The silence between them intruded in his thoughts. They continued to sit here for a few minutes without saying a word. Joshua couldn’t help it. He wanted to say something but nervousness stifled his voice. Instead he pushed the bacon off to the side of the plate. The waitress ignored them both. Only one other customer sat nearby, several booths away.
“Don’t like bacon?”
Oh, thank God, he said something.
“It’s just—well, greasy. Yuck.” Joshua shuddered. “Do you want it, Eli?”
“No, I do not eat any meat,” Eli said in a flat tone.
“What about cheese, dairy? Are you a vegan?” Joshua asked as he picked up the orange juice.
“Yes, nothing from animals.” Eli sighed. “Plants. Everything from plants. That’s what I eat.”
“Have you been a vegan all your life?” Joshua put the fork down and stare
