My job takes me all over the country. Recently, I found myself a half hour north of Birmingham, Alabama. The little one horse town I stayed in was right out of a Larry McMurtry novel. Since relocating to the Midwest, I preferred to stay out of the big cities, especially while on assignment.
After checking into my motel, I drove around the town looking for the diner my cell phone indicated was close.
The sign in the entranceway instructed guests to sit anywhere. I chose a booth, near the back of the diner, and began perusing the menu.
"What will it be today, Sugar? Have you decided, yet?"
Standing next to my booth was an incredibly beautiful, full bodied waitress. Her jet black hair was pulled back and up in a bun. Pink lipstick covered her full pouty lips. The buttons on her white blouse were straining to keep her large breasts from popping out, but it was her eyes that were spellbinding. Bright, clear blue eyes, almost with a twinkle, stared at me, while I stared back.
"I understand the food here is the best in town," I said.
"Well, Sugar, the truth is, the best food in town comes out of my kitchen at home. This here is the second best," she replied.
I ordered a burger, fries and an unsweetened ice tea. No beer today because I had work to do during the rest of the afternoon. Starting early tomorrow, the all day trips would begin.
When my lunch arrived, she sat down across from me. It was early afternoon and the lunch crush was over. She looked me over and said, "You don't talk or dress like anyone from around here. What brings you to town, Sugar?"
"I'm investigating some insurance claims around Birmingham. I'm originally from the East Coast, currently living in the Midwest. My name is Tony," I said.
Tapping the name plate with her pencil, which was fastened to her ample chest, she said, "As you can see, I'm Hildi, and it's a pleasure to serve you."
"It's a pleasure to be in your company," I said. Then I asked her, "Where can I get an ice cold beer, when I return to town at night?"
"Well, Sugar, the coldest beer in town is in my fridge at home, but most of the fellas around here go over to the Dew Drop Inn. The place is usually packed around 8:00."
I asked for the check, and watched her in her tight black slacks disappear behind the counter.