Maureen, the waitress with fantastic timing, set down three all-star specials and one order of eggs over easy on toast with fruit.

Dan inhaled, literally. “I love the smell of eggs and coffee.”

Brian laughed, his mouth already full of waffle. “Me, I just want to smoke a cigarette and wear a hat,” he said. Ryan and Joe “mmm-ed” in acknowledgement as they seasoned their food, but Dan was perplexed.

“What are you talking about?” he asked, already sounding annoyed.

“You remember that song from the early nineties, about being on the road, and stopping in a diner because they love the smell of eggs and coffee?” Brian prodded.

Joe chimed in. “When Kennedy was on the cover of Life magazine.”

“And everything was aquamarine,” added Ryan.

Dan shook his head. “Leave it to you guys to quote lyrics from loser music.”

Brian and Joe gave each other a snide glance, while Ryan continued building an egg and grits sandwich.

“This is real, Dan,” said Joe, in his serious voice. “This is now.”