The Love Boat Diner

"Welcome to The Love Boat Diner, a place where the midnight hour stretches until morning and ‘Mickey’s burger’ can cure even the most vicious of heartbreaks. Sit in a booth, order a milkshake and watch the world come alive. Life may be harsh and the weather may be cold - but inside, the coffee is piping hot and a slice of pie is never too far away..."

The Love Boat Diner has been Ophelia ‘Phee’ Mather’s haven for as long as she can remember. So, it seems like a good place as any for Phee to sit single and alone on Valentine’s Day. In the midst of a persistent bout of insomnia and a pair of cupcake pyjama pants, she sits in her booth with a vanilla milkshake, watching the world go by.

It is here on this night (in booth number seven, to be exact), that Phee watches Johnny and Celeste fall in love.

This is a love story.

It just isn’t hers.

[Valentine's Day Short Story/Contest Entry]