The Diners

Hannah Badger

Short Story, Fiction

Word Count: 426

Approx. Reading Time: 2 minutes

The diner is retro and looks like something out of the 1950’s. It has booths along the walls and a countertop where a waitress is chatting with the cook. The counter has many items placed upon it in a way that’s both organized and random- there’s mugs on the right side but the coffee pot is to the left, between the two there’s plates, extra notepads for orders, and silverware.

Cynthia is sitting in a booth by the window, looking at her phone as she waits. Then, Katelyn enters, Cynthia sets her phone down and stands so they can hug before they both settle into their seats.

“So…” Katelyn drums her fingers on the table. “Josh and I started talking again.”

Cynthia huffs and then leans forward. “No way! Is he trying to get back with you? That arrogant jerk!”

“Well, I mean, he did ask me to go to his work’s Christmas party… and he apologized for all he did and explained why he did all of it. “

“You’re not considering taking him back, are you? You’re not gonna, right? I mean, he cheated on you,” Cynthia pauses before raising her voice. “He did it with your cousin at your sister’s wedding!”

“Well- “

The waitress walks over and interrupts. She also sets down silverware and two glasses of water. “Hey girls, what can I get you this fine afternoon?”

“We’ll both take a coffee to start please.” Cynthia hardly glances at the waitress as she stares Katelyn down, though she attempts to order in a friendly tone of voice.

“Okay. I’ll have that out in a jiffy for you.” The waitress writes the order down and walks away.

Katelyn is sheepish as she responds. “He was really sincere and apologetic.” She looks down and plays with her silverware, unwrapping it, and flattening her napkin several times on the table. “Anyways though, how’s your life going? Anyone new you’re talking to?”

“I want you to know that I know exactly what you’re doing, and I have a good idea of why you’re doing it. I’ll let it slide just this one time but next time-

The waitress interrupts, again, by putting two mugs down on the table. “Here you go, ladies. And if you need any sugar or creamer, just let me know.

The waitress walks away after they thank her but decline food, and Cynthia continues, “Anyways, I’m letting you change the subject for now because I have a lot of tea to spill and such, but we will circle back to this.”

Published: 20:00 ET, Friday, 30th September, 2022