Page 35 of Stay With Me

Despite it being my day off, I head to Perk Up for a coffee and to see how Mary’s visit with Morgan went. She went to see her in Thistle Creek and from the sounds of it, her life there has been a bit of an adjustment.

Perk Up is quiet when I arrive, the before work crowd is already gone. Mary is cleaning the tables when I come in.

“Aren’t you supposed to be relaxing?” she teases.

Pressing my hand into my chest, I look at her appalled. “What? I can’t come into my shop on my day off?”

Mary smirks at my fake offense. “As long as you’re still relaxing.”

“I came for coffee and treats. And to see how your visit to Thistle Creek went.” Going behind the counter, I prep what I want as she talks.

“I don’t know. She seems a little overwhelmed with school. I take it not everyone has welcomed her with open arms. And the place she’s staying, the farmer whose land it is, he’s a bit intense. Nice, but intense.” Mary’s brows pinch together. “I wonder if something is going on with them, but Morgan said no.”

Leaning against the counter, I frown. “That’s too bad the welcome isn’t warm. Hopefully they come around soon. It’s an adjustment, I know small towns do things a little differently. But Morgan has a good head on her shoulders, she will figure it out.”

Mary agrees half-heartedly and I bet it’s hard to turn off the motherly worry.

Before we can talk about it more, the bell jingles and Ari comes in.

“Elise, thank goodness. I need your insight.” She looks flustered. “Mary, I need the biggest caramel macchiato that you can make me. And anything sweet to go with it. Please.”

Mary busies herself making Ari’s drink as we head to a table.

“I’m so glad Young Jae finally got his head out of his butt and took your relationship to the next level.” She smiles at me, her expression happy but I still see the strain around her eyes. “Two older brothers and I finally get a sister.”

Mary comes to the table with her order.

“Mary, you’re a goddess. Thank you.” Ari sips at her macchiato and sighs heavily.

“I’m happy to be your sister.” Watching her face, I see the downward pull of her lips even though she tries to hide it. “What’s going on?”

It’s unusual for Ari to be anything but smiling, so her expression worries me.

She sighs, resting her chin in her palm. “My parents refuse to retire, and whenever I try to make suggestions about how we can improve the inn, they shrug it off like I’m still twenty instead of twenty-seven with a business degree. Young Jae tried to talk to Eomma, but she got mad at him. Ji Hoon was able to make a little headway, but they still won’t commit. I know it’s unfair to ask, but I was hoping you could mention retirement at dinner. In that subtle way I suck at.”

Grimacing, I set my coffee down. “I don’t know, Ari. It’s not really my place.”

“But that’s the thing, you don’t have to say anything directly about retiring. It could be something about experiences or trips. But they will know what I’m getting at if I try to bring anything like that up.” She slumps in the seat. “I’m ready to run the inn on my own. They don’t bug Young Jae about his stuff. And they’re staying out of Ji Hoon’s way, even though his mysterious business partner has yet to arrive. But despite all the things I’ve managed to implement, they won’t let go, not even to semi-retire.”

Her voice pitches higher as she talks, the stress and frustration clear.

“Let me see what I can do, but I’m not promising anything.” I sigh. What a way to jump into things with the Chois as Young Jae’s girlfriend, not just friend.

“You’re the best almost sister-in-law ever.” Ari beams at me, the strain dissipating as though I’ve magically pulled off what she wants.

“Don’t get your hopes up. All of you are stubborn and you inherit that from your parents,” I warn.

She laughs, waving me off. “No one can say no to you, especially not my mother.”

***

Saturday is busy at Perk Up, but my mind is occupied with dinner. I still haven’t figured out what to say to the Chois to help Ari out and I don’t want to involve Young Jae because he will jump down her throat. Nerves must be getting to me, because I’ve been feeling queasy all day.

After I close up, I race home to change and we arrive at the Choi’s for dinner.

“Why do you seem so nervous? You’ve been to our family dinners before.” He reaches for my hand, squeezing gently.

“It’s not the same as your girlfriend. I’m excited, but it’s different.” It’s partially the truth.

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