Diner
Miriam wipes down countertops, picking up salt and pepper shakers, replacing ketchup bottles, straightening chairs and wiping grease off glass display cases. It is 2am, time for Fred's Diner to close for 3 hours and reopen at 5am.
Miriam is glad she is not working what is called the "nightmare" shift β working until closing and then reopening at 5, which she has been known to do for an extra buck. Alone again to close the diner, Miriam sighs at her solitary tasks at hand. Smoothing a delicate hand over her blond hair and tucking a stray wisp back into a bun held in place by a hairnet, she begins again to return the room back to order and cleanliness. After what seems like an hour, she removes her apron and takes a final look around to ensure that everything is clean and neat.
Just as she is walking back to the locker room to change into her civilian clothes, she is startled by the ringing of the bells on the front door. She realizes that she may have forgotten to lock the door and spins around. " I could have sworn I locked itβ¦" Miriam begins to say aloud and her voice trails off into the air conditioned atmosphere when she sees the man who has come in.
"Well, hello there pretty lady. Mind if I have a bite? It's around closing time, I gather, isn't it. Am I too late?" He smiles briefly and glances around, looking slightly uncomfortable.
Miriam is momentarily taken aback by this stranger's ruggedly handsome looks. Tall, blond, wearing a white T shirt which shows off his well developed muscles, the stranger flashes a brilliant smile which sends shivers down Miriam's spine.
"Uh, no, no. It's alright, I was just finishing up here, but we still have cold food available and, um, I can warm up the coffee."
"Well, well." the stranger says, looking relieved. "Thank you so much. I'll drink the coffee cold if warming it up is a problem. Anyway, I am sure the coldest fridge in here can be warmed up by you in seconds flat." He looks at her and his eyes travel from her face to her full breasts and shapely legs, then back again.
The stranger walks up to Miriam.
"I'm Jim." He extends his hand, and looks into Miriam's eyes warmly.
Miriam shakes his hand and is slightly aware of a brief yet noticeably pleasant tingle running through her body as he grabs her hand in his big warm one and firmly shakes it, lingering for what seems like a bit too long with her hand in his grasp.
"Um, you have yourself a seat at the counter, and I'll get whatever you need. What do you fancy?"
"Oh, maybe a cheese sandwich, some apple pie, and coffee. You'll warm it up for me right?" Jim looks at Miriam and winks.
"Sure." Miriam turns away quickly, all too aware of the growing feeling inside her as she walks over to the gleaming pie display case and cuts a thick piece of apple pie. She moves over to the bread case and takes out two fresh slices, puts them on the plate and feels Jim's eyes burning a hole in her back. She spins around.
"Um, Jim?"