Seven Empty Deposit Envelopes Showed What Was Happening At Carters Diner
We had fifty-eight customers before nine yesterday, she said. Most of them were the regulars who used to sit in the back booth.
They are coming back, Carter said.
They are, Linda said. They like the new girl.
She slid the papers back into the folder and looked toward the kitchen door.
How is Henry doing? she asked.
He was here at six, Carter said. He had his key in the lock before I even parked the truck.
He spent the night in the apartment? Linda asked.
He did, Carter said. He told me the steam radiator made a hissing noise all night, but he didn’t mind it.
It beats a backseat, Linda said.
It does, Carter said.
Linda pulled her collar tighter against her neck.
I have to drive down to Litchfield to check on the morning delivery at that store, she said. Do you need me to stay here for the lunch rush?
No, Carter said. I will be here all day.
You aren’t going back to Decatur? she asked.
Not yet, Carter said. I have some things to finish here first.
