Page 59 of Animal's Reformation
“I think those two people are leaving,” Ivy said pointing to a long wooden bar.
Olivia rushed over and secured the two bronzed barstools and settled down on the rust leather cushions.
“I’ll give the hostess our name,” Ivy said.
Olivia peeled off her coat and adjusted her pale-green angora top as she looked around the restaurant. The glossed oak floors and red brick walls lent an urban feel to the place. Large planters filled with greenery, dried branches, and berries added warmth to the restaurant. The faint strains of classic rock tunes blended with the din of chatter, clanging pots and pans, and raucous laughter.
“Twenty minutes—not too bad,” Ivy said as she sank on the barstool next to Olivia’s.
“I thought it was going to be longer since there’re so many people waiting.”
“Tables for two aren’t so bad. The larger ones are being told thirty to forty-five minutes. Are you going to have a beer?”
Olivia looked at the ten taps and the lengthy list of bottled beers and shook her head. “I’m not much of a beer drinker. I think I’ll go with my usual white wine, if they have it.”
“May I help you?” a pleasant-looking bartender asked as he placed cocktail napkins in front of them.
“I’m hoping you have something other than beer?” Olivia said.
The man laughed. “We do—red and white wine.” He handed her a wine list.
As she perused it, Ivy ordered a local brew on tap.
“I’ll take a glass of Domaine LaRoche Chablis, please.”
“A very good selection,” he said as he took the wine list from her. “I’ll be right back with both your orders.”
“I love it here,” Ivy said as she took off her jacket. “It’s got a real modern feel but a comfy small-town vibe.”
“I like it too. I actually didn’t expect it to be so nice,” Olivia said.
“Me neither. I think it’s the name—Burgers & BeerJoint.” She giggled.
Before the women had finished their drinks they were ready to be seated, so they followed the hostess to a small table nestled in a corner near a window that looked out to the street.
“Your server will be with you soon,” the cute hostess said as she handed them menus.
A fruity aroma mingled with the smells of roasted coffee and hickory, making Olivia’s stomach growl.
“It smells so good in here,” she said, reading the menu.
“The fruity scent is from the beer, and the one I ordered is delicious. I’m really hungry, too, so I guess that’s a good sign, right?” Ivy said.
“Do you normally stop eating when you’re nervous or upset?” Olivia asked.
“Definitely. I can lose five pounds easily when I’m down in the dumps.”
“Then it’s great that you’re hungry. I’m the opposite—I’ll gain your five pounds when I’m feeling down. My breakup with Kory packed seven on me. Ice cream, brownies, and cookies, especially Oreos, are my go-to breakup foods.”
“Hi, my name is Bridget and I’m your server. Are you ready to order?”
Olivia glanced at the menu. “I’ll have the spicy guacamole burger with cheddar cheese and extra jalapeños.”
“Fries?”
“Yes, and a side dinner salad with balsamic dressing.” She handed the menu to Bridget.
Ivy ordered the veggie burger with swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and sun-dried tomatoes with a side of fries and fried pickles.
