I submitted this for the 2023 Halloween contest but under the wrong category. It is still the basic story with some corrections and I added a few paragraphs to the beginning. I also changed the title which was just 'Diner.'
In the late 18 hundreds a small train of wagons stopped in southern Georgia just off the main road that lead from the county seat. It was a narrow gravel road that was to become the southern border of their new home. Several hundred acres of land that was purchased to become a new plantation. For many months a traveler going by would hear the sound of hammers and saws building the big house for the owners. Also housing for the paid workers and for those bought and sold at the whim of the owners. The main house while not huge was perfect in every way for a rich family.
The road would be called the plantation road. On occasion there would be music and laughter from the main house as the owners partied with the local elite. But then a darker image arose. Travelers at night would find themselves walking or riding faster past the plantation. Stories would be told of strange and eerie screams in the night. Strange lights would be seen floating above the trees.
At the turn of the century the mistress of the house built a diner by the road. Some said it was because the main house kitchen would become too warm during the hot summers. Others wondered about the mistress's sanity but because she was rich and connected she was merely refereed to as eccentric.
Now the plantation seemed abandoned with most of the buildings collapsed or gone.
Pete and Gladys were headed north on the interstate in the rural part of south Georgia. They had visited their long time friends Judy and Hal who had relocated sometime ago in Florida.
"That was something of a surprise," said Gladys.
"What was dear?"
"Well remember we had wondered if we might have a mini orgy with them for old times sake but I was surprised when they brought in that younger couple. "
"At our age everyone seems younger," he added.
"One look at her naked and you were instantly hard," she said.
"She was hot," he replied.
"Big boobs you mean."
"Hey I am a guy, right? And you took no time at all getting down with your mouth and lubricating his dick. "
"It was a perfect dick though."
They both laughed.
" I'm going to pull off here to get gas. It's been two hours and I need to stretch my legs."
"There doesn't seem much here."
"Sign said gas three miles if I turn right."
Gladys took the lens cap off her camera. She kept it available when on back roads looking for scenery to photograph. Suddenly she turned and pointed the camera in front of her husband.
"Hey be careful."
"Did you see that diner? "
"No I didn't I am trying to drive here."
"It was one of those old fashion diners the kind that sorta looks like a railroad car."
She held down the shutter button to take several pictures.
* * *
On the way back from the service station she begged him to stop at the diner. He doubted that it would be open out here in the middle of nowhere but he pulled in to the driveway that faced the diner. Outside was a waitress and she raised a coffee pot in greeting when she saw them. Gladys took a few more pictures of the waitress.
"Will you stop with the camera now?"
"If I can crop it just right especially with the waitress holding up that coffee pot, that is going to be a great picture to print," She replied.
The waitress opened the door and waved them in saying that they were still open. After pouring them each a cup of coffee, she said the grill was not being used and suggested a hearty soup with origins in east Europe. She served them each a steaming bowl of the delicious looking soup and asked if she could sit with them. The soup was not only delicious but relaxing in a strange way.
" Gobova juha is a traditional Slovenian mushroom soup," Explained Frieda.
"I am surprised you are open this being such a remote place," said Pete.
"Actually we are never open except on this day. It is sort of a tradition and this is a special day," She replied, "Where are my manners. I am Frieda Williams."
She pronounce the w like a v. Pete and Gladys introduced themselves.
"It is getting late and we had better get going," said Pete.
"Nonsense you can stay with us as guests and be fresh to go tomorrow. Just follow the driveway outside on the left and park in front of the house. I will lock up and come by a back way."
Pete was about ready to object but Gladys quickly said they were tired and would be glad to take her up on her proposal.
* * *