Dinner Date

Dabbling in the world of short stories.

Roy sits at a cozy table in a warm restaurant on the East side of town.  He's overdressed in his blue button down, dark slacks and groomed hair.  He's trying to impress.  The salt and pepper shakers are uneven; the salt just over half full, and the pepper just under.  The clock says 8:10, it taunts Roy with its stretched arms.  His hands fold neatly on the mahogany table to curb his fidgeting; an excited smile tugs at the corners of his mouth and he blinks excessively in a nervous way. 'She should arrive any minute' he thinks happily, the one he loves, and he can't wait to tell her so.
The waitress approaches the table,
"Are you ready to order?" she asks politely and Roy smiles before replying,
"Not quite yet miss, I'm waiting for a special someone."  He has a charm about him, but it's subtle and sweet.  The clock says 8:15 and Roy tries to keep his anxiety at bay.  His chest grows hot and he slips his phone from this pocket with sweaty hands; no messages, no calls.  The bell above the front door chimes happily as it swings open.  Roy jerks his head around to the door but his wide smile dwindles as his eyes fall on an elderly couple entering the restaurant.
The clock reads 8:20.  Roy's face falls noticeably to those around him, had they been paying attention.  He loves her so, he really needs to tell her.  The waitress shyly approaches once again.
"A drink while you're waiting?" She asks breaking him from his thoughts.
"Oh-- sure.." he stutters, "Just some water please."  The water glass is refilled twice by the shy waitress and the clock shows 8:45.  Roy's  shoulders fall forward towards the table.  The waitress now leans against the counter and whispers not quietly enough to another employee,
"Poor guy, I think he got stood up."  Roy feels his lungs deflate and his mouth turns dry. 'she isn't coming' he thinks, his heart sinks and eyes brim with fought tears. 
The clock chimes 9 o'clock.  The waitress looks with sympathy at Roy's hunched posture as she clicks off the 'open' sign and draws the blinds shut.  Roy rises to his feet and walks to the door.
"Thank you miss."  He speaks softly, bears a short pause then exits into the dimming night.