Joe Metheny Burger Stand Novels & Stories

Inside the old building was a strange-looking hotel reception, with black marble floors and all the walls and ceiling covered in mirrors. "If I find out Hank sent me to an S&M club I'll kill him." Matt said through gritted teeth. Before I could worry, I found a sign at the back of the room pointing to the restaurant entrance: The Lion. It was like crossing a portal. The Lion was a burger place, with all the walls covered with old wooden box crates and dimmed lighting. There were no waiters. You would place your order at the counter and eat it on the industrial metal stools near the shared high tables. All surfaces were scribbled with signatures and sentences from customers.

Jamal’s POV The quaint bell above the door chimed lightly as I and Methis entered the little fast-food restaurant tucked away in a corner of the bustling city. The aroma of sizzling meat and fried potatoes enveloped me, creating an appetizing welcome. The place was adorned with mismatched tables and chairs, each telling a story of countless shared meals and hushed conversations. I led Methis to a small booth near the window, the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the modest curtains. The hum of chatter and the clinking of utensils against plates filled the air, creating a lively backdrop to the rustic ambiance.

"We'll see." As we perused our menu and Meira drooled over her choices, I glanced around, surprised at how many of my classmates went to Johnny's. I suppose I shouldn't have been, especially since it was one of the only places to grab a burger in town. No brand names for Wilding Springs. Johnny's felt like an old-fashioned fifties place with red vinyl and chrome everywhere, down to the fully functional jukebox in the back of the dining room.

I said, hatching a plan to get what I want from Jake. “However, when we got to the store, the manager claimed there are no surveillance cameras in the shop so we couldn't get more information” “Burger shop?” Jane asked, looking surprised. “Yes, it's called tasty burgers. Have you been there?” “No, I haven't, have you baby?” Jane asked, turning to look at Jake who was now lost in his thoughts. “Uhm, No, no, not at all. I have never even noticed the stop” Jake said, smiling faintly.

She asked while passing out tall iced mugs of Strohs. "Can you stay, Joe?" I asked, since I knew he had home commitments. "Cathy's in Waldorf with the kids. I was going to have to fend for myself otherwise." He admitted with a grin. "I should warn you, Debbie's burgers are about an inch thick. I'm starved but will be lucky to be able to finish two." I told them both. "One is plenty for me," Jim offered. He was never a huge eater, and at maybe a 140 lbs, would be hard to find room for two burgers and the fries.

Lester just nodded at Johnny. “I am on a diet that’s why I chose a burger,” Johnny says when I look at him to see his order. Why would he be on a diet? He clearly has a nice body already. He doesn’t need to do that though. I looked at the others and found they just ordered a chicken and some burgers. They are not on a diet like Johnny. Peter raised his brows when I took a glance at him. I chose not to say anything and just eat my food.

I grinned at the old man who was lovingly called ‘Papa Joe’ by everyone. “Coming right up, little girl.” He replied before turning to Paige. “The same burger as her, Papa Joe.” Paige answered, sounding a little nervous. “You guys go and sit down, I’ll bring your burgers in a jiffy.” Papa Joe replied as he went to make magic. I skipped to my favourite seat in the corner only to freeze when I saw who was sitting in my seat. “What are you doing out here so late at night?” he asked me as if he was my father.

I toss back the last of my drink as Joe sets my plate in front of me. He palms my glass. “Another?” “Please,” I say, hoping the forced smile takes away the fact that my first words to him were pissy. “And ketchup.” I slather my steak fries in Heinz and make quick work on my burger. It’s average bar fare, which is to say it’s delicious. When Joe comes to take away my empty plate, I order a fresh drink. Three’s the limit. I’ll wash down dinner with this one then head back to the motel for some shut eye.

I could kiss my reputation goodbye as well. Not that I had much of a reputation anymore… but still. “A burger with bacon,” I blurted out after what felt like an eternity of silence. “And fries,” I added. “How would you like the burger cooked?” “Medium rare,” I answered keeping my eyes on Josephs. “Okay, I’ll get that to you,” Jolene said, grabbing our menus and disappearing into the back. After she was gone, I snarled at Joseph. “What the hell is wrong with you??” I hissed. “Are you insane???”

He groans as I laugh, "Are you looking at your junk right now?" "Just pick me up at 12.30. Maybe the cow is good enough to loose these blue balls." *** By 12.32 I stop in front of the lobby of his office building with Benji. He was already there, standing tall in his 3 piece suit, all supermodel-like while talking on the phone. "Yeah I'll call you once I get a confirmation from Dylan," he's still on the phone the moment he steps into the car. The conversation goes on until he finally hangs up once I pull up in the parking lot of JujuJuicyMoo. It's not a fancy restaurant but it's famous for juicy burgers and steaks.