View From The Diner by Bob and Donna Sellers
Story by Donna Sellers
Anna finally decides to tell Wimple their relationship is over and invites him to Mable’s Diner. Attempting to be strong, Anna shares, “Wimp, I know it’s tough for you to make money as a watercolor artist, but you have been living at your parent’s house ever since we met. I just don’t want to pretend any longer that we will have a future together.”
“Please, Anna, don’t give up on me. I have an exhibit coming up soon. Lots of people will see my work on Arts’ Alive. I’m sure I will soon be discovered.”
“I’m really sorry, Wimple, but I AM leaving,” Anna shares, as she gets up from her seat, straightens her dress, while desperately holding back the tears threatening to express her mixed feelings. She rushes, with determination, out of the diner.
Wimp, now quite frantic, chases after her, hoping he can convince her to change her mind. After all, they have been at the point of breaking up before.
Anna is relieved when she sees Bucky driving toward the diner. Pulling herself together, and attempting to look as sexy as possible, she steps into the street, hoping Bucky will give her a ride in his hot Cobra.
“Please stay with me,” Wimple begs, as he sees Anna turning her attentiontowards the man in the red Cobra.
As Wimple realizes Anna is serious this time, he quickly pulls out his notepad and pen as he watches Anna drive away with Bucky. He takes a few notes and turns, anxiously looking around. Wimple thinks, “Oh no, have I lost my bicycle again?”
Story by Bob Sellers
Amy Reddish graduated college very physically fit: majored in gymnastics and dance. Professional employment opportunities run the other way when she applies. Finally, she becomes assistant cheerleader coach at the High School. Minimum wage.
Living in the moment, her male friends find her very attractive, playful and impulsive. But her empty future awakens her every night with worry.
She meets Don Plaidley, owner of the local diner and five more. Well known, respected as a businessman, and contributor to community causes, Mr. Plaidley loves the confidence he feels. “Business is my door to the good life,” he tells his goldfish.
Plaidley notices Amy the first time she enters his diner. “Oh,” he whispers to himself feeling the energy of her attractiveness. Instantly he knows he wants her, a feeling first for him.
After lunch, Amy leaves the diner, noticing Plaidley following her: his eyes holding her. “Please … uh … you … me,” he’s able to say before his tongue tangles. Feeling his heart rate double, fear freezes him. Wordlessly, he gestures his passion offering his open hands as if to say, “Like me or something.”
Amy shows no surprise at Plaidley’s move on her. She turns to smile for him when she hears the roar of the approaching red Cobra muscle car. It’s the rodeo cowboy, Bucky Jonson, who she met yesterday at the bull-riding event. Trying to remember his name, she steps into the street to get him to stop.
Seeing the issue, Plaidley forcefully warns her about the likes of men like him.
Amy turns to Plaidley revealing feelings of uncertainty in her face and body. Her father had talked like that.