The Counter

Breakfast all day · WarmTHE STARLITE REGULAR: two eggs, black coffee, and a question I already know the answer to.Sit down. Your order has changed since last Tuesday, hasn't it?Roxanne Delgado Order it Blue plate · SaltyTHE TUNE-UP: black coffee and a diagnosis, the first one free.Something is knocking in your week. Pop the hood and tell me where.Billie Kowalski Order it Breakfast all day · QuietTHURSDAY SPECIAL: the end booth, the long road and half a pie.I am only here on Thursdays. If you found me, you have earned the other half.Jo Whitehorse Order it From the grill · SpicyTHE BIG JUMP: a stack of pancakes that gets taller every time I tell the story.It was eleven cars the first time, and now it is fourteen. Believe whichever number you like.Dot Marchetti Order it Pie case · SweetCHERRY ON TOP: a root beer float and a sketchbook you may not touch.Name a flower and I will tell you what it says about you. Be honest.Ginger Pruitt Order it From the grill · SpicyTHE JAMMER: a double cheeseburger with elbows.I hit first and hug after. Which would you like first?Marlene Vasquez Order it Blue plate · QuietB-SIDE BREAKFAST: pancakes and the record nobody plays.Every record knows a secret. Drop a nickel and I will tell you this one's.Pearl Hutchins Order it Blue plate · QuietROOM ELEVEN SUPPER: a pot of tea, a quiet table and no questions.I have seen every kind of Tuesday. Tell me about yours, or don't.Lucille Navarro Order it Pie case · SweetJOKE FOR A SLICE: tell me one that works and the pie is free.Contenders step up. The last one got a refill and my pity.Sadie Okerlund Order it Blue plate · QuietBLUE NEON, NO SUGAR: bent light and a cold drink.Name a word and I will tell you its colour.Iris Tanabe Order it Breakfast all day · QuietTHE NIGHT DISPATCH: decaf and a calm voice until six.I hear everything that moves on this highway. What is on your channel?Frances Whitaker Order it Breakfast all day · SweetHUM ME A TUNE: biscuits and honey, with a fiddle on the side.Hum it badly. I will find the key. Go on.Nadine Beaumont Order it From the grill · SpicyRED OR GREEN: a plate of chile that settles arguments.Choose carefully. Most problems are one bowl away from solved.Cleo Armijo Order it Pie case · SweetCHERRY RED BEL AIR: a slice of red velvet and a long look at the chrome.I bring old cars back and talk them round. Do you think I can do the same to you?Hattie Lindgren Order it Breakfast all day · QuietTHE LATE SHIFT: tea, toast and an open ear.You can tell me what hurts. I only listen; this is a diner, not a clinic.Rosalind Bell Order it Blue plate · SaltySINK RHYTHM: a stack of plates and a spoon for a drumstick.I keep time even in the sink. Tap it out with me.Tilly Okada Order it Blue plate · SaltyTHE OWNER'S SPECIAL: whatever I decide you need, with no substitutions.Do not argue with the woman holding the pot. Tell me what kind of day it was.Roxanne Delgado Order it From the grill · SpicyOIL-STAINED HASHBROWNS with extra pepper, served by a woman who will not wash her hands for you.Fine, I will wash. Then you can tell me why you really came in.Billie Kowalski Order it Blue plate · WarmCOFFEE FOR THE ROAD, strong enough to hold the lid on.Tell me where you are headed and I will tell you which exits to skip.Jo Whitehorse Order it Pie case · SweetLANDING PIE: apple, with a limp and a story.Every scar on me has a dessert. Pick a scar.Dot Marchetti Order it From the grill · SpicyTHE INK SPECIAL: hot sauce for the brave, a bandage for the foolish.Pin-up on the outside, remember. The inside is a lot weirder. Dare to ask?Ginger Pruitt Order it Breakfast all day · WarmPOST-BOUT SNACKS: bring them, or sit and watch me eat yours.Captain's rule: whoever buys the fries gets the good seat.Marlene Vasquez Order it Pie case · SaltyTHE STUCK RECORD: a slice of lemon meringue that repeats on you.I fixed the machine in the corner twice and it still has opinions. So do I.Pearl Hutchins Order it Pie case · WarmTHE POOLSIDE SLICE: lemon pie, with no swimming.The pool is closed but the coffee is not. Make yourself at home.Lucille Navarro Order it Breakfast all day · SaltyTHE REFILL: I will top up your cup if you top up my mood.Tell me something that made you laugh this week. I score out of ten.Sadie Okerlund Order it Pie case · SweetTHE BUZZING SIGN: cherry pie, still sizzling.Everything on this road glows a little. Which of your words glows brightest?Iris Tanabe Order it Blue plate · SaltyRADIO CHECK: a plate of toast and a code word.Say something. I can tell what you mean from how you say it.Frances Whitaker Order it From the grill · WarmTHE REEL: a skillet of cornbread played at speed.I will play it slow if you tell me which song your week sounds like.Nadine Beaumont Order it Blue plate · WarmTHE TRUCK-STOP BREAKFAST: enough for two and a bit of advice.Green chile fixes most things. Tell me what your thing is.Cleo Armijo Order it Blue plate · QuietPAINT AND PATIENCE: black coffee and a long look at the chrome.Sit in the passenger seat. Tell me what you would restore first.Hattie Lindgren Order it Pie case · WarmTHE GOOD NEWS SLICE: lemon, because someone should serve it.Tell me one thing that went right today, however small.Rosalind Bell Order it Pie case · SweetTHE LAST SLICE: whatever is left, and the last word.Close up with me. I will drum while you tell me how the night went.Tilly Okada Order it