Page 47 of Stay With Me

With a bounce in my step, I clean up breakfast, kiss him, and head to Perk Up to open. I have a couple interviews today and I want to get the prep done early.

By the time Mary comes in at noon, I’ve concluded the interviews and the lunch rush has started. I don’t know if it was the process of screening potential employees or the busier than normal opening rush, but I’m exhausted again.

Mary takes over at the counter so I can restock the sandwiches and other prepared foods. She typically cooks the hot meals in the evenings, my preference the baking and daytime foods that I can prepare somewhat in advance.

My head starts to feel woozy as I finish a roast chicken on focaccia with guacamole, bacon, and green leaf lettuce. Bracing my hands on the counter, I clench my eyes as a wave of dizziness hits me. What is going on? I felt fine this morning.

It passes as quickly as it came, so I finish in the back and restock the case at the counter. Every day we nearly clear out and I haven’t had as much to bring to the seniors home. Making a mental note, I plan to make extra so I can continue to bring treats at least three times a week.

The lunch rush ends, leaving Mary and me to clean up.

“I’m going to tackle the patio. I think I need some fresh air.” I wave my hand in front of my face. The room feels hot and it’s making me nauseous.

“Are you okay?” Mary’s face is concerned.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” I head outside and clean up the tables, wiping the surfaces and straightening chairs. Once it’s all cleaned, I sit down and enjoy the gentle breeze blowing.

The door to Perk Up opens, Mary coming out with a couple mugs. “I made you some tea.”

Taking it gratefully, I sip and enjoy feeling my head clear a bit.

We sit in silence for a bit, enjoying the cooler breeze of fall. The leaves are starting to change and as much as I love summer, this time of year is my favorite.

Mary clears her throat, angling herself to look at me. “I’m worried about you, Elise. You’re paler than normal, your energy is low, and I’ve noticed the dizzy spells and nausea. I think you should go see a doctor. None of that is normal, especially for you.”

Setting my mug down, I face her. “Mary, I’m fine.”

“Look, I know I’m your employee and nothing more—” she starts but I cut her off.

“You know you’re more than an employee to me, Mary. You’re a friend too.”

She smiles, patting my arm. “Thank you, hon. Then as your friend, I am asking you to go see a doctor before this becomes more serious.”

Her concern means a lot to me, especially since some days she feels like the mom I missed out on since mine passed when I was only four. Sighing, I concede. “Okay, I will call and make an appointment. But for today, I need your help deciding which of these candidates are the best fit. They all interviewed well.”

Mary stands, happy with my agreement to see a doctor, and we head back inside to look at their resumes and the notes I made after the interview concluded. It takes some back and forth, but we finally agree that Nicole is the best fit. She had the best overall interview, is eager to learn about more than just the front end stuff, and out of them all, I feel like her personality will mesh with Mary and me the best.

I excuse myself to my little back office and make the call. She eagerly accepts the job and I schedule her to start the following week. Hanging up, I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. Mary is right I need to call the doctor. I’ve never been this exhausted in my life.

“Elise? Are you okay?”

Opening my eyes to the concern in Mary’s voice, I yawn. “Yeah, sorry. After speaking to Nicole, I figured I would close my eyes for a minute.”

Her brows furrow. “You’ve been back here for forty-five minutes. Adeline and Rae are out front asking for you.”

Inhaling sharply, I glance at the time. Damn. I’ve never done that before. “Yeah. Okay. Tell them I will be out in five—I’m going to call my doctor and set up that appointment.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Elise

Oneofthebestthings about living in a small town is that there’s usually not much of a wait to see the doctor. The downside is, when you go to the office, you probably know the majority of the people waiting to see said doctor.

The nurse asked if I was okay switching to the new doctor, Dr. Wright. When she heard what was bothering me, she thought I should get in right away, but Dr. Stevens wouldn’t be available until early next week.

Hudson Wright has been in town for maybe a few weeks and was the gossip of the town. Relieving me and Young Jae. From what I’ve heard, he’s been very accommodating, so I eagerly switched away from Dr. Stevens. Despite being an excellent doctor, she's a bit gruff and better suited for the older patients.

Several people approach me while waiting to be called, asking if I’m okay. Assuring them I’m fine doesn’t seem to alleviate the concern, so I try to shift the focus. “Did you see the progress on the new autobody shop? It seems like the guys are doing a great job.”

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