There’s Something in the Air - Open
The bell over the door jangled as Neal entered Granny's. Bits of snow trailed his feet and the flakes that settled on his scarf and coat melted with the warmth of the diner. Breathing in, a wistful smile creased the corners of his eyes. The place smelled as festive as it looked. A holiday wonderland of lights, metallic baubles, garland, and a freshly cut tree decorated the quaint space. The decorations mixed with the carols playing on the jukebox as well as scents of the season - spicy pumpkin pie, roasting turkey, minty-who-knows-what, and of course the evergreen zest from the woody decorations.
Sliding into a vacant booth by the window, Neal went for the laminated menu. Someone plastered the corners with holly stickers. They made him chuckle. Just as he cracked the menu, one of the servers brought over a mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and cinnamon; a peppermint stick was stuck in the tower twists of whiteness. "Thanks," he greeted, unsure about the combination. Even during their Bonnie and Clyde days, Neal had not really like cinnamon with cocoa. However, because Emma loved it, he tolerated the drink. "I'll be ready in a few."
She smiled and left Neal to looking over the food choices. Asking for his usual was the direction he went, but today stomach dictated he have something more festive. The turkey, stuffing, cranberry sandwich (on choice of bagel or cracked-wheat bread) sounded really good. There definitely would have to be a side of pumpkin pie. The bell's chime overhead brought Neal from his foodie daydreams.
