Page 26 of Luke

Yep. I wanted to ask if you’d like to come with me to my parents’ house for dinner on Sunday. They said they’d love to have you.

I really don’t want to intrude.

Bryce, I wouldn’t have asked if I thought you were intruding. Trust me, my mom would love it. She loves babies.

If you’re sure, I’d love to.

Great! I’ll pick you up around two. We usually eat close to four.

I can’t wait. Thank you and thank your mom too.

Will do. Do you need anything?

No, thanks. I’ll see you then.

Yes, ma’am.

He ended the call, and a smile spread across her face as she thought of leaving the apartment. Connie had stopped by for a visit a few times, but she was always busy and never stayed long. Bryce hated watching her go.

She heard Leah fussing and quickly made her way to the bedroom. After preparing a bottle, she picked up Leah and changed her diaper before settling onto the couch to feed her.

“Just wait, Leah, until you’re bigger. You’ll love playing in the snow. We can build a snowman together.”

Once Leah finished her bottle, Bryce placed her back in the bassinet and left the room, keeping the door slightly open. She settled on the couch again, wondering where she would be in a month. She had decided not to go to Seattle. There wasn’t really any reason to. Brenda only caused arguments whenever they were in the same room together. Being older, Brenda felt she had authority over Bryce and expected her to listen.

When Bryce told Brenda about her pregnancy, Brenda exploded with anger, telling her that at thirty-five years old, she should have known better than to get pregnant. She also questioned how Bryce planned to keep a job and take care of a baby, emphasizing that she would not help her.

“Why was I even considering going to Seattle? Brenda made it clear that she wouldn’t lift a finger to help me.” Bryce sighed, admitting to herself that her sister could be difficult.

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She cautiously made her way to the door and peeked through the peephole before unlocking it for Connie. As Connie walked in, Bryce quickly locked the door behind her to keep out the cold air. Connie set a Styrofoam box on the counter.

“Connie, please come in and sit down.”

“I can’t stay long. Despite the snowstorm, we’re still busydown there.” Connie grinned. “I brought you some lunch, your usual.”

“My usual?”

“Yeah, the same thing you ordered last time I brought you lunch.”

“How do you even remember my order?”

Connie shrugged. “I suppose it’s like a little gift.”

“Can I ask you something?” Connie nodded and Bryce took a deep breath.

“What’s the rent for this place? In case I decide to stay in Clifton, I want to know how much it costs.”

“I’ve never asked for money, just that the utilities were paid. The diner and this living space have separate meters,” Connie explained.

Bryce was in awe of how generous this woman was. “You let people stay here for free?”

“I do. My husband Owen and I actually lived here when I first opened the restaurant. But then we bought a small house outside of town, but recently had a new home built, and this place sat vacant for years. If you decide to stay, it’s all yours rent-free.”

Bryce shook her head in disbelief. “That’s incredible. But if I do stay, I’ll need to find a job.”

Connie nodded understandingly. “I could use some extra help at the diner.”

Bryce chuckled. “Not me, I’m afraid. I’m not very coordinated.”

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