Once across the green bridge that crossed the Piscataqua River to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Lelia wanted to stop for a spell. “Gee, I’m thirsty, are you? Want to take a break, maybe step out of the car and stretch our legs?”
The 1946, well-used Woody needed gas, and it was always prudent to check the water in the radiator, so Owen agreed and pulled in at a filling station where he’d also spotted the familiar bulky, red soda cooler with the bright white letters. When Owen jumped out of the Ford, he gave a dime to the attendant and took out two icy-cold Coca Colas; using the opener on the left side of the cooler to open the cokes. He listened as the bottle caps clanked against the others when they dropped down into the holder.
The couple …show more content…
Lelia crossed her hands over her mouth and raised her eyebrows. “Oh my, this isn’t anything like what I had imagined.”
“What’d ya think”? Owen looked complacent, though he did smile. “Well, I guess I assumed it would be romantic, with cozy candlelit tables.”
A smug chortle was Owen’s only reply as Lelia looked around the crowded restaurant, finding the dining room jaunty and cheerfully lit. Filling the room was an array of communal-type tables, all with red-checked tablecloths. The place had the atmosphere of a crowded train station, rather than a classy restaurant. Oddly, the waitresses were busily running around, practically yelling at the customers. Seeing Lelia’s perplexed look, Owen said, “Don’t mind the girls, it’s all part of their act. Their pretense is to act surly instead of courteous. I believe it’s supposed to create more of a rousing atmosphere.”
“Well, seems quite queer to me, but what the heck, I’m in Boston, so when in Rome…” Lelia laughed at her mixed …show more content…
The meal was not cheap by any means, thirty-five cents each, but definitely the best chowder Lelia had ever tasted, even better than her own.
As they were leaving, Irene, the rather raspy-voiced, bottle-blonde that had been their “disagreeable” waitress turned soft for just a fleeting moment. “Fabulous to see you again.” She winked at Owen, before meandering past Lelia to deliver the dinner plates balancing up her arm. “Unquestionably, everyone seems to remember Owen.” At least that’s the phrase Lelia reassured herself with.
The next day, immediately after Owen was off to work, Lelia dressed in her red suit for a second time. The bun she had worn the day before had left soft pleasing curls in her hair, so she decided to leave it down. Besides, she was anxious to start her day and a quick brush through the waves would be simpler than fussing with a bun. Finally, lipstick and a touch of face powder would have her ready; prepared to find her way to the much talked about Filene’s Department
The 1946, well-used Woody needed gas, and it was always prudent to check the water in the radiator, so Owen agreed and pulled in at a filling station where he’d also spotted the familiar bulky, red soda cooler with the bright white letters. When Owen jumped out of the Ford, he gave a dime to the attendant and took out two icy-cold Coca Colas; using the opener on the left side of the cooler to open the cokes. He listened as the bottle caps clanked against the others when they dropped down into the holder.
The couple …show more content…
Lelia crossed her hands over her mouth and raised her eyebrows. “Oh my, this isn’t anything like what I had imagined.”
“What’d ya think”? Owen looked complacent, though he did smile. “Well, I guess I assumed it would be romantic, with cozy candlelit tables.”
A smug chortle was Owen’s only reply as Lelia looked around the crowded restaurant, finding the dining room jaunty and cheerfully lit. Filling the room was an array of communal-type tables, all with red-checked tablecloths. The place had the atmosphere of a crowded train station, rather than a classy restaurant. Oddly, the waitresses were busily running around, practically yelling at the customers. Seeing Lelia’s perplexed look, Owen said, “Don’t mind the girls, it’s all part of their act. Their pretense is to act surly instead of courteous. I believe it’s supposed to create more of a rousing atmosphere.”
“Well, seems quite queer to me, but what the heck, I’m in Boston, so when in Rome…” Lelia laughed at her mixed …show more content…
The meal was not cheap by any means, thirty-five cents each, but definitely the best chowder Lelia had ever tasted, even better than her own.
As they were leaving, Irene, the rather raspy-voiced, bottle-blonde that had been their “disagreeable” waitress turned soft for just a fleeting moment. “Fabulous to see you again.” She winked at Owen, before meandering past Lelia to deliver the dinner plates balancing up her arm. “Unquestionably, everyone seems to remember Owen.” At least that’s the phrase Lelia reassured herself with.
The next day, immediately after Owen was off to work, Lelia dressed in her red suit for a second time. The bun she had worn the day before had left soft pleasing curls in her hair, so she decided to leave it down. Besides, she was anxious to start her day and a quick brush through the waves would be simpler than fussing with a bun. Finally, lipstick and a touch of face powder would have her ready; prepared to find her way to the much talked about Filene’s Department