Fun at the diner

John limped into the fancy diner, his left leg bandaged from injury. Despite the pain, he was determined to enjoy a meal and forget his troubles. He had heard good things about the food and was eager to try it for himself. As he hobbled over to a table, the hostess greeted him with an uninterested expression.

“Table for one?” she asked, rude and dismissive.

John nodded, hiding his discomfort. “Yes, please,” he whispered.

The hostess thought he didn’t belong. Ragged clothes and unkempt appearance – she had seen his kind before. She was used to turning them away. But there was something in his eyes that caught her attention. A quiet confidence that radiated from within. She was intrigued.

Struggling with her thoughts, the hostess couldn’t match her initial impression to her feelings. Should she take a chance and let him in? What if she regretted her decision? But what if she missed out on an opportunity to get to know him? She believed him, trusted he was no threat. Quiet, but his eyes conveyed wisdom and intelligence. She couldn’t turn him away.

“Of course,” the hostess said, smiling warmly. “Right this way.”

As he approached the table, he heard the hostess say, “Let me get that for you.”

“No, thanks,” John said, lowering his voice. “I’m fine.”

“Why are you limping?” the hostess asked, sounding concerned.

“Just an injury,” John lied. “Tripped over a tree stump.”

“How did you hurt yourself?” the hostess asked, taking a seat next to him.

“Well, I guess it’s a table for two now,” John said, smiling at her, looking down at his leg.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” the hostess asked.

“Of course,” John said. “Have dinner with me? What’s your name?”

“Donna,” she replied. “Donna Fortuna and I'd love to.”

“Fortuna?” John asked. “As in bad luck?”

*thinking* Erica is going to be pissed I left my spot this long.

"Who's Erica Donna?" John inquired

"She's my boss, she runs this place," was the immediate answer