After getting off of the phone I headed straight into the diner. The door opened and I was greeted by the jingling of the bell and the warm fragrant air of good food, making my mouth water in anticipation. But with the announcement of my arrival everyone's head had turned in my direction. So I bee lined straight for a stool by the counter, trying not to pay attention to the audience I had amassed behind me. They were staring like I had to heads. Was there something on my face? I grabbed my compact to check if maybe there was and tried to ignore the whispers that had started. Did I smell? That couldn't have been it because even if I had no one was close enough to tell. I tried my hardest to find what had caused such a severe reaction.
"There's nothin wrong with ya darlin'." I jumped and looked up to see a waitress smiling at me holding her order pad with a pencil behind her ear. She looked to be in her early 50's with a lovely and kind face. "I didn't mean to startle ya." She grinned and I couldn't help but return it and smile back. Looking down I saw that he nametag said Frankie.
"Oh no I'm fine. It's just been a long day and the way everyone was staring I was worried I had something on my face."
"It's not you truly we just don't get many new faces around here so people are curious. What brought you to town?"
"I had a little accident and my car broke down a little ways down the road and I need someone to look at it for me."
"Well then no worries you're in luck. Aiden is the best mechanic around, he'll get your car fixed in no time and send you on your way to wherever your headed. Now what can I get ya?" With her pencil poised and ready I looked over the menu. Immediately I settled on their beef stew.
"I'll get the beef stew with a cup of coffee and....for dessert could I get a slice of apple pie? "
"You wanna some cheddar with the pie?"
"Oooh yes please. Thank you."
"No problem, you got it." She left with another smile. During our interaction the other patrons appeared to have settled down and resume their earlier conversations. It did seem like a very nice and and quiet place. At that point I figured Frankie would probably know if there was somewhere to stay nearby. But when she approached with my food and placed it in front of me I couldn't think of anything else. The aroma coming from the bowl was so alluring I could have dunked my face in it. The smell of bay leaves, oregano, parsley, and garlic wafted up with the steam. The stew had a nice and thick broth with chunks of potatoes, beef, and vegetables. The cracked pepper danced as I took a spoonful and raised it to my mouth. The flavors washed over my tongue, I could have bathed in it. Seeing my bowl almost empty Frankie brought over my dessert and refilled my coffee. The meal was amazing especially after the day I had. Once I was full and glowing I leaned back and sighed as I asked for the check. I figured now would be a good time to ask her about somewhere to stay.
"Hey Frankie? Is there somewhere to stay her for the night like an Inn or something?"
"Well we have a little bed and breakfast but it already closed for the season seeing as we don't get many tourists this time of year." I deflated in disappointment. What was I going to do? I didn't know anyone around here and it was dark and freezing outside. I had nowhere to go, but before I could fully panic Frankie came to the rescue. "But Aiden sometimes Aiden takes a person in if need be especially if I ask him to" she said with a wink. "Since he has to take a look at your car anyway it works out pretty well. Don't worry he won't bother you, if he does you just March right on back here and tell me I'll set him straight." We laughed, whoever Aiden was he seemed like a nice old man and I had a really good feeling about Frankie like a maternal essence. "What do ya think hun, sound good to you?" I thought about what she said but I didn't really have much of a choice besides what was the worst that could happen?
"Sure that would be great. I really appreciate it."
"Oh it's no big thing. Let me call him and let him know you're comin'. He lives above the garage so just knock on the shop door and he'll let you in. Make sure come by here in the mornin' I'll have a nice big breakfast waiting for you." I couldn't express what her help meant to me so we departed with hugs and I walked out into the night. Streetlights were casting small pools but not enough to cast away all of thick shroud of darkness. The clouds were thick blocking any light from the stars and moon causing my nerves to become hyper aware. I started walking with my keys between my fingers like I had learned in the one self defense class Kate had dragged me to and walked as quickly and safely as possible. Luckily this walk was blissfully short so I was soon standing in front of the garages storefront door. Taking a deep breath I knocked. Listening I waited for any movement inside. What if he was already asleep and wasn't going go answer. I kept glancing around as my anxiety crept up the longer I stood there. Finally after what felt like like forever I could hear someone approaching the door. The latch clicked and the face that popped out as the door opened was not the kind old man I was expecting. I couldn't believe it and for the second time today my jaw dropped.
"You" he said with a smile.
"You" I said as my eyebrows furrowed. For a brief second I considered maybe hypothermia wasn't so bad, a cold gust of wind quickly dashed that and reminded that I really didn't have any other option. I couldn't believe it why was this happening to me? "You're Aiden?!" The incredulity dripping from my voice.
"That would be me." He looked so cocky, I could feel the indignation rising.
"So that's why you seemed so sure you would see me again. You could have told me. "
"And spoil your tantrum? Now why would I do that?" He was so full of himself and my chagrin flowed in full force like a hot wave rolling through me. How was I supposed to stay here even for just a night?
"Is your autopilot stuck on arrogant asshat or is it a medical thing? Do you need to take some medication or something?" Apparently he found my comment funny and began laughing at it and my scrunched face. In the short time since I had met him that man had become the bane of my existance.