Beautiful Disaster

Chapter Seven

           We arrived at a small diner called Mo’s Place that has apparently been around for about 50 years. Butch and I were already out of his truck when Sebastian and Phoenix pulled up. We didn’t say much as everyone piled into the diner.

            The diner was warm and friendly, with red and beige walls. It had red booths and chairs with plants spread throughout. It was one of my most favorite places. One of the reasons were the people.

            “Hey little lady! Haven’t seen you in a while,” Mo called out as he walked towards us, arms out. I smiled indulgently and hugged him. Mo was the son of the original Mo, who started the diner. He was a bear of a man, even bigger than Butch, but a big softie.

            “You just saw me last week, Mo,” I admonished him while laughing. I could feel Butch smiling behind me as Mo gave him a guy hug.

            “It’s still been a while. You never come to see me anymore,” he pouted. Seeing a middle aged man pouting was funny, especially with Mo’s rugged looks. “Anyway, who are your new friends?” he asked, smiling at Phoenix and Sebastian.

            Before I could answer, Phoenix stuck her hand out and smiled politely. “I’m Phoenix and this is Sebastian,” she said, gesturing to Sebastian beside her. Mo smiled back and shook their hands before shooing us to my grandma.hĥ

            She was sitting where she always sat, at a booth by the window. Her long hair was down around her small shoulders. She was sitting with her face to the sun, utterly relaxed.

            “Kevay,” Butch called out before I had a chance to. My grandma turned and smiled, getting up to give us hugs.

            “Dima, you’re looking well,” she said fondly, holding Butch’s arm.

            “You’re looking lovely as always Kevay,” he said smiling. I gently nudged him out of the way as I gave her a hug.

            “Duvessa! Look at your hair!” she exclaimed.

            I laughed self-consciously and touched my hair again. “I know. Pretty wild right?” I asked smiling and hugging her again. I loved seeing my grandma. I could just be myself around her.

            “Maybe a little,” she admitted. “It suits you though. So who are your friends?” she asked a little suspiciously, turning to Phoenix and Sebastian. Phoenix smiled, oblivious to my grandma’s suspicion while Sebastian gave her an assessing look.

            I don’t know what he figured out or if he figured out anything, but it made me almost uncomfortable. “Grandma, this is Phoenix and her friend Sebastian,” I said. My grandma and Sebastian didn’t miss how I introduced Sebastian as Phoenix’s friend and not mine.

            She smiled politely anyway and shook each of their hands.