Chapter 14
Maurie finished his pastrami on rye sandwich and started forking the lemon meringue pie into his mouth. The diner had ebbed into a hush, after the evening rush hour. He ogled the shapely waitress who came ambling down the aisle to his booth. "A glass of water, please," he said. She pivoted away toward the fountain and left him momentarily with his thoughts.
Things at home had reached a total impasse. Ellen constantly nagged him to death about every insignificant detail-and he knew why. She sensed the blockade which had grown ever higher, chaining him on his side of the fence marked LOVE.-KEEP OUT; and the love was between him and Ida.
The waitress' breasts did a pleasant jig as she returned to Maurie. "We have some fine cheesecake for you. Shall I get you a piece, sir?"
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