Flesh on the Grill

The following morning he was going to tell his Uncle Sam today would be his last day to work at the diner. Charlie broke the news to his Uncle Sam but Sam was hurt that Charlie wanted to leave the family business. Sam said "Charlie, why do you want to leave? Haven't we paid you well and given you all the free meals and a nice place to stay." Charlie answered "Please don't make this difficult for us both. I'm not happy here anymore. I just feel that it's time for me to move on Besides I'm a man now and I need to take care of myself and start my diner. I hope you understand Uncle." Sam replied "Yes, I do understand I just wanted to believe you would just work here the rest of your life like I have, but sometimes leaving the family business is for the best. When you open your new diner, Charlie could I please come by and see what wonderful things you have done." "Sure, Uncle Sam, you'll be the first person I call. Now Uncle come over and give me a big hug, Wish me luck." “Okay, Charlie! You take good care of yourself and don't forget to call me when the diner is finished," said Uncle Sam. "Don't worry Uncle Sam you'll love my new diner. Now tell everyone it's been a pleasure working here. Now I've got to get to the bank and take out a small loan to cover some of the construction costs for the new diner," said Charlie. "Charlie, why don't you let me give you the money you need to cover the remaining construction costs," said Uncle Sam. "No, I appreciate your kindness but I need to do this all alone just like you did when you started your diner," said Charlie. "Well alright, we'll be talking soon Charlie," said Uncle Sam.

Charlie's diner was up and running ready to give his Uncle Sam's diner a run for their money. In reality, Charlie's was a flop compared to his Uncle Sam's diner, but that was to be expected since Uncle's diner had been there for over twenty years now. Charlie was working longer hours than he expected to make a profit. Charlie started getting depressed and drinking more than he should.

Then one night when all of his customers were gone, Charlie sat down at one of the tables eating a ham sandwich because that's all he could afford since his diner was losing so much money. Charlie could barely pay his rent on time and there was no extra money to spend on himself. Charlie went back into the kitchen to make a fresh batch of chili for the next day since that was one of his best dishes but that wasn't saying much. As Charlie was stirring his chili, he paused for a moment thinking as hard as he could to think of some way to drum up more business and bring Uncle Sam's diner customers to his place instead. Then entered a man dressed in a black trench coat with a black hat and dark glasses.

Charlie said to the stranger "Can't you see the place is closed for the night." The stranger responded "That's not why I'm here. I am here because I want to make a deal with you." Charlie said ", Is this some kind of a joke or something?" "This is no joke!" said the stranger. "Okay, what kind of a deal could you possibly want to take with me because I'm not selling the diner? I just need a way to bring in more customers that's all," said Charlie. "If you will just be quiet for a moment I'll tell you what I'm offering. Number one I don't want to buy you out. What I have to offer you will bring in more customers than you could dream about," said the stranger.