Page 72 of Sweet Madness
Chapter
Nineteen
COWBOYS IN SPACE
Shaw
“We’re two worlds apart.” — S
Later that evening, I push open the creaky door of Ronnie’s Galactic Griddle Diner, the silver and rusty old bell above tinkling softly as we step into the bright glow of the space cowboy-themed diner.
Ronnie’s diner is a small-town treasure. There’s never a moment when it isn’t packed, as both locals and tourists love stopping by to witness the weird yet charming diner.
As soon as you step inside, you are immediately transported into a world that seems pulled from the pages of an old western novel, yet strangely set amidst the vast expanse of the universe.
Ronnie, the owner, is a space-loving nut, evident in the decor of the place. He also had a little boy who died of cancer when I was a sophomore in high school. His son wanted to be an astronaut, yet this cruel life had other plans for him. Ronnie opened this diner to pay for his son’s treatment and to keep his little boy’s memory alive in the heart of Canyon Creek.
Ronnie’s and his family’s love for the wonders of the universe and their grief inspire this place, which is why I choose to bring Ella here. I’ve never forgotten her love for astronomy.
The diner’s silver walls are adorned with antique space gear ranging from space suits to helmets, while on the other side of the wall, there are silver and black cowboy hats. Holographic displays flicker above each booth, projecting scenes of galactic rodeos and galaxies, blending the rugged charm of frontier life with the allure of deep space.
The place is a charming fusion of nostalgia and the cosmos. The black vinyl booths are embossed with silver stars, and a miniature model of a rocket hangs from the ceiling, gently spinning as if in zero gravity.
The aroma of sizzling asteroid burgers and cosmic curly fries hangs in the air, mingling with the faint hum of the jukebox tunes drifting through the room. The waitstaff wear retro-futuristic uniforms and classic glitter cowboy hats, adorned with glowing name tags. They move gracefully between booths with bright smiles on their faces.
At the counter, a large glow-in-the-dark and holographic menu displays an array of special dishes with peculiar names like lunar flapjacks drizzled with starlight syrup, asteroid bacon burgers, supernova sandwiches stacked high with tangy cosmic cheese, and stardust fries.
The large, comfortable black booths are occupied by a mix of locals and out-of-towners passing through, their voices blending into a low murmur punctuated by laughter and the occasional clink of cutlery.
As I pause and look around the room, memories from the past flash through my mind, reminding me of times I’d rather forget—specifically, Friday night dinners with Ma here in this very place.
“Welcome to Ronnie’s Galactic!” The waitress, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile and a pencil tucked behind her ear, greets us from behind the counter. “Take a seat, y’all, and we’ll be with you in a super second.”
Ignoring the pang in my chest, I lead Ella to a booth close to the back exit. The booth’s table is made of metal and adorned with a small vase of wildflowers, their petals catching the dim green light from the lamp above.
“No way,” Ella whispers softly, her voice carrying a hint of wonder. “This place is…” She pauses, looking around the diner with wide eyes. “So adorable. Unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. Oh my gosh, look at the stars!” she squeals happily while looking up at the ceiling.
I glance around the quirky diner, momentarily feeling a pang of regret that perhaps I should have chosen a fancier restaurant more to her standard. “It’s not what you’re used to,” I murmur apologetically.
“You’re right,” she nods, taking it all in with wide and curious eyes. “It’s so much better.”
Our gazes meet, and I offer her a small smile. “Come on, princess. You don’t have to pretend. It’s okay to admit that something is not up to your standards.”
Her blue eyes narrow, clearly annoyed by my comment. “I’m not pretending, Shaw. I also don’t lie. You should know that about me.” She says fiercely, then adds, “It is not the place that makes this moment perfect; it is you.” She whispers, pinning me with her warm gaze. “Besides, look how amazing it is. I can’t believe a place like this exists.” I feel a rush of emotion as she speaks, her words touching a chord deep within me. She’s excited about something that seems beneath her. Will this girl ever stop surprising me?
As I look into her eyes, filled with genuine joy and appreciation for the peculiar diner, I realize just how much her kind heart touches me. I’m a harsh man, yet in her presence, I soften.
I misjudged her once and I regret it deeply. Ella has proven time and time again since she’s been here that she doesn’t care for expensive things but what she truly values are the small things.
There’s a long pause, and everything seems to fade into the background as I stare at her, watching her look around with laughter shining in her pretty blue eyes. “Sometimes you say things that catch me off guard, and I don’t know how to answer. I can’t seem to find the right words, and that messes me up,” I confess, feeling vulnerable—a feeling I truly despise.
Life has taught me that vulnerability is a weakness others seek to exploit. Still, I can’t help but feel vulnerable around this girl.
“I’m sorry,” Ella whispers, sounding embarrassed and regretful.
I lift my head and gaze at her. Her blue eyes meet my brown ones—hers loving and kind, mine jaded and guarded. “Don’t be,” I begin, clearing my throat before continuing. “It’s not a bad thing. Not with you.”
Ella’s face breaks into a radiant smile that illuminates the diner more than the green flashing light above us. “Good. Because you make me feel that way too. We can be vulnerable together.” She bites her lip playfully, and I take a moment to admire her beauty tonight.