Yummy Yummy

I turned to my side after seeing that she left. i decided to ask something that had been lingering at the back of my mind.

" So what happened in the taxi earlier? That obscure feeling that 'sentirse stupido' I don't have a word for it in English but it was almost supernatural how it affected me. "

" Dopey is the word." He continued to look forward and sipped in silence. With a bit more clarity I decided asked another question.

"You said you knew I was special what did you mean by that?"

He pointed at his nose and didn't explain any further. I suddenly got a feeling of doubt as if I wasn't looking at the bigger picture and major pieces of the puzzle were missing.

He silently eased himself off the bar stool and walked over to a booth in the back corner of the building.

Instinctively I followed him. When I sat down he swished the empty mug before gently placing it on the table.

" Can I get another Cup!"

" Sure Adam!" A holler echoed out the kitchen window. He chuckled and his body undulated. He turned back to me then put on a serious face before rubbing his forehead.

" I assume you know what that was already right? Cause if not maybe you're not as special as I thought Lucy."

My mind was a bit restless from the hunger but I easily grasped the hidden meaning behind his words.

" Pompo D'Adamo?"

" Is that what you call it in Italia? Tell me something. Do you know what the history behind the Adams apple is?"

" No. Ive only recently deciphered my abilities."

Adam clicked his spoon on the empty cup and looked off behind me and a wide grin lapsed onto his face.

" Here ya go pudding my special sandwich and a slice of pie. Here's a glass of water to wash it all down. And for you big guy a meatloaf with a chilled pop. Enjoy your meal darling."

Holding the tray to her bosom her dress blew in the slight breeze as she skipped back behind the counter.

The sandwich was rather large. It was served it a plastic tray with a paper film wrapped around it rather than a plate. It was sliced down the middle and i could see thin slices of tomatoes , sautéed onions , lettuce and bacon along with a slice or beef on each half.

The pie was as expected. It wasn't made in the restaurant most likely bought from a bakery. But its flavours and texture still gave me the satisfaction of the sweetness and the crumbly shell.

The water was room temperature. Tasted as if it came from a tap. It was definitely something to get used to.

Adam's meatloaf looked delicious the sides were a dark brown and there was still steam rising from the 5 inch loaf infront of him. He used one of the bottle openers on our table and poped the top off.

He took a long swig of the fizzy beverage before letting out a burp. He hadn't elaborated any further and I assumed he wasn't going to . He put on his apron and began to dig into his meatloaf.

Taking his invitation I took a bite into the sandwich and the juiciness of the beef mixed with the sweet and sour taste of the sautéed onion's , tomatoes and lettuce danced around my tastebuds. The krispy bacon strips added even more texture to the already perfectly toasted buns. I ate everything in just a few bites but I made sure to savor every one.

" Ahaha." His large body jigged as crumbs from the load fell onto his apron.

" See food's amazing here. Come here everyday!" He said as he outstretched his hands.

A loud shout was heard from the kitchen.

" And I keep praying you're heart stops so you never come back!"

Loud laughter had erupted from the booths behind us. I turned around and while eating I didn't notice the restaurant was now packed with people.

I began to observe everyone who walked in and out and noticed a peculiarity. Most people dressed up how I saw in the magazines.

Most men wore dark tailored three piece suits. Some had bowties and or hats. Most men who we're sitting has taken off their coats and rested it on the rack near the entrance and as for their hats they rest peacefully at the far end of the table I assumed as a sign of respect to the owner. The sounds of the laced leather heels of their shoes clicking on the floor was rather pleasing to the ears.

Women dressed modestly with alot wearing knee length dresses. Some variations of the dresses' silhouettes included halter , strapless , A-line and baby doll. There hair was tailored into the flourishing new bob cuts. But there were also finger waves , and mercel waves present aswell.

A strangeness peaked my interest. Every few minutes one or two people would head upstairs. If you weren't paying attention you'd never notice it but their was a wooden doorway a few feet away from our booth. As the door closed I could see the bottom step of a wooden staircase but could never get a clear view.

Every man or women who went up seemed to have different things some had folders others had blouses stuffed with hidden money. Some went in with nothing and left with an envelope sticking put of their pockets.

Then someone caught my eye. A young man wearing a gentleman's suit and a thick wool overcoat. I didn't catch a clean look at him until he was already behind the door but he seemed to be in his mid twenties. He had his black hair combed in a service man cut. He carried a briefcase in his right hand and if sensing my gaze his bright brown glanced at me before shooting his gaze to across the booth and hissing his teeth. The door quickly shut behind him.

Looking over at Adam to see that he was still engorged in the last bite of his meal. I continued my surveillance.

" Ahh that hits the spot. *Cough* Oh about what you said earlier; Im sure you'll find out soon enough. You still have a ways to go before-"

He looked at my gaze. I wasn't paying him much mind. I pulled out my watch. "12:45"

Not speaking any longer he continued to monitor me in silence with a curious look in his eyes.

Fifteen minutes had pass and it was already 1:00. Noone else had entered or left the room. The majority of customers had trickled out. Only a selected few " Residents " remained in the restaurant.

She apparently called them this because they spent most of their days in her restaurant as it was somewhere to be and they could listen to the afternoon radio.

"1:05…what's taking so long?"

Adam chimed in. " I dont mean to disrupt your business with that door over there. But if you keep staring at her like that she'll never open up for you"

I raised an eyebrow. More and more a certain suspicion aroused itself around him. Again a feeling of doubt arouse. From the moment I met him he hasn't been lying to me. I could see that. But he always leaves out crucial details or information or deflects actual questions that I need answers to. With excuses of danger and not needing to know yet. What does any of that mean? I needed to be cautious but curious. I will not remain ignorant to the world around me. I will find my brother. I stared up at the ceiling but there was noone there. So I braved myself to ask the question.

" What's behind that door?"

" Nothing for you to worry about now come on we got places to see. "

Again seeing my increasing dissatisfaction

He raised his hands in defeat. "You've been grilling me all morning atleast listen to me this one time. You don't want this path you're walking on. I can tell your a good girl and you're here for something but take the easy way out and dont stick your nose where it aint posed to be. "

I looked at him and got up and walked towards the door. As I did even the partially full restaurant quieted down. I decided to ignore it. My hand hesitated as I reached for the knob.

'No. You know what you're here for.'

My nerves were steeled. I placed my hand on the knob and suddenly a sound broke the silence.

Sniff* Sniff* Adam was drawing up as if he had a cold and sneezed.

Adams's expression got a bit grave. He shouted at Suzie who was watching the spectacle with anticipation. " Hey Suzie. Its closing time for regulars. "

She immediately grasped an empty glass and hit it with a small spoon.

" All right everyone lunch times over. If you're not a resident leave now! It was a pleasure having you. Do come back again."

Hearing her message most left the restaurant. Only a few men and women remained. They all had a strange look about them that I couldn't quite grasp.

' Is this my doing?'