Neon Moon

Ch. 11 The State Fair

"Order up", Tom hollered from the kitchen window of the diner. You hurried excitedly to deliver this one to the ruggedly handsome patron drinking coffee while reading at the end of the counter.

You grabbed Clyde's breakfast order and the side of extra burned bacon. Walking up you noticed how focused he was not looking up once. You stood there and waited a minute thinking, he's so cute. Softly you say, "breakfast honey."

Clyde looked up immediately, still not used to having someone actually speaking to him like that. He loved it. It made his chest go warm and fuzzy. He gave you his signature shy smile and closed his book, "thanks Sunshine."

Placing his food down you noticed he was almost out of coffee. "You're welcome, do you want more coffee?"

He looked at his cup knowing he did, but he didn't want to ask. He didn't expect you to wait on him or bother you while you were working, he had simply come by to see you and grab something to eat. You watched as he battled the decision. You spoke before he could come to a conclusion knowing exactly what he was thinking. "Clyde, it's my job. I'd love to get you some coffee." Then before he could say anything you were already grabbing the pot and starting to pour it.

"Thanks." He said softly as he started eating.

"Welcome." You give a gentle smile and a wink before doing a round of coffee refills at your tables.

The door dinged as it swung open and a pitter patter of small feet came through. It was followed by a loud, "Uncle Clyde."

Your head turned and saw the adorable little Sadie run up to her Uncle Clyde who was surprised to see her, but welcomed her with open arms. The moment was touching. As you walked over you said "morning Jimmy" who was trailing behind. He returned the greeting and the pair took the empty seats by Clyde.

"Morning Sadiebug, what are you doing here?" Clyde asked, surprised to see his niece this early.

"Daddy said that if I get good grades on my spelling test this week he'd take me to get pancakes." Her little excitement made you smile. You snuck up quietly till she noticed you. Clyde watched as she shouted your name with a big smile. He really liked how much she liked you.

"Hello little Sadie, what can I get you?" You asked with a big smile.

"I want two big pancakes, and a soda." She asked confidently.

You looked at Jimmy for confirmation, "it's too early for soda. How bout orange juice? You like orange juice, remember."

Sadie looked at her dad, "I don't want orange juice. I did good on my tests dad."

He took a deep dad breath, "Sadie, what did I.."

You spoke quickly with an idea, "how about in celebration of your hard work you have a special orange juice."

"Special?" Sadie asked, a little confused.

"Oh yeah, it's really special." You smiled trying to convince her which she agreed to. She turned to Clyde to tell him all about something going on at school. You leaned over to take Jimmy's order and say, "it's just orange juice and ginger ale. No caffeine."

The two of you laughed a little as he said, "thanks, she's a handful."

You nodded in understanding. He was a dad just trying to do his best with his little girl. You were flooded with happy memories of your dad and you in too many diners to count. Taking the ticket you drop it off at the kitchen and make Sadie's special drink and Jimmy's coffee.

"Here you go." you placed their drinks down and Sadie's eyes lit up with a smile as she focused on the sparkling juice with some floating slices of oranges you dropped in.