Amelia nudged Bailey while they waited for the food. “This is a great day for tips, huh?”
Bailey nodded. Tips had been left on every table they had cleared. The tips ranged from a few cents to ten dollars. One customer left Amelia a twenty dollar bill with a note that said Welcome back to Linford. Amelia showed the note to Bailey and they laughed. “I didn’t have the heart to tell him I’m not staying.”
Bailey laughed. “It would’ve broken his heart and he would’ve taken his tip back.”
The door opened and another small crowd of people came in.
“I can get their drinks if you’ll grab the food for the other customers over there.” Bailey pointed to the two occupied tables on her side.
Amelia nodded and said, “Okay.”
Bailey walked to the table where the group sat down. A total of six people were at the table. She took their orders and brought their drinks back to them in less than five minutes. Amelia watched her friend as she worked. She was proud of her for overcoming her fear and working here the last three days.
“Order up!” Bailey’s voice echoed behind Amelia.
Amelia grabbed the next round of plates and delivered them. As she walked back to the counter, someone caught her eye.
She made a beeline straight to the back. She needed to hide. Somewhere out of sight. Instant waves of nausea and nervousness hit her. Bailey walked through the swinging door. Amelia could see Bailey’s face. She had a look of concern. Bailey found Amelia crouched behind a counter. “Amelia, what in the heck are you doing?”
Amelia whispered, “He’s here.”
Bailey looked around. “Who?” She raised an eyebrow. “Why are we whispering?”
Amelia knew he would not be able to hear her above the crowd and the clanging of the dishes, but just to be sure she wanted to whisper. “I don’t want him to hear me!”
Bailey impatiently threw her arms in the air. “Who’s he?”
Amelia felt a knot in her stomach. The thought of his name made her stomach flip. Now he was here and he had seen her. She had seen him! Amelia wondered if he had noticed her.
“Ryan!” Amelia managed to get his name out of her mouth. Uneasiness embraced her body. “I’m going to get sick!” Amelia ran to the nearest trash can and threw up.
“Amelia! Calm down.” Bailey rushed to her side. She rubbed a hand on Amelia’s back and held her hair back.
Amelia wiped her mouth with a paper towel. “Bailey, he’s here! He saw me!” she whispered. “Why’s he here?!”
Bailey grabbed hold of Amelia’s arms. “Get it together. You’re overreacting.”
Amelia controlled her breathing. She had been hyperventilating. She was close to a panic attack and a meltdown. All because of one guy.
Amelia took a deep breath and let it out slowly through pursed lips. She nodded. Making eye contact with Bailey helped her focus on calming down.
“There you go. That’s much better.” Bailey whispered as she coached Amelia to calm down. She still had a hold on Amelia.
“Why’s he here?” Amelia asked as she pointed toward the wall in the direction she had seen Ryan.
“It’s a restaurant,” Bailey stated and shrugged. “Why do you think he’s here?”
Amelia felt stupid. She wondered why she let someone have such an effect on her. “You’re right. How lame am I?”
Bailey let go of Amelia. “I never said you’re lame or even wrong for feeling how you are right now. I just wanted you to calm down. There’s no sense in allowing him to see you react like this.”
“Ladies, are you about done with the chit-chat? Customers are waiting for their food,” Susie hollered from up front.
Bailey nudged Amelia. “Get back on that unicorn of yours and take care of it like a boss.”
Amelia laughed. She could always count on Bailey to be the practical friend. “Thanks, Bai. You’re the best, but I think my unicorn is stuck in shit. I haven’t seen her lately.”
Bailey laughed and gave Amelia a light shove out of the back room. “Go show him who’s boss.”
Amelia walked out and grabbed Ryan’s plate of food. She ignored her mind as it took on the fight or flight mechanism. She wanted to run out of the restaurant and not look back. Instead, she faced her fears and approached his table. She sat the plate in front of him. She kept her eyes on the table. “Do you need anything else?” she asked him in a polite tone. The main rule of customer service was to be kind, no matter what, to the customer. Sometimes this was the hardest part of the job, especially right now.
“Nope, I’m good. Thanks,” Ryan said. As she turned to walk away he called out to her, “Amelia.”
She turned to face him. Still avoiding eye contact, she replied, “Yes?”
He smiled and said, “It’s nice to see you.”
At that moment she heard Bailey’s voice in her head say, ‘like a boss’. She looked him in the eyes and said, “Have a nice day.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
She replayed the whole scene over and over in her mind.
“Did you hear the tone of your voice?” Bailey asked in excitement. “Your voice was cold as ice and your smile was fatal.”
Amelia chuckled. “I wish I could’ve seen it.”
“His face was priceless. He looked confused and shocked. I’m assuming that he had no idea how to take what you said.”
“Probably not. He probably didn’t expect me to be so cold.” Amelia cackled like a crazy lady. “Because in the way he sees it, all is forgiven and forgotten.”
Bailey threw her head back with a laugh. “He had a reality check. Good thing you won’t have to worry about seeing him again.”
Amelia nodded. She looked down at the check she held onto. “Working three days paid off. Having a few extra hundred dollars is good. Not including the tips.”
“I agree. You made well on tips since Ryan and that other guy gave you twenty dollars,” Bailey said while she laughed and poked Amelia. “I wonder what he was thinking when he gave you the tip.”
Amelia shrugged. “It’s his way of showing me that he regrets what he did to me. His way of saying sorry.” Amelia thought about Zach. She was glad she would never have to worry about that with him. “Another way to control me.”
“Oh well, his loss. The past is in the past.”
Amelia signed her name on the back of the check. “Tomorrow on our way out of town, I’ll cash this at my old bank. You should be able to cash yours, too.”
“We’re leaving tomorrow?”
“I think we’ll be able to find your mom by tonight. Tomorrow we start our journey to find her.”
“I’m glad you have high hopes of finding her. You do remember she’s an alcoholic, right? Alcoholics lay low and off of radar.”
“Maybe so, but I’m determined to find her for you. And besides, who says she’s still an alcoholic? People change every single day, Bai.”
“Maybe so.”
“Let’s get started.” Amelia grabbed a pad of paper. “Where was your mom living the last time you talked to her or your sister?”
“Kim said my mom’s living in a town north of Pinedell.” Bailey paused. “I’m not sure what the town’s called.”
Amelia felt this process would take a while unless Bailey talked to Kim. “Kim would know where your mom is, wouldn’t she? She hasn’t stopped talking to her, has she?”
“I guess it’d be easier if we involved Kim.” Bailey sighed. “I just don’t want her to lecture me.”
“I’ll call her if you want me to.”
Bailey shook her head. “No, it’ll be okay. I can call her.”
Bailey put the phone to her ear and dialed Kim’s phone number. Amelia’s parents still used a rotary phone. She wondered when they would upgrade to a push button phone.
“Hey, Kim. It’s me, Bailey.” Bailey talked into the phone intermittently throughout the phone conversation. “Well, I’m doing good. Thanks for asking. Mmhmm. That’s great to hear.” Bailey rolled her ey
es and mouthed, “Blah blah blah.”
Amelia snickered. She could tell Bailey did not like to talk to Kim.
“Actually, I was calling to get Mom’s phone number and…” Bailey was interrupted. She paused and listened to Kim. Amelia assumed Kim was giving Bailey a lecture. “I’d like to have her address if you don’t mind? I’d like to visit her. If that’s okay with you?” Bailey’s eyebrows furrowed and she clenched her jaw. “Can you just give me her phone number and address? I don’t have much time.” Bailey grabbed the pad of paper and scribbled her mother’s information down. “No, I’m fine. That’s not what I meant. I meant I don’t have much time because I’m with a friend and I’m using her phone. Long distance isn’t cheap.” Bailey was frustrated. She tapped the pen on the paper. “Okay. I’ll talk to you again soon. I love you, too.”
Bailey hung up the phone. “All that work just for an address and phone number.”
Amelia nodded. “But, now we’re set to visit your mom.”
“That’s true. I can’t wait.”
Amelia smiled. She was happy to hear Bailey say that. She was sure tomorrow would bring a mix of emotions for Bailey, but she was glad Bailey was giving her mother a second chance.
Amelia stood up. “Let’s go tell my parents about our plan to leave tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Bailey said as she stood up.
Amelia’s parents sat in the living room and watched the television. Amelia had no idea what show was on.
“Hey, girls. How was your last day at Susie’s?” her father asked them when they walked into the living room.
Amelia responded, “It was good. It was bittersweet. Susie hated to see us leave. She thanked us for helping her.” Amelia looked at Bailey and back at her father. “And Bailey learned she’s a great waitress.”
Her father looked at Bailey. “Is that right?”
Bailey nodded. “I guess so. It’s what I’ve been told anyway.”
They laughed.
“Did you get some extra money?” her mother asked.
Amelia nodded. “We each got a few hundred dollars plus all of the tips.” She did not mention Ryan and his tip.
“Good to hear,” her father stated.
“What are you girls planning to do now?” her mother asked.
“Well, we’re thinking about leaving in the morning.”
Her mother tilted her head. “Why so soon? Is everything okay?”
“Yes, everything is okay. We’re planning on visiting Bailey’s mom.”
Her mother smiled. “Oh, okay. Well, I’m sure she’ll enjoy seeing you both.”
Bailey swallowed hard. “I hope so.”
Her father stood up. “Well, in that case, why don’t you girls walk with me?”
Amelia and Bailey followed her father through the house and out to the shed. He opened the door and the puppies started yipping. He bent over and picked up the tri-color puppy.
“I want you to have this puppy.” Her father handed the puppy to Amelia. “Come back in a couple weeks to pick her up.”
Her father looked at Bailey. “I’d like for you to have a puppy too.”
Bailey’s face lit up. She looked at him with wide eyes. “Really? I’m not sure you should just give these pups away.”
Her father laughed. “I’m sure I should. So I am. Both of you can have a pup each. No questions asked.”
“Thank you so much.” Bailey was thrilled. “Bella will enjoy a puppy in the house.”
Bailey squatted down and chose the first puppy that came up to her. The blue merle male puppy waddled up to her. He sat at her feet in front of her.
“Looks like you found your pup. Or should I say the pup found you?” Her father pointed out to Bailey.
“That’s how I got Bella. She picked me.” Bailey’s face lit up when she talked about Bella.
“That’s the best way to do it,” her father stated.
Amelia agreed. “So we can come back in two weeks and pick them up?”
“You bet. Otherwise your mom and I can bring them to you. Your mom would enjoy the trip.”
Amelia nodded. “We’ll plan on you guys visiting in a couple weeks. I’ll tell Mom to pick a day.”
Her father nodded. “I suppose I better get ready for work. Give me a hug since I won’t see you in the morning when I get home.” He wrapped his arms tightly around Amelia. “I love you, A.J. You make me proud every day.”
Amelia crinkled her nose. “Dad, you’re not getting mushy on me, are you?”
Bailey chuckled when Amelia’s father denied it, “Uh, no, not at all. Why do you say that?”
Amelia giggled. “It just sounds that way. Just a bit. A tiny bit.” She held her finger and thumb close together.
Her father shook his head. “So what if I am? A father isn’t allowed to be sentimental once in a while?”
Amelia laughed. “It’s okay, Dad. I understand.”
Her father turned to Bailey. “It was nice having you here to visit. I’m glad my daughter has a good friend like you.”
Bailey hugged Amelia’s father and said, “I’m glad she has good parents.”
He smiled proudly. Amelia knew how serious her parents took being a parent. Parenthood is a difficult task for some people, but her parents were masters. She wondered if they knew how great they were.
“You guys are pretty great, if I say so myself.” Amelia grinned.
“I give most of the credit to your mother. She’s the glue for the family. She keeps things working.” He winked and smiled.
Amelia loved how much her father loved her mother. She looked up to them. Their relationship and love for each other was something rare. Many marriages fell apart, but not theirs. Divorce rates climbed. Amelia knew the word divorce was not in her parents’ vocabulary and hopefully never would be.
Amelia gave one last hug to her father. “Alright, I’ll see you and Mom when you visit.” She looked down at the puppy at her feet. She bent down and patted her on the head. “And I’ll see you then, too. Be ready for a new home, baby girl.”
Her father picked up the blue merle male that Bailey picked out. “Let’s get a collar on him so we’ll know which one to bring you,” her father suggested.
“That’s a good idea.” Bailey agreed.
“Have a good night at work, Dad. See you soon.”
Amelia and Bailey walked into the house.
“You girls pick out which pups you want?”
“Yes, we did. You and Dad are the best.”
Her mother nodded. “I have to agree with you.”
They laughed.
“Dad said you guys will bring the pups in a couple of weeks and visit.”
“Yeah, we talked last night about it and we both agreed that’d be good. That way you can save your money and we can get away from Linford.” Her mother smiled. “I like to get away from here every now and then.”
Amelia smiled. “We’re going to go upstairs and pack our bags.”
Her mother nodded.
Amelia and Bailey walked upstairs and packed their suitcases.
“I’m going to miss it here.” Bailey said. “Your parents are so nice. And your friends at Susie’s are too.”
Amelia thought about Alisa. “Too bad Alisa didn’t come around. I think we could’ve had a blast.”
“If she wants to be in your past, leave her there. It isn’t fun leaving friends behind, but sometimes it’s worth it.”
“I know. It’s the hardest thing to do. But honestly, it’s her decision.”
When they packed their last bag, they changed into pajamas and hopped into bed.
Amelia set her alarm clock for seven. They would need to wake up early to get a head start on their day.
Chapter Twenty-Four
In the morning, the alarm clock beeped and the smell of breakfast awoke Amelia.
Amelia hopped out of bed and got dressed. She quickly threw on a pair of jeans and a baggy shirt. “Come on, Bai. Today’s the big day.”
“Jus
t let me sleep for another hour. It’s way too early.” Bailey said as she pulled the blanket over her head.
“I’ll see you downstairs. I’ll be eating breakfast.” Amelia left the bedroom and walked down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Her mother had cooked pancakes and sausages. She had a stack of pancakes on the table.
“So today’s a big day for Bailey?” her mother asked as she scooped the sausages onto a plate.
“She finally gets to talk to her mother after six years. Hopefully it goes well.”
“I’m sure it will.”
Bailey walked into the kitchen. “Pancakes and sausage? My fave.”
“There’s plenty here. Eat up. You girls have a long day ahead of you.”
Amelia and Bailey did not hesitate. They dug right in and ate. When they were full, they helped wash the dishes.
“Okay, Mom. We’re ready to leave.” Amelia called out as she placed the dish towel on the counter after she dried her hands.
Her mother came into the kitchen and gave each of the girls a hug. “We’ll see you girls in two weeks. Be careful and drive safe.”
“Love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, Amelia Jean.”
Amelia and Bailey packed the suitcases and bags into the Taurus. They waved goodbye to Amelia’s mother, who stood and watched them from the front porch.
“Bye, Mom! I love you!” Amelia hollered out the window as they drove down the driveway.
Amelia watched her mother wave in the rearview mirror.
Bailey opened the glove compartment and asked, “Do you have a map in here?”
Bailey dug through the contents.
“It should be in there.” Amelia leaned over and looked. She pointed at a thick colorful paper. “Is that it?”
Bailey grabbed it out and unfolded it. “You just watch the road. I’ll give directions.” Bailey looked over the map. “What road are we on now?”
“We’re on Wilmot Avenue. What’s the main highway we need to take to get there?”
“There are a few. It looks like Highway Fifty-Seven will take us north to Highway Thirty-Two. Then we take Summit Dell east into Bexley. From there, we stop and ask directions.”
Second Chances (Fairshore Series Book 1) Page 15
