His Little One

Chapter 2

Sherry gave her a ride to work. At the entrance they were greeted by a swarm of people with cameras. Sherry was bombarded with questions while, Rosalinda faded into the background and watched.

People shouted questions and snapped pictures. Some mentioned about having the diner being converted into mall. That couldn't be true, Jerry would never sell the diner even if his own life depended on it.

Sherry was just as surprised as she was. "I don't understand." Was all she muttered.

Rosalinda quickly worked her way to the diner's main entrance and opened the doors. Staff members entered and locked the door keeping everyone else out. All gathered together in the kitchen. Rosalinda nervously looked around the group looking to see if Jerry was among them. He wasn't there.

"Do we close the diner for today?" Someone asked.

She didn't know what to say. Neither did the rest of them.

"All of this has to be a mistake. Jerry wouldn't sell the diner." Another spoke.

Sherry stepped out and singled everyone to calm down. "I'm sure this is all a misunderstanding. Surely they have it all wrong. This diner had been here for years, let's all just open up and work. Hopefully, Jerry shows up and clears this all up for us."

All murmured in agreement and split up to begin the morning shift. Rosalinda hung up her things and tied her apron around her waist as usual. Grabbing her note pad and pen she walked to her tables. Mornings were usually busy, but never this busy the whole diner was packed with people trying to get a table or trying to talk to the staff.

Reaching her first table she knew for a fact they weren't usuals. "Hi my name is Rosalinda, what can I get you today?"

Here were six men three in each side starting at her as if she were a simple prey. Squirming under their gaze, she made sure to keep eye contact short. Eventually, they ordered while asking questions about the diner and Jerry. Rosalinda refused to simply answer or stating she didn't know a thing.

As the day went, the buzz about the diner became old news and the usuals around dinner time arrived. The old couple from the previous day were sitting side by side and whispered to each other quietly. As soon as she reached their table they're faces replaced concern.

"Rosalinda is the diner really closing down?" Marty asked. Rosalinda frowned, she knew they were no harm.

"I don't know. Jerry hasn't make an appearance all day."

"Oh. Well I guess we'll order. Now, we'd like the usual." His wife said.

Placing their orders, Rosalinda took a second to  look around The diner was no longer buzzing there was hardly anyone there.

"You got another costumer. He's new, pretty hunky too." Sherry said pointing to the table behind her.

Rosalinda shook her head. "You always think that."

Grabbing the hot plates full with food she walked over the old couple and placed it on their table. Wiping her hands on her apron, she then grabbed her notepad and walked to the next table avoiding eye contact.

"Hi my name is Rosalinda and I'll be your server. What can I get for you?" She said looking down at the lines on the pad.

A throat was cleared. "Yes, by ten I want this place cleared. I have people coming here to inspect for tomorrow's demolition. I would also like black coffee with one sugar. That would be all."

Rosalinda's head jerked up. Her eyes made contact with sharp icy blue ones that made her shiver. This man was not dressed like her usual customers, he wore a light grey suit and tie with a crips white shirt. His hair was ruffled and his beard was neatly kept, nonetheless gave him a rugged aura, that Rosalinda found herself attracted to.