Cinnamon Rolls and Coffee (On Hold For Health Reasons)

Chapter 1: It Has Been Lonely Without You

Genevieve's POV

"Genevieve!"

"Yes, Flo?" I asked poking my head out of the kitchen of the diner I work at twice a week, usually Monday and Thursday mornings. I helped make all the baked goodies they offered. Pies, cakes, crisps, bars, and cinnamon rolls; the cinnamon rolls were my favorite to make and seemed to sell out quite quickly. I spotted my boss by the register.

"It is almost noon, you've made plenty already, why don't you call it quits for the day." Flo replied with a grin. "Get cleaned up and have Joe make you some lunch before you go. I know the special is one of your favorites."

I grinned back. "Yes beautiful lady that signs my paycheck, your wish is my command."

Giving her a salute I went and finished up the cake I was frosting. Letting Joe know I was going to get changed, he asked if I was gonna have the special before heading out.

"Now Joe, you know your tomato soup and grilled cheese is one of my favorites." I told him with a laugh. "I wouldn't dream of leaving without having that yummy goodness."

"I know, I'll have it ready in a few. Go get cleaned up and have a seat at the counter. Shelia will bring it to you when it is done." Joe shooed me away with a wave of his spatula.

Heading to the back I changed out of my work clothes, a pair of black pants and a shirt with the diner's logo on it. I pulled on my favorite summer outfit, a pair of black leggings that ended above my knees and a royal blue knit sleeveless dress that covered the leggings. The feeling of my thighs rubbing together irritated me and I biked everywhere, so the leggings were just extra security. I shoved my work clothes into the bottom of my backpack and headed out to the counter that ran most of the length of the back wall of the diner.

Pulling off my hair tie I ran my fingers through my hair to take out the French braid I wore at work. Having my hair pulled up long term tends to give me headaches so it goes from being up and down multiple times a day. My reddish brown hair, I think it is called auburn, fell to just below my shoulders was finally at a length to be able to pull it all up, much to my relief.

Sitting at the counter, I looked around at the diner. Joe and Flo's. Simple name, simple decor, I loved it. It was set up similar to a 50s diner; dark red booths ran around three of the walls of the diner, including the front window, giving the guests a great view of one the many local lakes. A row of tables sat between the booths and the counter. The beautiful dark red marble counter ran most of the length of the back wall. Stools lined up for people to sit and order a malt or Sunday. Along the back wall was the window to the kitchen where I could see Joe moving around with ease as he prepared all the food. The back wall also sported the malt machine, dessert display, and ice cream cooler. The walls were beige but that was hard to tell with all the photos of the area hung up.

The menu tended to follow a similar fashion. Breakfast until 11; then burgers, sandwiches, salads, and pizza for the rest of the day. There was usually a lunch special that changed day to day; but after 6 the same special ran til closing. Burger, fries, a shake, and a dessert for around ten bucks. Totally worth the price and so delicious, I could barely finish half of it. I tended to bring the rest home for the next day.

A glass of water was set in front of me. Looking up I nodded my thanks to Flo as I went to take a drink. Joe and Flo were the owners and like second parents to me. They helped my parents settle in when they moved here after my dad opened an accounting business the next town over. My mother has just found out she was pregnant with my older brothers and was struggling to stay a float all alone. She happened into the diner one day and hit it off with Flo. They have been close ever since. Joe and Flo were in their fifties and did not seem to want to slow down anytime soon.