The Diner

James Madison, A writer for the Oakland press finds himself caught up in the middle of a scandal. That he later finds out involves the gay mafia.

It was a typical Wednesday afternoon. I just got back from spending half of my rent money on shoes. I was late on a deadline and my neighbors kid wouldn’t stop crying. As a writer for the Oakland press I’d been assigned to write about charity events and local basketball games. But my passion was criminal journalism. My apartment, which had once been a hotel had been converted into tiny apartments. I was lucky enough to snatch one up and turn it into my tiny sanctuary. My bedroom had also become an office, living room and a official clothing store. After two hours of researching, typing and backspacing I decided I should come up for some air and get something to eat. One look into my refrigerator and it was clear I was eating out. I’d always spend countless hours in forever 21 but never make it to the grocery section in meijers. I grabbed my burgundy trench coat, the one I got half off at forever 21 and headed down the semi dark hallway. Michigan winters made it bedtime by 5:30. I would usually walk down three flights of stairs but today being lazy is a must. As I headed towards the elevator I noticed my neighbor ms. Edna. Ms Edna was around fifty four I assumed and I never could catch her in jogging pants or flats. She always complained to management about me because have to many guests.

“ Good evening Ms Edna” I said slightly annoyed by the elevator doors still being closed.

She looked me up and down. Kind of how your mother does before you leave the house as a teenager.

“ How are you James? “ she said with a grin

By this time we both had realized the out of order sign by the elevator so we headed for the stairs. The conversation was light. Weather this and Donald trump that but as we approach the exit door to the building she grab my hand.

“ Now I know me and you have never really got along but you be safe out here. They found a young gay teen murder about a block from here. And I don’t want that for you”

She actually looked scared and feared for me. I walked her to her Uber and headed down the block to the local diner.

As I walked down the street I began to realize how much I stood out. Glitter tights, black army boots, pink vintage shorts and a graphic tee. I was a walking target.

When I walked into the diner the door bell rang. As if walking in isn’t enough the damn door bell has to ring. I sat in the corner booth by the big window.

“ Can I start you off with a coffee” the waitress smelled like cigarettes. She had red curly hair and coffee stains on her white polo shirt.

“ I’ll take a water and a menu please” as I looked over the menu I over heard the couple in the booth behind me discussing the same recent events that Ms Edna was speaking to me about.

Up until recently meaning five minutes ago I use to feel safe in this city. There is talks of a Christian Terrorist group single handily attempting to get rid of the gay community.

Thirty minutes and a veggie omelette later as I was looking out the window watching the snow fall continuously, the door bell rang.
I looked over my shoulder to see a tall African American man dressed in all black. His jet black trench coat almost touched the floor. He had on this season Christian louboutin dress shoes and a all white button down shirt with A gold tee and a brief case.

He sat at the counter and order a coffee, black of course and a turkey club sandwich.
The curly head waitress who smelled of cigarettes began to flirt with him.

“ Hey there sugar, you need a refill” she said as she leaned in to give him a better look a her breast.

“ No thank you” he said. His voice was firm and confident. A voice that makes a room stop. I’m a strong believer that you can tell how a man makes love by his voice.

Looking at him I couldn’t help but wonder who was he? What did he do? How much money was in his savings account? You know the important things.

As time went by and I was about to leave because my bill had went from twelve dollars to thirty. Apparently you watching strange attractive guys is prohibited unless your buying something. As I began to grab my coat another strange guy walks in. Same build, similar clothes just Latino. He sits at the booth right behind me. Some creepy mystical force swipe across me and wouldn’t let me leave my seat.

“ Tonight must be my lucky night! Are you hungry baby boy”

As ridiculous and obnoxious as the waitress may seem you had to give it to her. She was determined not to go home alone.

“ Just a glass of water ma’am “

I was shocked and by his voice. CNN or Donald Trump would have you believe every Hispanic spoke with broken English and was loitering construction sites in search of a green card. I still haven’t really got a good look at his face but if he was anything like he sounded I’m sure I would approve.

Moments later the strange man at the counter motion for the waitress.

“ Yes sweetie” says the waitress

“ Can I get another coffee and I’ll be moving to the table in the corner”

My heart started beating fast. I looked around the diner for other corner tables but I was sitting at the only one. Either high school math had failed me completely or he was heading over here.

Had he noticed me watching him all night? Perhaps he was lost and needed directions?
Crazy random thoughts were rushing to my head.

I was thinking should I leave ? Or I made my bed so I probably should lay in it?

To my surprise he stopped at the booth behind me and sat across from the Latino.

“ Your late “ said the mystery man
“ Man David on some bullshit” says the Latino
“ all he want to do is argue about any little thing and that s**t driving me crazy but I love you”

“ yeah y’all belong together” says the mystery man

I sat up straight in disbelief. Was I hearing what I thought? Were they gay? Who’s David? And our they having an affair with each other? The diner haven’t had this much action since one day coney dogs on Tuesday’s.

“ We lost another one” said the Latino “ Things are being to get out of hand not only did jack and his crew take out to two of our men. They also took down one of our spots”

“ Now this s**t is on the news! Our next move has to be cool and calculated” says the mystery Man

“ Hell naw Damien, we need to hit them hard” says the Latino while slightly raising his voice and quickly bringing it back down.

The man who’d I been secretly watching name I now knew. Damien. I’d imagined Devontae or Fredrick but never Damien.

“ Pull our boys off the streets, I want a complete lock down” Damien said

While leaning back to far to hear the conversation I forgot all my s**t was on the table. I knocked over a full cup of hot coffee right on two my lap.

“ Aww s**t” I said

Suddenly everyone was looking at me including Damien and the Latino. I believe everyone must a have forgot I was there. So I did what any red blooded American would do. I threw down two twenty’s and head for the door.

As I got back to my apartment I locked the door. For the first time in a long time I slept with the bathroom light on. All I could think of was the guys in the diner. I had came across some mobsters or gangsters. And they were nothing like the movies said they would be. They weren’t Italian or wore sagging pants. They were gay!