Page 64 of Saving Bonnie

Oh. The realization is heartbreaking. I spent my time trying to cover everything, so she didn’t have to. Did I get that wrong? “Oh, Mom, I’m sorry.” I squeeze her tight, knowing my measly apology isn’t nearly what she needs to hear.

“No, baby. You don’t have to be sorry.” She draws back, running her hand along my temple. “I’m so proud of you.”

The stress, the headaches, and the long hours fade away. Funny how Mom can always make things better without even trying. “You’re always welcome here.”

She looks around the kitchen, her head bobbing. “Well, I enjoy the front a lot more than the kitchen.”

My smile widens. “You know, I need someone I can trust running the register.”

“And keep Cappy in line.” We both chuckle. “Why don’t you take the day and spend it with your man?”

“I can’t.” I shake my head.

“We got this,” Manny chimes in. “I’ll finish here. MJ’s got the orders. Noah can help on the phone. Junior will be here after school.”

Tino. The thought of doing nothing with someone is tempting. “You all sure?”

MJ gives a thumbs-up as he reaches for the spice rack.

“Maybe we can go back to a rotation next week,” Manny suggests. “Now that things are settling down.”

Normalcy. “Yes, we can do that.”

The bell over the door announces a customer. Mom pats me on the shoulder. “Go on.” Then she disappears through the door.

Shedding the apron, I pull my phone from my back pocket and head outside. I can’t give this up, not when we’ve reorganized to make things work. I log into the bank app, crossing my fingers that we’ve managed a decent amount with the surge in business the last few days. If I explain to my distributor, I might be able to work in another thirty days on my payment terms to build up a little cash.

My password sends me into the main menu, and my heart misses a beat. Deposit, seven thousand seven hundred fifty-nine dollars. “Oh my God.” I might be able to pull this off.

With shaky fingers, I find the number to the McClelland office and dial. I’ve got my knuckles at my lips as the phone rings. Once. Twice. Three times. The ring cuts off as someone answers the phone.

“Good morning. Opal McClelland’s office.”

“Good morning, Judy,” I say, recognizing Miss Opal’s longtime secretary. “This is Bonnie Bustos. How are you?”

“I’m doing well, Bonnie,” she answers warily. “How are you?”

A sinking feeling hovers in my chest. “Just fine, thank you.” I bite my lip for a second. “Miss Opal called me last week about the building.”

“Um, yes, ma’am.” She hesitates. “We hadn’t heard from you, so she accepted an offer a few minutes ago.”

Reality pours down over me, taking every bit of my strength. “I see.”

“I’m so sorry, Bonnie. She asked…I should have called you.”

“That’s okay, Judy.” I try not to let a bitter note seep into my voice. This is all on me. “Hopefully the new owner will let me keep the lease.”

“I’m sure he will. Miss Opal was very concerned over your place since you’ve been with her so long.”

“Thank you, Judy. I’ll wait for a call,” I say, as if the flame of hope isn’t slowly being extinguished. I end the call.

“What’s wrong?” Tino’s strong voice snaps me back to reality.

He puts his hands on my shoulders and I lean into him, mourning the loss.

*****

Tino

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