding this afternoon.”
“As I said earlier, the only dessert I can’t resist.”
“I’d save you a piece,” she gave a pointed stare around the dining room, “but I don’t see a mad rush coming to take it all.”
“Funny.”
“I’ll leave you to eat, but if you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks.”
He cut a piece of meat and stabbed it with a fork. The chopped texture allowed gravy to seep through and keep it from drying out. This was his ultimate comfort food, the meal he most requested from his mom. It made him a little homesick. Before the gloom from earlier could pop its way back into his mood, he focused on enjoying the food in front of him.
The elderly couple left, and the man held the door open for his wife who walked in short, shuffling steps. A group of teens came in after them, but he didn’t recognize any of them. They sat in a far booth by the window.
Their entire order consisted of three large orders of chili cheese fries and large sodas all around. He suddenly felt old when he estimated the calories their meal consisted of. His wasn’t much better, but at least it was well rounded.That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. On that note, he stuck another forkful of mashed potatoes in his mouth.
If he wanted that bread pudding, he’d have to stop. He took one more bite and washed it down with the last of his Spite. Trixie came to check on him and he asked for a box.
