Besides, I’ve got a craving for a burger.”
So you drove out to the diner? There are at least one hundred better burgers to be eaten in the city. I don’t complain, though. I’m excited to see how everyone is doing at my old job. I haven’t seen anyone except Brianna since my last shift over seven months ago.
As soon as we step in the door, Mr. Taylor swoops in on us with a broad smile and a hand stuck out for Matthew to shake. “Kendra! It’s wonderful to see you here!” He pulls me in for a half hug, half arm clap. “Come in, come in. I’ve got a booth for you over here,” he directs us to our seat.
“Thank you, it’s great to see you too.” I smile, looking around the old greasy spoon fondly. It feels strange to be here without a uniform on and an order pad in my hand. I spot Brianna making her way over to our table, with a couple of menus under her arm and a huge smile on her face.
“Do you two need a few minutes with the menu?” Brianna asks us formally, making me giggle. She knows better than anyone that I’ve got every item on this laminated sheet committed to memory.
“How about you tell me what’s good here,” Matthew smiles.
“I’d recommend the bacon burger,” she answers.
Matthew turns to me, his bright blue eyes twinkling with mischief. “See? Now that’s how you’re supposed to answer that question,” he teases me for my reaction back when I first met him.
I laugh, “try calling her sweetheart and see what she does to you,” I tease him back, “you’ll end up with your burger in your lap.”
“I’ll take the bacon burger,” Matthew continues, “what would you like?”
“Um, I’ll just have the tomato soup and a plate of fries.”
“Ugh, you’re gonna dip your fries in your soup again, aren’t you?” Brianna scrunches up her nose at me.
“What if I am?” I lift my chin up, defending my favorite lunch.
She sighs in response and shrugs, “Ok, fine. One bacon burger platter, one plate of fries and one bowl of ketchup, oh I mean bowl of soup, coming up.” Brianna sticks her tongue out like she ate a sour lemon. How can she be so disgusted by my harmless tastes?
As soon as Brianna heads to the kitchen, Mr. Taylor smiles down at me. “Kendra, I heard you’re doing great at your big job in the city? I’m so proud of you!”
“Thanks, I don’t know about a big job, but I’m happy.”
“Aww, she’s being modest,” Matthew waves his hand at me. “She’s only been there six months and she’s already had a promotion.”
“Really? Wow! You know what? That doesn’t surprise me. Kendra here was the best waitress I’ve ever had work here.” He turns and looks at me, “you have some big shoes to fill around here, no one else even comes close.”
“Hey!” Brianna interrupts, returning to the table with our drinks, “I’m right here Mr. Taylor, come on .” Matthew and I burst out into laughter while I watch as Mr. Taylor tries to backpedal his way out of this one. He decides that retreat is his best option and heads back to his office after shaking Matthew’s hand one more time.
With Brianna off minding other tables, I look around my old stomping grounds. It occurs to me that we’re sitting in the booth that Matthew and Brianna shared when I had walked in on them having a heart to heart. A flash of embarrassment runs through me as I recall my outburst when I jumped to wild conclusions about them. With our rocky start, I’m amazed at how well things have turned around for us. I’ve even given Matthew a reason to stay in the city and use his condo as his main home, ever since I moved in with him last month.
“It feels like it was just yesterday that I met you here,” I confess, pulling myself from my thoughts.
“I know what you mean,” he searches my face, looking into my soul, mesmerizing me with his eyes. “I feel the same excitement everyday that I did
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