Page 92 of Building What's Meant to Be

The answers to those questions feel slippery. Ones I don’t want to hear, but if I let go of my old life, where does that leave me? In Butterbury forever?

This was supposed to be a blip on my way to Miami. Sure, I had some figuring out to do after the whole thing with Puma, whose number I have now blocked after his texts turned threatening.

But what would I amount to if I stay here? Could Aiden and I really sip soda together at the end of the day...every day forever?

What about the future? My name in lights? The glamour and luxury? I wanted to become someone. A household name. The kind of woman that girls envy.

I linger by the truck as thunder rolls in the distance.

I’m not sure if this would be the part of the movie with a shot of the main character sitting by a rain-streaked window while she ponders her life or a montage of befores and afters, highlighting the restaurant makeover. The place went from a dingy hole in the wall—literally, there were several in the plaster—to having a fresh and welcoming exterior with a wide front porch with craftsman-style beams overhead. The walls are white shiplap, the same as inside, with black trim and a red awning. Even the sign is new along with the menus on the wall. The shiny plank floors, the bar stools with blue cushions, and family-style dining with wooden tables and benches fill the dining room. A wall of family photos Tammy and Beatrice shared completes the experience.

The sky opens with rain and I rush undercover. I spend the afternoon helping finalize things in the kitchen, including attaching drawer pulls, filling salt and pepper shakers, and organizing napkins, cups, and silverware.

I’m about to ask Aiden where to put the dish rags when he gets a phone call. His posture instantly changes from being a relaxed but helpful worker and into a dangerous dude. His expression turns stormy like the weather outside. Without a word, he blusters out the door to the car and peels away.

Bubba and I exchange a look of concern and I immediately call Bess, worried something happened to Mae or the baby.

She answers, but the connection breaks up. I gather that she’s at a meeting for her new program on HLTV. It’s a ‘Complete’ makeover show, including a home remodel plus making over the residents for a style upgrade, and an overhaulof various aspects of their lives with leading experts and life coaches, resulting in the complete makeover concept.

“Do you know if everything is okay with Mae and the baby?” I ask.

“I can’t really hear you, but yes, I’m okay. I can’t wait to tell you all about the show.”

When I hang up, a truck pulls up in front of Bubba’s. Minutes later, Mae, Taylor, and the baby come in, half-drenched.

“You guys are alright?” I ask.

Taylor’s eyebrows ripple.

“Yeah, we’re fine. Heard you guys were wrapping up here,” Mae says.

“Looks fine.” Taylor whistles low.

Bubba exits the kitchen and greets them.

“I was thinking we should do a little feature on the Designed to Last social media accounts of the new and improved Bubba’s,” Mae says.

“Think of it like a nod to the man who fed us during production,” Taylor adds.

“I’d love to give you a tour.” Bubba smiles proudly.

“And we’ll come back with the crew and a few cameras when the weather isn’t so nasty,” Mae adds.

“Couldn’t have done it without Tinsley, Aiden, and his guys,” Bubba says.

“Speaking of Aiden, where is he?” Mae asks.

“I was going to ask you the same thing. He was just here, got a call, then left without a word. I got worried about you guys.”

Mae and Taylor exchange a look. My stomach twists.

The baby makes a gurgling noise, drawing their attention to him.

“We’re just hungry. Missed lunch.” Taylor’s voice sounds unusually stiff. Then again, I’m not exactly his favorite person, but I don’t think he hates me anymore.

“I can help with that,” Bubba says and returns to the kitchen.

I finish up my projects and by the time Taylor and Mae are done with their late lunch, I have officially completed my community service.

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