Frankie and the Waitress

Frankie walked through the streets of Cabbagetown in Toronto. It was a blustery autumn night. He had his scarf wrapped tight around his neck. He pulled his woolen coat tight against himself.

“It is so cold outside,” said Frankie, shivering.

“Yes,” said Frankie’s friend, Marvin. “It is very cold.”

Frankie noticed that Marvin didn’t have a very warm coat. He started taking his coat off and he was going to give it to Marvin to wear.

“What are you doing?” asked Marvin, shocked by Frankie’s kindness. “You need your coat. I will be fine. I appreciate the offer though.”

“Are you sure?” asked Frankie.

“Yes,” said Marvin. “I am sure. What has gotten into you?”

“What do you mean?” asked Frankie.

“Well,” said Marvin. “You used to be a ruthless monster. You would never have offered me your coat, even if you had a spare one.”

“I had breakfast at the diner the other morning,” explained Frankie. “The waitress at the diner told me that I have a heart and she smiled at me when I left.”

“I am glad she did,” said Marvin. “I really like this new Frankie a whole lot better.”

“Was I really that bad before?” asked Frankie.

“Oh yes,” said Marvin. “You were nasty.”

“I think I am going to go thank that waitress,” said Frankie. “Her kind words changed my life.”

Frankie checked the change in his pocket. He had enough to get himself a cup of coffee. Marvin saw what he was doing and he handed Frankie a five dollar bill.

“What is this for?” asked Frankie.

“Buy the waitress a cup of coffee with it,” said Marvin.

“Thank you,” said Frankie.

Frankie took his scarf off and wrapped it around Marvin’s neck.

“Thank you,” said Marvin. “I really do appreciate this.”

Frankie walked into the diner. He took a booth at the far back corner. He saw the waitress. He waved at her.

“Well,” said the waitress, smiling. “It is nice to see you again.”

“I would like to buy you a cup of coffee,” said Frankie, smiling back at her.

“I would like that,” said the waitress. “I have a break coming up in about five minutes.”

“That would be great,” said Frankie. “My name is Frankie.”

“It is nice to meet you,” said the waitress. “My name is Anna.”

Anna cleared off the dishes from the table beside Frankie’s and then she disappeared into the kitchen. She came back out a few minutes later with two cups of coffee and a huge slice of apple pie that she set down in front of Frankie.

“Thank you,” said Frankie, with a worried look on his face. “I can’t afford that slice of pie.”

Anna sat down across the table from Frankie and pushed the pie closer to him.

“This is on me,” said Anna.

“Thank you,” said Frankie, taking a bite of the pie. “I am buying the coffee’s though.”

“It is a deal,” said Anna, smiling.

“Your smile is contagious,” said Frankie, smiling back at her.

“Thank you,” said Anna.

“I wanted to thank you for the kind words you said to me the other day,” said Frankie.

Anna looked confused.

“Remember when you said you knew I had a heart underneath that rugged exterior,” said Frankie.

“Yes,” said Anna. “I do remember and I knew you weren’t as ruthless as you looked.”

“Your kind words changed my outlook on life,” said Frankie. “My friends have even noticed the change in me.”

“Frankie,” said Anna, reaching across the table and taking his hand in hers. “I am glad I was able to make a difference in your life.”

“You definitely did,” said Frankie.

Frankie and Anna had a wonderful talk and when Frankie paid for the coffees, he reached over and gave Anna a kiss on her cheek. He saw that Anna blushed. He put on his coat and before he left the diner, Anna gave him a big hug.

“Take care of yourself,” said Anna, smiling as she waved goodbye to him.

“I will,” said Frankie.