A Good Feed at Terrible's Who: CJ and Nesryn What: Catching Up Where: Terrible’s Roadhouse When: Present Ratings/Warnings: None
There was one thing about Las Vegas and the area that Chris had come to enjoy over the years of living there, though he knew many others didn’t have the same view.
The city was in the middle of nowhere.
Not even an hour away from the Strip there were deserts, mountains and canyons that provided countless interesting places to visit and explore for those who remembered the dangers that surrounded them.
After spending almost half the day exploring a new area near Spirit Mountain with his camera, getting some nice photographs and just enjoying the peace and relative cool of an early December morning, CJ drove back along the 95 to Searchlight. All the walking had built up an appetite that trailbars just wouldn’t satisfy and Ronnie at the Roadhouse always seemed to make the best burgers, it wasn’t a trip to Searchlight without dropping into either Terrible’s, or Lucky’s. As he walked in he could see that Ness was working and she always seemed to be the friendlier of the waitresses, or at least that was his opinion.
The diner wasn’t exactly a buzz at that time of the day but there were enough patrons dining that made the day go by faster. Usually she worked the afternoon/evening shift with Ronnie - lately he seemed a bit distracted and looked paler than usual - and today was no different.
Nesryn refilled a mug with warm, fresh coffee. Her smile grew a bit and she twirled away to check on another table.
She had just set the pot down on the burner when she spied CJ walk through the doors. “Hi CJ!” She chirped, lifting a hand in a wave. She was already plucking up a porcelain mug and a bag of loose leaf tea she kept special for him.
When CJ was settled, the werewolf wandered over with a glass of ice water, the mug dangling from a finger, and the tea bag. She reminded herself to bring the teapot next.
“Had a good day so far?” She inquired of her friend, smiling brighter.
CJ gave a little wave when Ness greeted him, even though he only made it down to Searchlight once every two or three weeks there was still something about walking into a place and getting called by your name that was more welcoming than the large chain restaurants.
Finding an empty booth he sat down, his bag finding a place on the seat beside him against the wall, not that he'd expect anyone to try and take it, more a routine he had developed whenever eating out.
His own smile brightened as she came up to him with the glass of iced water, a much appreciated drink as his own supply hadn't stayed cold for that long during his hike.
"Not too bad, hiked up around Spirit Mountain so I’ve definitely worked up an appetite."
“Yeah? That sounds like a lot of fun. I love hiking,” she replied, brightening instantly with the memories of going on trips with her family. She especially loved running. It didn’t matter if it was rocks, sand, forest, being the wolf with the wind in her fur was the best feeling.
She set down the empty mug, placing the bag of tea on the edge with the string hanging down for messing with.
“Do you know what you want already? I’ll go get you some hot water for this in a second.”
CJ wasn't sure why he liked hiking, especially since the areas in Nevada and even into Arizona or eastern California were all deserts and devoid of the water he so loved, he put it down to the fact it was just the freedom he enjoyed and that all day could pass without seeing another person.
The smile stayed in his face as the mug and tea bag were placed on the table in front of him and he looked up at Ness again. "Can I get the Bourbon Bacon Burger with a side of fries and a Coke a bit later?" He asked, his stomach deciding that moment to growl as if in agreement with what was ordered. "Sorry about that."
Nesryn bit at her lip to stifle a giggle. “Sure! How did you want it cooked?” If it wasn’t the Bourbon Bacon Burger it was the burger of the day that they’d become famous for.
“You want everything on it?” She inquired and then did manage a small laugh this time. “If not, Ronnie might take liberties with it.” Of course she was kidding, her friend wouldn’t do that, but he was all about the best taste possible when it came to food. That was why the burger of the day was so popular that Terrible’s Truck Stop had built a bowling alley to compete for patrons with.
"Well done, please." To CJ burger patties had to be well done, none of these rare or undercooked burgers that others seemed to enjoy, it had to be completely cooked through or none at all.
Sometimes he would partake in the burger of the day, but for the past few hours he had been craving the Bourbon Bacon, and nothing else would be as satisfying. He chuckled when Nesryn said about Ronnie taking liberties with the toppings, knowing full well she was joking. "I trust his judgement, he doesn't go overboard with the pickles!"
Nesryn smiled, nodding.
“I’ll go put your order in and be back with the water for your tea.” She wasn’t a tea connoisseur by any means; it was rare for the patrons here to actually order hot tea but they had a kettle just in case. Ronnie, though, was intense when it came to brewing tea. He was always trying to teach her the proper way to do it and yet she still found herself just pouring water into the cup and letting the customer go to town.
It was one of the reasons why she never really leaned toward drinking tea over coffee even though she didn’t mind it.
The wolf snuck away to go do as stated.
A little bell in the window of the kitchen chimed to signal a new order and then she grabbed up the pot with the hot water and returned to CJ.
"Thanks." He said, flashing a wide smile at Nesryn.
That was another reason why CJ frequented the roadhouse, something as simple as providing boiling water and a tea bag without making him feel as if he was some freak for refusing to drink coffee. The small things kept the customers coming back for the good service and food.
It didn't take all that long before Nesryn was back with the water for the tea, in between he managed a few sips of the iced water, he swore it tasted even better than usual, mainly because of his morning's exercise.
"You are an absolute gem Ness!" He'd definitely be leaving her a Dec tip, he always did when Nesryn was the waitress.
“Aw thanks, CJ,” Nesryn replied.
The pot of water drained into the cup only enough to allow room for sugar or milk. Honey was always a commodity on the tables nestled between the ketchup and the barbecue sauce.
“Anything new happen lately with you?” Did he have holiday plans? Christmas was quickly approaching after all and she had gotten a bit too festive in the trailer with Brian. It would be their first season together, she wanted it to be memorable.
He'd add a bit of honey once they had finished talking, whatever tea it was that they kept aside was much too nice to spoil with milk. Sometimes he wondered if it was just for him as it tasted so much different then what he got at other places, actual tea than the cheap 'sweepings off the floor' bags as his grandmother used to joke.
"Nothing too exciting, just the usual work and music if I can find the time." It seemed like most of the groups and people he usually played with were taking a break during December, but that was normal and expected for the holiday season. "Did get an invite to dinner on Christmas day though, nothing too fancy but I'll be in good company." The smile hadn't moved as he talked, he was a bit excited about Christmas, if only to see the smiles when gifts were opened.
Her eyes caught the way his eyes lit up when he talked about the invitation to dinner. She was glad for him; whether it meant a happier holiday than usual or just a casual thing, she hoped CJ would have a wonderful time. “That’s awesome!”
Christmas didn’t have to be formal. Just having people you cared about around was enough.
“Let me go check on your food,” she murmured, moving away.
Lately Ronnie had been hiding in the kitchen. It wasn’t like him; usually he was out talking to people or serving food, catching a few empty dishes if the busboy got slammed. But she didn’t question it, at least not yet.
To CJ Christmas was more of a children's holiday, their excitement over presents and Santa was the whole reason for it, adults muted in their excitement. It had been the past few years, his friendship with his co-worker and single dad Steve had helped spark his dormant Christmas spirit again.
"Take your time." When Nesryn moved away CJ put some honey into his tea and stirred it until it dissolved. He had noticed Ronnie hadn't ventured out like he normally did, maybe he was feeling under the weather or just not in a sociable mood. Which he could understand, sometimes food was better company than other humans. Taking a sip of tea he hummed in appreciation, along with his burger and later Coke CJ doubted he'd be hungry come dinner time.
It didn’t take long.
Nesryn piled a tray with the burger and fries, plus the Coke. These beverages came in classic red plastic cups emblazoned with the drink of choice across the side in white calligraphy letters.
The ice clinked gently in the cup as she moved.
And then she lowered the tray and began to serve. “Alright, here’s your well done burger that looks safe enough to eat,” she teased, setting down the plate, “fries and a Coke! Anything else?”
A moment would be taken to spy the teacup but it looked topped enough.
CJ chuckled softly at the tease, kind of a running joke between them after he had gotten food poisoning elsewhere years before and had mentioned that 'at least the roadhouse had food safe enough to eat' and it had stuck.
"Compliments to the chef, as always. I'll get this down and see if there's any more room for dessert." A fry was raised in a playful mock toast.
When Nesryn stepped away he ate the fry before starting on the burger, he wasn't sure what it was about the food here but it was well worth the drive to Searchlight for, and been in town also gave him an opportunity to soak up whatever energies it was about the town that helped focus his hydrokinesis.
Nesryn offered CJ a wink of reply to his quip. “Alright, save room for the apple pie. It’s the best.” Most people avoided dessert but in her opinion that was the part worth sacrificing a few bites of your meal for. Though she could put away a lot of food for a small woman because of what she was.
She lifted her tray and carried it off to put it back where it was supposed to go.
Checking on a few other tables, Nesryn floated around the diner. She ignored the clanging sounds from the casino, the deafening clank of change against metal slots.
After a while she came back by to check on CJ.
“Doing okay?”
He made a mental note about the recommendation of trying the apple pie, Nesryn knew her pie and even if he had to get a piece to go he would, usually he'd enjoy it with some vanilla bean ice cream.
By the time Nesryn had come around again CJ was about two thirds through his burger and still had some fries by the side. He gave a little nod and covered his mouth with the back of his hand while he swallowed the mouthful he had been chewing. "Delicious. Ronnie's sure there's no drugs in the seasoning, right?" Another light hearted quip, he was somewhat addicted to the burgers and he was also sure Nesryn was sick of that joke by now.
"Could I get two slices of that apple pie to go when I'm finished?" He asked.
“You’ll have to ask him,” she snorted, “he claims it’s a secret recipe.” The apple pie ingredients were locked down, for sure. If anyone thought their pies were store bought then they’d be wrong.
Then she nodded, “I’ll get them to you warm.” She had a feeling the cook wouldn’t mind at all heating the crust and filling up for their friend.
“I’m going to go let Ronnie know.” With that, she danced away and went to do as promised.
CJ's grandmother and mother were both fantastic in the kitchen so he knew homemade baked goods when he tasted them, truth be told they weren't as nice as his grandma's gramma pie but Ronnie's pies were still delicious.
"I'd appreciate it." He smiled again before Nesryn once again left on her rounds. It didn't take him too much longer to finish the rest of his burger, the remaining fries, Coke and mug of tea. He was glad he was getting the pie to go, he was at that almost uncomfortable stage of fullness.
She did make a few rounds. Here and there she checked on her tables, refilling drinks and chatting with the locals whom she had come to know by name.
Scent.
And as promised she brought the to-go containers of the apple pie from the case. The containers would be set down gently on CJ’s table along with the check and she began to stack the plates and cups to make cleaning up easier.
“I hope you have a great holiday, CJ.”
By the time Nesryn had returned with the pie CJ had already gotten his wallet out, knowing how much his usual meal would cost him. He also had gotten some cash out at the ATM in Boulder City that morning when he knew he'd be dropping into Terrible's.
When she started stacking his plates and gave him holiday wishes he slyly slipped two folded $50 notes into the pocket of her apron so that no one else could see. "You too. Can you pass one of those onto Ronnie for me? Merry Christmas."
“Sure,” Nesryn nodded.
Her cheeks reddened a bit but her expression turned humble. “Thanks CJ. I hope you come back by soon. Have a great holiday.” She would make sure to give the bill to Ronnie. He always made sure to take care of the staff so she had a feeling it would go to the busboy or one of the hostesses, but she promised anyway.
The cash and the check would be scooped up, folded and she stepped back to give CJ room to gather his stuff and get up.
"I'll probably be back through before New Year's, so hopefully I'll see you then." With the school taking the Christmas break he'd have a few extra days to go hiking and exploring around the area. It was so much nicer than doing it during the heat of summer.
"Take care." CJ said once Nesryn had taken a step back to let him get up.