Christmas in Bayberry

Mel’s Grille sat on Main Street, and though the white brick exterior with black shutters didn’t stand out, the aroma wafting from the front door as it opened and shut drew him in. He inhaled deeply. He remembered this place having the best burgers and shoestring fries.

“What smells so good?” It wasn’t burgers, but he was intrigued.

“Since today is Tuesday, the specials are corned beef on rye and beef stew.” She smiled at him. “Go for the stew. It’s delicious and comes with a hunk of home-baked bread.”

She didn’t have to tell him twice. The burger would have to wait for another visit. His stomach rumbled in anticipation. “Count me in.”

They hadn’t made it to the diner before the lunch crowd descended upon the place. He pulled the door open for Kate and then followed her inside. It wasn’t a huge place, but all of the booths and tables were already occupied. People were talking and enjoying their lunches.

A waitress passed with a tray full of food. Everything looked delicious—and huge. He breathed in the aromas and his mouth watered. He didn’t know of any place near his Manhattan office that served portions even half this size.

The waitress, in a fifties-style white uniform with red trim, had blond hair pulled up in a perky ponytail. The lines around her eyes said that she was tired, but when she saw Kate, her glossy pink lips lifted into a smile.

“You’re running late today.”

“I brought a visitor. This is Wes. Wes, this is one of my best friends, Carrie.”

The young woman regarded him through stylish red-and-black eyeglasses. “Welcome. The only seating is at the counter. I’ll be over as soon as I deliver this food.”

Kate led the way to the white Formica counter. How was it possible that everything about the diner was the same as he remembered? Two red stools anchored to the floor had just become available. It was like walking back in time. On the walls were black and white tiles. Even the framed black-and-white photos of racing cars on the wall were the same. He smiled and shook his head.

After they took a seat at the counter, Kate pulled a menu from a holder and held it out to him. When he reached out to take it, their fingers brushed. Their eyes met and held for a second or two longer than necessary.

Kate averted her eyes. “I can vouch for everything on the menu. Except for the sweet potato fries.”

“What’s wrong with them?”

Her pert nose wrinkled. “Nothing, if you like sweet potatoes.”

He smiled at her reaction. “I take it you don’t.”

She shook her head. “But if you do, I have it on good authority that they’re delicious.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for futur

e reference. I’m already sold on the stew.”

Carrie nodded and wrote on her note pad. “Good choice. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“I’ll have the same,” Kate said. “Plus coffee.”

“Coffee for me too,” Wes said.

Kate acted as though they hadn’t shared a moment. They had, hadn’t they? Or had he just imagined it? Not that he was in town for anything but work. So he let go of the thought—no matter how enticing he found it.

Once Carrie went to put in their order, Kate leaned back on the stool. “I’m guessing you’re anxious to get back to the city, since it’s the holiday season.”

He shrugged. “I guess.”

“Do you have a girlfriend or wife waiting for you?”

“I don’t have either.”

“What about your family?”

“My mother’s in Florida and my father passed on.”

“How long are you in town?”