S♥lly's Diner

I often get asked how my wife, Kathleen, and I met. Well, it is one of my favorite stories to tell. We were young and both working hard on different paths. We were going in different directions, but life and love have a funny way of changing your plans.

I had just graduated from high school and decided to move to the big city. I knew once I hit the streets, I could make it big. I didn't have a place to live, so the first night, I rode the bus all night. When the bus was empty, I snuck in some shuteye between stops. The next day, I hit the streets looking for my first BIG opportunity. I got a job as a dishwasher at a local diner. I worked under the table, taking any hours or shifts they would give me, both days and nights. Some days, I thought I would drown in dishwater. I saved my money while looking for somewhere to stay, but nobody wanted to rent to me because I didn't have a solid job.

Kathleen was in her first year at the local university. She was a small-town girl in the big city to go to school. She found a room to rent with a girl she went to school with, but that situation didn't last long. The family she was staying with needed the room for their elderly grandma. Kathleen didn't want them to feel bad, so she assured them she had another friend to stay with, even though she didn't. She was at a loss as to where to go and what to do. That’s when our paths crossed.

I got on the bus after work and found my usual seat to ride out the night. A stop or so later, she got on. What can I tell you? There she was—The Girl, the best thing I never knew I needed. She tried to get on the bus, but in those days, buses were cash only, and all she had was her bank card. I jumped into action and asked if I could help. She nodded. I hoped I didn't come across as too creepy. I could clearly see she was upset about something. She accepted the fare and got on the bus, thanked me, and took a seat behind me.

Now what do I do? Do I turn around and try to make conversation, or mind my own business and leave her alone? A girl like her doesn’t want to be bothered on the bus. I was sitting there, considering my options, when I heard a little whimper. Oh no. How do I ease her pain? How do I get to know her? I sat there for what seemed like forever. I started doing an inventory of what I had on me—something I could use for a conversation starter. Looking in my bag, I found some napkins and cookies from work. Summoning up all my five-year-old courage, I thought, “I can do it!”

We shared our stories with each other over the next couple of hours. Soon, she rested her head on my shoulder and fell asleep. I was glad I made her feel safe enough to sleep. I hoped I’d always get to keep her safe. We rode the bus the rest of the night, with her sleeping on me. I sat there, trying to figure out what I could do to solve her problem, wondering what I could do tomorrow to keep her in my life, wondering if she felt the same. I just knew she was the one.

At sunrise, she rose, pretty as a flower. She was embarrassed that she had slept through the night. She thanked me for looking after her. It was time for her to make her way to school. I asked her if I could escort her, and she nodded. We got off a few stops later and walked toward the university. As we walked, we passed the diner where I worked. We stepped in for some coffee, juice, eggs, and toast. I was enjoying our time together, and my coworkers were very charming and really set a nice scene for us. Carl, the cook and owner of the diner, kept singing love songs that made her giggle. I still love that giggle. Mary, the waitress and one of my closest friends at the diner, kept teasing me, also making Kathleen giggle. The owner’s wife and the restaurant’s namesake, Sally of Sally’s Diner, joined us for a minute or two and paid for our breakfast. It was a nice time. Now, it was time to get her to class.

We made our way to the university, still really enjoying each other's company. As we approached the building where her class was, I got worried that I might not see her again. I slowed down and told her that she gave me the best night and morning since I came to the city. I asked if it would be okay if we saw each other again. She nodded. On that, we parted—her toward class and me to my mission of how to take care of the woman I just met and The Girl of my dreams.

I had been pretty much living at work and on the bus, so I was able to save most of my money. I headed back to town to begin my quest. I spent the day calling on room-for-rent ads. I had no idea if this was smart or not. Why would this lovely girl take help from the likes of me, a fellow she just met? I wasn’t having much luck. I was certainly baffled but determined to find a solution. So, like an 80s montage, I just kept knocking on doors. Not finding much luck, I headed back to work.

As I cleaned the morning dishes, I explained everything to Mary, the waitress. She sweetly listened to the end. Looking back at her, in her silence, I discovered Carl and Sally had been listening too. They were unaware of my riding the bus every night. Sally told Carl it was time to clean up and rent out the apartment above the diner. Carl agreed. He explained it had been junk storage, but if I cleaned it out, he would rent it to me for what he said would be an agreeable amount. Later, I found out he meant agreeable to Sally, not himself. Thank you, Sally.

After work, I rushed back to the university to find Kathleen. While I was making my journey, I thought about what I was about to propose. Hey, nice lady I just met on the bus less than 24 hours ago. Want to move in with me, a poor dishwasher, in an apartment above the diner where I wash said dishes? Wait, this makes no sense. I stopped in my tracks. Now, what do I do? Swallowing the pit that just grew in my stomach, I continued on my way, just trying to think of what to do next, what to say. I didn’t want to blow this. I was just so nervous.

I returned to the building I left Kathleen at this morning. I didn’t see her anywhere. What was I thinking? I wandered around campus, just staring at the ground. Even if I found her, then what? After a bit, I was passing by the library. Kathleen and some other girls came out and headed straight toward me. To my surprise, she gave me a hug and told the girls I was the guy from last night. (You’re damn right I am, ego boost.) Before I could say much, Kathleen said she was going to stay with these girls for the rest of the semester. They had an apartment off-campus, and she could stay there. “Hey, that’s great,” I said. Talk about mixed feelings.

We had a lovely time at dinner. Carl kept calling me his intern or apprentice; I think he thinks they’re the same thing. Sally and Carl definitely did all the duets from the fifties. Got to love those two. I asked Kathleen if she liked garlic bread. She nodded. I ordered the house spaghetti and garlic bread for the table. As we enjoyed dinner, I told the girls of my efforts to find a place for Kathleen. Turns out I’m a “sweetie.” I mentioned the apartment above the restaurant, and Sally helped me tell the rest of that part of the story. Sally made me look heroic. I laughed as I told them about me thinking of Kathleen moving in with me. They still thought I was a “sweetie”—lots of awww's. After dinner, Kathleen and the girls helped me clean the small apartment. It was just a studio, but I was thankful for it. More room than the bus. I thanked the girls, and they started home. I asked Kathleen if I could walk them. She nodded. I was tired, but this way, I’d know where to find her. Not to mention, I just did not want this night to ever end.

As we walked, Kathleen and I fell to the back of the group. She grabbed my hand as we strolled behind the laughing girls in front of us. Walking quietly, holding hands down these city streets. I always felt so alone in this cold city. Tonight, I felt like I had a new family at the diner, friends with the girls who had just cleaned my apartment the day they met me, and The Girl I hoped I would marry someday. I might just be okay; we might just be okay. I let the moment overtake me. I let a tear out and wiped it away just as fast. She looked at me. “What a great day,” I said.

She nodded.