“We can’t leave him in the truck,” Lila adds, following my gaze.
“I’ll stay out here with him,” I offer, even though I’m not thrilled about missing breakfast. “You go ahead and get something.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We can just get it to go.”
I lead Max back to the truck, guilt tugging at me as his ears droop, like he knows he’s being left behind. “It’s just for a little while, buddy,” I tell him, helping him into the backseat. I crack the windows enough for airflow, but not enough for him to squeeze through.
Max settles onto his blanket with a quiet huff, watching me in a way that feels suspiciously like disappointment. I lock the truck and head back to Lila, who’s watching a family pile out of a minivan, kids racing each other to the diner door.
“He gave me the sad look,” I admit as we head inside.
“They always do,” Lila says. “It’s their superpower.”
As we step inside the diner, the smell of coffee and bacon hits me immediately. The place is about half-full, mostly localsfrom the looks of it, gathered in vinyl booths and at the counter. A waitress with a name tag reading “Darlene” approaches us, notepad already in hand.
“Table for two?” she asks, her eyes briefly taking in Lila's sling.
“Actually,” I say, “do you take to-go orders? We have a dog waiting in the car.”
Darlene nods, tapping her pen against the notepad. “Sure do, honey. What can I get for you folks?”
My mind suddenly goes blank as I stare at the menu board behind her. All the breakfast options blur together, and I find myself unable to make a simple decision about food. I glance at Lila, who's looking at me with barely concealed amusement.
“Um, we'll take...”
“Two of the Sunrise Specials, please,” Lila answers for me. “Extra order of scrambled eggs on the side.”
“Coffee with those?” Darlene asks.
“Yes, please,” Lila jumps in, saving me from another moment of indecision. “Largest size you've got.”
Darlene scribbles on her pad, then looks up with a smile. “You folks passing through or staying a while?”
“Just passing through,” I answer.
“Well, if you’re looking for somewhere to take that dog of yours,” Darlene adds, tucking her pen behind her ear, “there’s a nice little dog park about three blocks down on Maple. Got some picnic tables too. Might be a good spot to enjoy your breakfast.”
“That sounds great,” I reply, oddly grateful for the suggestion. “Max would appreciate some time to run around.”
“Most folks do.” Darlene gives a quick wink. “Both the four-legged and two-legged kind. Your order should be up in about ten minutes.”
As she heads toward the kitchen, Lila leans against the counter, bracing herself with her good arm. “See? Small towns have their advantages.”
“What do you think comes in a sunrise special?”
“No idea.” Lila shrugs. “Guess we’re about to find out.”
I nod, watching as Darlene returns with a tray stacked with two Styrofoam containers and two large cups of coffee. The smell alone makes my stomach growl.
“Here you go,” Darlene adds, setting everything on the counter. “I threw in some extra bacon. You two look like you could use it.”
I reach for my wallet. “Thank you. How much do we owe you?”
“Fifteen even.” I hand her a twenty.
“Keep the change,” I tell her, gathering our breakfast while Lila grabs the coffees.
“Much obliged,” Darlene smiles. “Y'all have a good day now.”
