Short Story #20: Restaurant!

Prompt: Write a short story set in a restaurant. (Word count: 258)

* * * * * Fifteen-foot red neon proclaimed from the highway: RESTAURANT, which is why Benny asked Joan, “Wanna stop at the restaurant ahead?” As they pulled into the parking lot, no “Ma’s Kitchen” or “Black Oak Diner” identified the greasy spoon portion of the 42-gas pumps/gift shop/showers truck stop. Over the door was simply another red neon sign: Restaurant.

Inside, no one could claim false advertising. It was in fact a restaurant. Vinyl-upholstered booths; well-worn tables and chairs; dark, stain-forgiving carpet; and food. Platters stacked high with chicken-fried steaks and mashed potatoes, towers of pancakes, steaks dripping red off the edge of the plates.

“Tableorbooth,” the gum-cracking hostess asked as the newlyweds’ eyes adjusted to the dim light.

“Booth, Mrs. Wescott?”

“Booth, Mr. Wescott.”

The hostess rolled her eyes as she grabbed a couple menus and led the way to a window seat. “Somethingtodrink?”

“Two Cokes,” Joan answered before Benny could say “One Coke, two straws.” She sensed there was only so much the hostess, Millie by her nametag, could take.

“Anything look good, or should I order off the menu?” Benny asked, nuzzling at Joan.

“Well, the chicken-fried steak looked good. Of course, you’ll be up half the night if you get it.”

“What’ll I do with the time?” More nuzzling.

“And they have Kielbasa, but that gives me a headache.”

“No to the Kielbasa then. Oooh, Monte Cristo. Dare you dare?”

She dared. After all, they had pledged for better or for worse, hadn’t they?

–30–