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Josie'sUse of this excerpt from Running with the Demon by Terry Brooks may be made only for purposes of promoting the book, with no changes, editing or additions whatsoever and must be accompanied by the following copyright notice: copyright ©1997 by Terry Brooks. |
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Cold air washed over him, a welcome relief. Josie's coffee shop occupied
the corner of Second Avenue and Third Street across from the liquor store,
the bank parking lot, and Hays Insurance. Windows running the length of
both front walls gave a clear view of the intersection and those trudging
to and from their air-conditioned offices and cars. Booths lined the
windows, red leather fifties-era banquettes reupholstered and restitched.
An L-shaped counter wrapped with stools was situated farther in, and a
scattering of tables occupied the available floor space between. There
were fresh-baked doughnuts, sweet rolls, and breads displayed in a glass
case at the far end of the counter, and coffee, espresso, hot chocolate,
tea, and soft drinks to wash those down. Josie's boasted black cows, green
rivers, sarsaparillas, and the thickest shakes for miles. Breakfast was
served anytime, and you could get lunch until three, when the kitchen
closed. Takeout was available and frequently used. Josie's had the best
daytime food in town, and almost everyone drifted in to sample it at least
once or twice a week.
"Well, there you are," Josie greeted from behind the counter, giving him her warmest smile. "Your buddies have been wondering if you were coming in." Old Bob smiled back. "Have they now?" "Sure. They can't spit and walk at the same time without you to show them how--you know that." Josie cocked one eyebrow playfully. "I swear you get better-looking every time I see you." Old Bob laughed. Josie Jackson was somewhere in her thirties, a divorc&eactue;e with a teenage daughter and a worthless ex-husband last seen heading south about half a dozen years ago. She was younger-looking than her years, certainly younger-acting, with big dark eyes and a ready smile, long blondish hair and a head-turning body, and most important of all a willingness to work that would put most people to shame. She had purchased Josie's with money loaned to her by her parents, who owned a carpet-and-tile business. Having worked much of her adult life as a waitress, Josie Jackson knew what she was doing, and in no time her business was the favorite breakfast and lunch spot in Hopewell. Josie ran it with charm and efficiency and a live-and-let-live attitude that made everyone feel welcome. |
Old Bob and his union pals were there every day. Before the mill was shut
down, only those who had retired came in on a regular basis, but now all
of them showed up every morning without fail. Most were already there as
Old Bob made his way to the back of the room and the clutch of tables
those who had gotten there first had shoved together to accommodate
latecomers. Old Bob waved, then detoured toward the service counter. Carol
Blier intercepted him, asked how he was doing, and told him to stop by the
office sometime for a chat. Old Bob nodded and moved on, feeling Carol's
eyes following him, measuring his step. Carol sold life insurance.
