“Kid, sometimes even the good guys make mistakes, but they’re too pig-headed. Demand respect. Don’t be afraid. Go for it,” Mom said.
I looked over my shoulder. His truck hadn’t even gotten out of the parking lot yet. So, I went for it.
Just as I started to chase after DC, Robert and Dragon exited their rehearsal studio.
“Hey Christy,” Robert said, stepping right into my path—oblivious that he was in my way.
But I didn’t slow down or change my path. “Get out of my way, or I’ll make you get out of my way,” I said to Robert.
He looked like he didn’t understand me, but when I got close, he jumped out of my way. I would have knocked him over before I’d take one step out of where I was going for that man. Never again.
DC was almost to the road so I made myself run faster. Running isn’t my strong suit. I couldn’t believe Dar-Dar had done this last night, but faster, farther, and in high heels.
I caught up to DC’s truck, but instead of throwing myself in front of it, I ran along the side and knocked on the passenger window.
He turned, saw me, and stopped the truck. Thank goodness.
“Did you need something?” he asked as he rolled down the window.
I went around to the driver’s side of his truck while I tried to catch my breath. I didn’t have the energy to try and put what I wanted tactfully, so I just said it. “I need you to apologize.”
“Christy, you have to understand—”
“Apologies start off with ‘I’m sorry,’” I said, interrupting him. This wasn’t going to turn into some long discussion where I had to be the one to understand where he was coming from. If he needed that, it could come later. After my heart exploded in my chest from running after him.
He shook his head. “What has gotten into you?”
“I deserve respect. I’m here to demand it. You never should’ve taken my phone, and you never should have doubted me. And you shouldn’t have left me standing in the street. And I shouldn’t even have to chase after you to get this apology, but I’m giving you this one last chance. Apologize and take me home to meet your fish.”
“You still want to meet Ted?” DC asked.
“After I get my apology, I might.”
“I am sorry,” DC said. “I should have trusted you. And if you say there’s nothing going on with you and Robert—”
“There’s nothing going on with me and Robert.”
“Okay,” he said, taking a deep breath. I could tell that this was hard for him, but he had to do it. And if he couldn’t do it, he didn’t get to be with me.
“I believe you. I’m sorry. It’s just I get so jealous because I—” He stopped himself. But it felt like he was going to say he loved me, I swear. “Can you forgive me?” he asked.
“Yes,” I said, and leaned in through the window for a kiss. He smiled and kissed me back.
“I have another day off on Wednesday,” he said. “Maybe we can go out and then I could take you home to meet Ted.”
I smiled and nodded yes. “Wednesday works for me.”
I walked back toward the van. Mom and Wenling smiled back and gave me a thumbs up. I guess they could tell from my expression that my conversation had gone well. Mom had been right again.
I’d been wondering while I’d been in the Philippines what direction I wanted to take with my life—who I wanted to be.
I still didn’t know. But somehow I felt like running after what I wanted had gotten me closer to figuring it out. As the three of us piled into our old van, I knew which way I was heading for now—to The Lucky Dragon Restaurant on Main Street in Fletcher Canyon.
< < < < < > > > > >
A Note from the Author and Her Mom
Just like in the book, Real Mom has returned to the United States from the Philippines, but instead of Fletcher Canyon, Mom is in a retirement community in Florida.
She’s been busy getting settled, but like her fictional counterpart, Mom does spend a lot of time on Facebook. Feel free to like my page on there and don’t be surprised if you get a “like” from Real Mom.
https://www.facebook.com/christymurphy11/
Thank you to everyone for all of your kind words, reviews, and advice.
I’m working on a new series which will be out later this Summer as well as a podcast of my short stories. You can sign up to my newsletter on my website
http://christymurphy.com
to get all the latest information and find out when I’m having sales and freebies.
Mom says hello.
Warmest Regards,
Christy
Also by Christy Murphy
Mango Cake and Murder
Apple Pies and Alibis
Milkshakes and Murder
Mocha and Murder
Coconuts and Crooks
Honey Buns and Homicide
Honey Buns and Homicide_A Funny Culinary Cozy Mystery Page 11
