Sandy's Diner

What a day at the hardware store. Today’s Thursday June 12th, the three year anniversary of that awful night. I am taking advice from Joni to actually go out and have a good evening. And not stay at home.

I walk into Sandy’s Diner walk up to the counter sit there. I can smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and I am getting a pungent smell of fried onions.

This waitress who looks to be about my age early 30′s. Walks over to my part of the counter.

“Hi, my name is Layla. Here’s a menu for you tonight. Can I get you a drink?”

“Sure can I get a water and a coffee… black?”

She comes back with my drinks.

“Are you ready to order?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what to get. Do you have any favorites?”

“Is there anything you do not like?”

“No I am up for whatever.”

“Okay I will put it in for you.”

I wait about 10 minutes.

Layla with a plate of food comes in my direction.

“Hopefully you like it this is one of my favorites Cheesesteak Omelette w/Hash Browns.”

“This looks fantastic thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. Let me know what you think.”

“Will do.”

She walks away and assists another table. I begin to eat this delicious looking meal.

“That was excellent, you have great taste.”

“Thank you. Can I get you anything else today sir?”

“Sir, wow! How old do I look? Please be kind.”

“I am terrible at guessing ages. How old do you think I am?”

“Okay I’ll guess first. I would say you’re…at least 31.”

“You are correct. Going to be 31 soon. Okay my guess is you’re… 31 too.”

“I will take it. No I am 33.”

“I am happy I was close. I am normally awful at guessing.”

“Thanks again that was excellent. Here keep the change.”

“Oh thank you so much. Have yourself a goodnight.”

“You too.”

A Week Later

Thursdays are just so busy at work. You know what I wouldn’t mind going back to the diner. That omelette was delicious.

“Good evening my name is Layla. Can I get you a drink?”

“Sure a water and a coffee black.”

“Let me grab that for you. Give you a minute to look at the menu.”

She walks away and places my beverages in front of me.

“Are you ready to order?”

“You know I thought I knew and now I don’t. You know what, what do you like dealers choice? Could you help me choose?”

“I knew you looked familiar.”

“Yeah it is good to be here again that Cheesesteak Omelette was calling my name. Then I saw some of your specials and can’t make up my mind.”

“If you enjoyed that, I got the perfect thing for you.”

“Awesome thanks.”

She goes over to a computer and types the order in.

“Can I top you off? Looks like you just had one of them days.”

“That was last Thursday. This Thursday, just a busy one for us down at John’s hardware.”

“Yeah I pass there on my way to work you guys always have cars in the lot.”

“Yes we do. We have been fortunate that people just need all sorts of hardware supplies.”

“Do you at least enjoy it?”

“For the most part. Some days good. Some…not so good. I can’t imagine every customer you get here are always pleasant.”

“You don’t know the half of it. You see that couple over there.”

She points out this older couple that is in a booth at the one corner of the restaurant.

“So that’s Mr. and Mrs. Frendini. They’re regulars they normally come on either Thursday or Friday. They come in around 5 or 530ish and leave around 730. They’ve been coming here since this place opened fifteen years ago. They order the same thing. Two decaf coffees, liver and onions for the Mister and for the Mrs. She gets Spaghetti with sauce in a separate bowl. If the onions are not caramelized enough he gets nasty or if the sauce isn’t the same for the spaghetti.”

“Jeez, customer service sometimes you just have to bite your tongue. Or sometimes you wanna just… give them a piece of your mind.”

“I agree with you. Sometimes you just need to pick and choose your battles. Time to see if your meal is ready.”

“Thank you.”

I can smell something good. I really hope that is my dinner.

“I hope you like this. So this is spinach and chicken crepes with hollandaise sauce and potatoes.”

“This looks incredible.”

“I will be back in a few to check up on you. The Frendinis just left I gotta clear their table.”

Another delicious meal. I look around and notice a jukebox in the corner. Right as I notice it another patron gets up and plays an oldies hit.

“So what do you think?

“Layla, two for two this is absolutely incredible. Well the night should get easier for you now. Now that your favorite customers have left.”

“Funny. So do you have a regular pain at the hardware store?”

“Yes we do his name is Paulie. Comes in once a week with these crazy ideas of his. He ironically was there earlier today always shows up around the same time. So this week’s project he wants to build shelves. And he was looking for a specific wood screw gives the exact size. Then second guesses himself gets the size smaller. About an hour later he comes back and makes a whole scene about how he was told to get the wrong screw size. And he then gets that screw size that he originally wanted when he first showed up.”

“And he does this once a week?”

“Yes he comes in tells us exactly what he wants. Second guesses gets something else. Comes back whines and gets what he originally wanted.”

“I don’t know if Frendinis win or Paulie wins. That is very close.”

“Yeah good old customer service haha.”

“Haha can I get you anything else this evening?”

“I think I am good. Keep the change.”

“That’s a 100 percent tip are you sure?”

“Please! Dinner was excellent and I needed a good conversation. Thank you.”

“Thank you..”

“John.”

“Thank you John.”

“You’re welcome Layla.”

Next Thursday

I just cannot stop thinking about that great food I had. I’m going back to the diner. I walk in go to my stool at the counter.

“Hey John welcome back.”

“Good evening Layla, looking forward to another great meal.”

“Be right back.”

She comes back with my drinks.

“So John, did your favorite customer show up this week?”

“Yup he did just like clockwork. He showed up yesterday. I see your favorite couple is here.”

“Yeah…Give me a minute I gotta go get their food.”

She goes to serve.

“Layla, come on these onions are not the way I get them! COME ON! You know this!

“Okay Mr. Frendini, I will get you new ones.”

“Yes you will. How hard is it to sautee onions to a crispy brown?!?! Dear, did they screw up anything for you?

“Well…the sauce has something in it.”

“Unbelievable Layla, they screwed up plain tomato sauce too.”

“I will get the Mrs. new tomato sauce. Give me a minute. And I will get you crisper onions.”

“Just get the tomato sauce. NEXT WEEK YOU GUYS BETTER HAVE IT RIGHT!”

I see her run back to the kitchen. She looks distraught as tears flood her eyes. She wasn’t kidding these people are truly a pain in the ass.

About three minutes later she comes out with a bowl heads back over to the table.

“Here is that tomato sauce.”

“There you go that’s how it’s is done.”

Layla walks away defeated. She walks over to me.

“Did you…I need a minute.”

Still reeling from what just happened to her.

“Take your time Layla.”

She walks to the back I can see that that hit hard. I am going to walk over to them. I walk over to the Frendini’s.

“Hi Fred. Hi Darlene. How are you?”

Yes, I know the Frendini. Something I didn’t mention I worked at Sandy’s Diner years ago. Way before Layla. I had a falling out with the owner. Who doesn’t own this place anymore. And I haven’t stepped foot in since.”

“John, so glad to see you.”

“Sweetheart, it has been seven years.”

“Yes it has.”

“How have you been?”

“I am doing good. I am at the hardware store.”

“Yeah, heard you took it over. Sorry about your dad.”

“Yeah it’s okay. You know the whole story?”

“Yeah we do.”

“So how’s your dinner?”

“It is good.”

“I heard you yelling at Layla. And before you say anymore Fred. I can tell you both. I promise… she’s one of the good ones. She is like us. Believe me.”

I feel someone walking behind me.

“Mr and Mrs. Frendini, how are your meals? Can I get you anything else?”

“That will be it. Layla,…”

“Yes?”

“Sorry for our behavior. We really enjoyed our meal.”

“Oh that’s okay.”

“No it wasn’t! I am sorry for our behavior. And we will be better patrons the next time we are in.”

“Let me go get the check.”

“Layla, add it to my bill. I will pay for Fred & Darlene tonight.”

“Oh my thank you so much John.”

“Anytime. It was good seeing you both. You both have a good evening.”

“It was good to see you too John.”

I walk back to my seat over at the counter. Layla walks up to me.

“What just happened? What did you say to them? You know them?”

“Yeah Fred & Darlene Frendini. Yes I have known them for 15 years.”

“What?”

“Well Sandy’s diner is a special place. I started working here 15 years ago as a cook…”

I took a moment. And remembered this place 15 years ago. Sandy’s Diner had a 1950’s feel to it. Right out of ‘Happy Days.’ If I recall, I felt the menu should have had more burgers and milkshake options with the pinks and greens on the tiles on the walls. The white and black checkered floorboards.

Now years later the place got a massive face-lift. Beige vinylsquares on the floor. Booths with wooden back supports. Stools with backing.

“You were one of the cooks?”

“For eight years.”

“You worked here? For eight years?”

“Yes I did. This was my second ever job. I was 18. Worked here till I was 26. The Frendini’s have been coming here every Thursday shortly after I started. Still getting the same meal…after all these years. They just need to understand that you are really doing your best for them.”

“Oh my goodness I never got you any food.”

I chuckle a little. She giggles too.

“That’s okay. Surprise me.”

“Okay let me quick put that in. I want to keep talking. Looks like it is going to be a slow shift.”

She puts my order in and comes back immediately.

“So what made you leave?”

“Well the original owner and I had a falling out. His name was Ronnie Short. If I am correct his son now runs the place…James.”

“Yeah Jimmy is still the owner. He shows up maybe once or twice a week. The manager Kelsi runs this place really.”

“No kidding Kelsi Palomono?”

“Yeah.”

“I remember when Kelsi started here.”

“Wow. Do you miss the cooking?”

“Of course. But the extensive menu Ronnie had was unbearable. It needed to be trimmed. However, it was just time to move on from cooking.”

“Why’s that?”

“My father hated that I was a cook. He wanted me to take over his business. Just at the same time I was starting to have issues here. My father was having health issues and he needed help with the hardware store.”

“Wait, John’s hardware that’s your store?”

“Yes. This store was opened 33 years ago. My father named the store after me. After I was born. I grew up in the store. But at the same time in front of a grill was my passion. My father ended up passing. And in his will he left the store to me. His dying wishes was for me to keep the store in the family.”

“Wow! I will be right back.”

She comes back with my meal.

“This looks great. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome. So maybe I am too forward with saying this but that seemed a bit unfair of your dad.”

“Oh I agree. I had talked to Kelsi & Ronnie about his health and told them I would have to go on a whim if something happened. Between watching him, coming here, and fighting for change. It was just easier to leave.”

“So may I ask do you feel stuck?”

“No I kind of feel like I get the best of both worlds. Now…without the presence of my dad I run his store the way I feel it should have been run and going home to create my own meals. What about you?”

“What about me?”

“What’s your story Layla, everyone has one?”

“I promise you. You don’t want to hear mine.”

“I do.”

“Maybe next time. I just got a big table.”

Next Thursday

I walk into the diner.

“Hello my name is Carla. May I get you a drink?”

No Layla this week.

Next Thursday

“Missed you last week.”

“Was not feeling well so didn’t come in.”

“So what is your story?”

“The waitressing is a part time gig. It’s helping me finish pay off student loans as I try to get my master’s.”

“Let me guess. I can see it. You’re a teacher.”

“How could you tell?”

“Just a feeling.”

“Can you guess a grade? If you do that I’ll be very impressed.”

“Hmm…let me think. Gotta put my thinking cap on.”

She laughed out loud.

“…umm patience…I think you teach a grade where kids truly enjoy learning. 4th grade.”

“How?”

“How what?”

“You’re 100 percent correct. 4th grade.”

“Do you enjoy it?”

“The students I have are amazing. A very rewarding career watching young minds learn.”

“That sounds incredible.”

“Let me piece John together.”

“Okay? You seem like a man of many talents. In your eyes, I see pain.”

“Oh…”

“I am sorry if I struck a chord.”

“Wow I thought I had this hidden after all this time.”

“We don’t have to talk about it.”

“Maybe next week.”

2 Months Go By

Not just your normal Thursday. Layla was concerned about a few of the stools. So I reinforced the backing. The stool I sat in last week just felt so loose.

2 more months go by

“You never get any dessert. Are you interested in something tonight? I saw you eyeing the dessert case.”

Before I can answer she heads over plates up a dessert and comes back.

“Do you like Blueberry Crumb Pie?”

“Love it. That was a good choice. Thank you so much.”

A month later

I am at my favorite eating spot. I have enjoyed talking to Layla for the last so many months. Something I have looked forward to for the first time in a while.

“Hey John.”

“It is so busy tonight I am so sorry we cannot really talk. I hope you are not mad.”

“Of course…are you open for Christmas day.”

“We are. I will be here.”

“Awesome.”

“Sounds like a date…I mean deal. Last week we were talking about DIY projects. Do you think maybe you could make something for my classroom? If you have time.”

“Sure sounds like a challenge.”

Next Thursday

I passed by the diner just to definitely make sure they were open. And they are. I made this wooden clock it is in the shape of an owl.

I put it in a cardboard box to transport. For it doesn’t get damaged. Hop on my regular stool at the counter. Look over there’s the Frendini’s we catch each other’s eyes, they wave. And there’s one other table.

“Merry Christmas John.”

“Merry Christmas Layla. So you threw down a challenge and I hope you like it.”

I handed the cardboard box over to her. She opened it up. And pulled it out. She put her hand over her mouth and…

“John, this is amazing. Why an owl? And I like how it’s not too realistic.”

“First off I noticed on your inner arm you have an owl tattoo. Owls are also the symbol of wisdom and knowledge and how is that not perfect for a classroom.”

“Also my favorite animal. This is amazing. I can’t thank you enough. Can I give you a hug?”

“Of course.”

We embrace.

She places the clock gently back in the cardboard box. And she takes it back to the office to store for the time being. And comes back with my drinks.

“Thank you so much.”

“You are very welcome. So how are Fred & Darlene today?”

“They are super nice. I haven’t had a single issue since that day you talked to them.”

“Good.”

“I am surprised. I didn’t think you were going to make it in.”

“Why?”

“Your wife…”

“Did you talk to Kelsi about me?”

“I did.”

As she starts to blush.

“Well I have a story for you then. This is the story I had to muster courage up for. Three years ago on June 12th was the anniversary of my wife’s passing. The first Thursday I dropped by the diner.”

“Oh my gosh I am sorry.”

“Its okay. We got married two years earlier. She wanted children. And we were trying. She got really sick. She ended up finding out she had ovarian cancer. She wouldn’t be able to have children. But it didn’t end there the cancer spread. And I lost her two years into our marriage.”

“John, I am so sorry. That is the hurt I see in your eyes.”

“The first year and a half was awful. I buried myself into so many projects. Freezer full of food. As time does the pain pulls, the scars remain. I think…I am finally in a good place to move on.”

“And have you?”

“I am not buried in projects anymore. And the closest to talking to another woman besides my employees is you. So I would say that is progress.”

“Well, I feel a little extra special. I have the perfect dinner for you tonight let me put in your order and go check on the Frendinis.”

“Sounds great.”

I sat there took a big sip of coffee. I look up.

“John Densmore. How long has it been?

“Kelsi, it has been 8 years it is good to see you.”

“Likewise. I heard you have been coming around here the last few months. I was hoping to run into you sooner or later.”

“Yeah I heard you got a new owner now. And the food is much better now.”

“Yes I agree. I wish I could have convinced you to stay.”

“Yeah, I am doing good for myself at John’s hardware.”

“My husband is always there once a week. With a new crazy project idea. He says he is always buying the wrong thing and then blames it on the store. Which is funny cause he tells me the night before what he needs and he gets the wrong item and goes back for the correct one.”

“Wait your married to Paulie?”

“Yes I am.”

“Small world. Wow. Yeah I never understood that. I told all my associates just don’t fight him. If he needs help assist but when he second guesses just go with it. Even after he tells you the first thing he wants.”

“Haha so indecisive. I gotta do my rounds John. I am so happy to have seen you.”

Layla comes back with my food.

“Tonight for you I got a Honey Ham with scalloped potatoes and a green bean casserole.”

“Thank you so much this looks excellent.”

“You’re very welcome. I will be right back. Gotta clean off the Frendinis table.”

“I was wondering maybe after the holidays—”

I feel someone behind me.

“Merry Christmas John.”

“Merry Christmas Fred & Darlene.”

They headed out.

“So how is it?”

“Honestly it is excellent.”

“With moving on have you opened yourself up to dating?”

“I have. It is time. I know I have a lot of love to give a beautiful hardworking woman.”

She cannot make eye contact with me as if she knew the words were meant for her.

“What about you?There is no way you’re single.”

“I am. About three years ago ironically I was engaged to be married and the guy was fooling around with my friend.”

“Sorry to hear.”

“Don’t be. Glad I found out before there was a marriage. I got depressed shut myself off to dating. But got back into furthering my education.”

“So have you moved on?”

“Yes I think I have.”

“That is good. Do you believe in the right time at the right place?”

“Yes I do. Fate. I almost stopped by the hardware store the other day.”

“Oh?”

“John, thank you for the clock. Your meal is on me tonight.”

“That was a gift. Please let me pay.”

“Merry Christmas John.”

“Merry Christmas Layla.”

She turned around and took my dishes to the back. I put on my jacket. I put a big tip under the cup with an envelope inside was a letter folded worn soft around the edges from years of rereading.

New Year’s Eve

The store has been extra dead today.

It’s noon and we’ve been open for four hours without a single customer.

“Hey Joni, Bree, Steve, and Andy. I want to say a few things. Thank you for a wonderful year. I have envelopes here with each of your names on it with a little extra. After the new year I want to talk to you about some big upgrades to some policies. I think you all will enjoy it.”

“Thank you John.”

“I think we are going to close the doors in the next hour. Enjoy your new years.”

I headed for my office. I can hear the door buzzer going off. Well good at least we got one customer to end the year.

“Hey John, there is someone out here for you?”

“Okay thanks Bree I’ll be out in a minute.”

I head out Joni & Bree I walk by them they are being all giggly. I head towards the registers there’s Layla.

“Hi Layla, I wasn’t expect to see you till tomorrow.”

“John, I have been thinking about you since you left the diner last Thursday. I had plans on coming here last Friday…coming up with the right thing to say. And how to go about doing this. I have obtained my master’s degree and officially paid off my student loans.”

“Congratulations. I am glad you obtained what you needed.”

“Me too. John, it is not just that. That letter…you gave me. I read that letter over and over again. Your wife loved you. No one has ever given me anything so personal before. You know what that letter showed me, John?”

“What’s that?”

“That you know how to love somebody completely. Most people spend their lives looking for that.”

“Tracy deserved that.”

“And someday somebody else will too.”

“Do you want to bring in the new year with me?”

“I would love that.”

“Everybody you know what lets close now. Happy new year to you all.”

“Happy new year John.”

“Layla let me go lock my office.”

I lock my office. I head to the front. We walk out together I lock up.

“So what did you wanna do?”

“I haven’t had any plans for new years in a long time. I just want to bring the new year in with you.”

1159 PM

“That surprise dinner was excellent.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed my cooking.”

“Tonight was one of the best nights of my life. And in 10 seconds it will be better John.”

“Happy new year Layla.”

“Happy new year John.”

We kiss each other. I look into her eyes and recall ever word from that letter I gave her.

Dear John,

Sometimes life is cruel. It can be a funny mistress sometimes. It takes away and it gives. It gave me you and I have cherished every moment I have spent with you. I love you.

Now that I know my time is limited. I need you to be strong. Knowing you, you’re going to take on projects and absurdities for a while. If that helps you mourn then do it. But please don’t do it forever. John, you have such a big heart that needs to be shared and loved. I promise I will watch over you always. However, I want you when you are ready to go out into this big world and find a woman to love.

My request is you hand her this letter. I want her to read it and know that I am 100 percent okay with you moving on. Your heart has found someone that can complete you and allow you to be the best version of yourself. And in the end John that is my final wish for you.

Love you.

Your guardian angel,

Tracy

The End