I had to deal with larger crowds, stressed staff, and high tempers when I arrived. Par for the course, but exhausting, especially since there was a new day cook who got only one order right in five, and I had to pitch in. He wouldn’t last long. I was happy when ten o’clock arrived and things calmed down, somewhat. I was tired, and a little surprised at my concern about Lud.
I had never seen him like that in all my years living with the man. He hadn’t seemed to have a despondent bone in his body. This other side of Lud…I much preferred his cheerful and slovenly ways, God help me.
At midnight, my roommate showed up at the diner, hair still damp and face shaved. He was clean, smelled decent, and his faded jeans and T-shirt fit him so well, he drew the eyes of the few patrons scattered about
