We frequently refer to the four-to-midnight shift as the 'Swing' shift. I don't know for sure why but the name goes back to the nineteen forties; it might have something to do with the music popular at that time. Anyway, I had rotated back to Swings and was looking forward to visiting with Tina after my shift.
The shift went pretty much as expected. There were no problems or irregularities and not much left over from the Day shift that needed doing. So, we read our gauges, changed the charts in the recorders, toured, lubricated, sampled, measured, analyzed, adjusted and inspected as required. My relief showed up on time, we did a formal turnover and then I was out the door and, on my way, to see Tina.
It only took a few minutes to clear out through security, find my car in the lot and drive to the diner. Tina was behind the counter, as expected and she greeted me with a really big smile. She was wearing a new uniform that fit her better (I liked the old one). There was a couple eating at one of the tables; no other customers.
I took my usual seat at the counter while Tina filled a cup with coffee. She brought it over, putting it on the counter in front of me and then went up on tip-toes, leaning across the counter to give me a nice kiss. She smelled good.
"What will it be tonight?"
I said: "You, if I had things my way."
Tina: "No, I meant to eat."
Me: "Same answer."
Tina giggled, remembering last Saturday, I hoped. "How about some waffles? You're always doing omelets, all those eggs must be affecting your cholesterol."
I agreed with her suggestion of the waffles. Tina was soon into the kitchen and back: "Only a few minutes."
The couple that had been at the table were getting ready to leave. Tina went to the register and rang them up. After they left, she took a tray and bussed the table taking it into the kitchen. She had my order of waffles, with a nice slice of ham, when she came back.
I dug into the waffles with plenty of syrup. Tina drew herself a cup of coffee and sat herself on the stool next to me while I ate. "What are your plans for tomorrow?"
Me: "Sleep in, I guess. I have nothing else on my agenda."
Tina: "Want some company?"
Me: "I'd love some, what time?"
Tina: "Don't know for sure. I have to get the kids off to school. Just leave your front door unlocked and I'll let myself in, ok?"
Me: "It will be hard for me to sleep knowing that you're coming."