Ghost Kiss

Lily

     I pull up to the diner. It's adorable. I look up to the 1950's style neon sign. "Big Roy's" written in cursive lit up in an almost eye-shattering yellow. This diner has had to have been around for a while.

     I walk inside and take a seat. A waitress, whose name tag says her name is Viv, brings over a menu. "What would you like to drink darlin '?" She asks in a not-so-subtle southern twang. She looks about my age too. I wonder if she's also attending college or not. It would be nice to make a friend and have at least one person there I already know.

     "Dr. Pepper and can I also just have your house burger with everything and some fries?" "Comin right up!" She exclaims and walks away to hand my order to a broad man standing on the other side of the window. I take this opportunity to look around. This time of day there is not really anyone here. I was hoping that was the case so I could maybe have some time to speak with the owner, who I'm now assuming is the man on the other side of the window cooking.

     My food is out in no time and tastes amazing. Nothing beats a good old-fashioned American burger. Grease and all. "How did everything taste darlin?" Viv asks as she's clearing the table. "Everything was delicious!" I tell her as I wipe my mouth to make sure there's no leftover grease in the corners of my mouth. "That's great to hear. I've not seen you around before. You new here?" She's standing staring at me like she's trying to pinpoint where I came from. "Yea, I just moved here. I'm moving into the house just a few blocks up the road today actually. I'm starting college next month and wanted a place closer than my parent's house was. I found that house well within my budget. I can't believe it was so cheap. Just needs a good cleaning."

     "You're moving into the old Murdoch house?" She looks as though she has seen a ghost. "Yes, I guess that's the one. How could I not? It was a steal on the market and it only puts me 15 minutes away from the school. It's perfect." I'm confused as to why she would be so surprised by someone moving into that house. I'm surprised it's been empty as long as it has.

     "You know that story behind that house don't you?" She's leaning in on me now. Like she's about to tell me some secret. But she's saying it as if I should already know so it must not be that greatly kept a secret.

     "That's enough of that Viv, get on." An elderly lady says as she walks up to my table. Viv walks away with her head a little lower. The lady sits down across from me and has all of my attention. "I'm Phyllis, I'm the owner of this diner, I do apologize for that. Viv has worked here long enough to know I don't like gossip." She has a big smile on her face. "Oh I expected Big Roy to be the owner, I'm Lily."

     "Big Roy was my husband, he died 5 years ago, it's just me now. So, you're starting college next month from what I heard. And you moved into the old Murdoch house." She says as she's obviously scoping me out. I'm guessing they don't really get a lot of new people that move into town.

     "Yes, I was actually wanting to speak with you. I noticed you were hiring. I wanted an application and to ask if you'd be willing to work around my college schedule when I start next month. I promise I'm a hard worker and I'm always on time. You won't regret giving me a chance."

     "Calm down, calm down. No need for an application. You're hired. If you're cleaning that house then I'm positive you're a hard worker. Come and see me tomorrow morning at 9 am and we will get the paperwork done and probably start you this weekend. Sound good?" She gives off the "I'm the mom of the group" vibe as she's speaking to me. But I guess every diner needs that one person ya know?

     "Yes, that's perfect. Thank you so much. I'll see you tomorrow morning." I'm so excited I do a little dance outside of my truck. After making sure no one can see me of course.

     As I pull back into my driveway, I look up at the window again. I don't know why I keep getting drawn to that window. I've gotta check out the upstairs soon. But not now. I've got a living room to clean still.