“Good morning.” I sat down next to her.
“Morning. I hope I didn’t wake you.” She smiled.
“You didn’t. What are you doing out here? It’s a little chilly.”
“It’s a beautiful morning, and I couldn’t sleep.” She handed me her cup. After taking a sip of coffee, I handed it back to her.
“Why couldn’t you sleep?”
“I don’t know. It happens sometimes. How did you sleep?”
“Good.” I smiled as I lied through my teeth. “What are your plans for today?”
“I don’t have any. Why?”
“Maybe we could do something,” I said.
“Like?”
“We’ll start with breakfast at the Starlight Café and go from there.” I smiled.
“That sounds good. I’m starving.”
“Then let’s go get ready.” I stood and extended my hand.
Since Ben had the day off, we had to take cabs around the city, which I wasn’t fond of because of the way they drove. I swore I took my own life into my hands every time I climbed into the back of one.
We entered the Starlight Café. Every booth and table was taken, resulting in a thirty-minute wait.
“Remind me again why we’re voluntarily waiting for breakfast?”
“Because it’s worth it.” She grinned. “Besides, you’re the one who suggested we come here.”
“That was before I knew we’d have to wait at least thirty minutes to get a table.”
“I know how hard waiting is for you since you’re used to reservations and getting seated immediately. But this is how we lower-class folk eat every day. We have to wait our turn.” She smirked.
I glanced at the chalkboard near the register as we waited.
“Do I need to be worried you’re going to make me try banana French toast?” I leaned in and whispered in her ear.
“Not today, I won’t. But they are very good.” She smiled. “Zoey gets them all the time.”
“Sam.” Linda waved as she stood over by an empty booth.
“Finally,” I sighed.
“Welcome back, Mr. Castile.” Linda smiled, pouring coffee into the mugs on the table.
“Thank you. I hope your breakfast is just as good as that patty melt I had.”
“It is.” She nodded.
I ordered the Eggs Benedict while Sam ordered theegg-stra special, which included two eggs, four strips of bacon, potatoes, and toast. After we ate, we went to Central Park. Fall was making its way to the city with cool air that hadn’t been here a couple of weeks ago. Hints of red outlined the green leaves on the trees, and the smell of spiced cider already filled the air.
Sam slipped her hand around my arm as we strolled through the park, where joggers jogged, and families gathered to spend the day together.
“I can’t remember the last time I’d felt this relaxed,” I said.
