Page 55 of Claiming What Is Mine

“And for you?”

“Coffee for me, thanks—decaf if you don’t mind.”

“Sure thing. I’ll be right back.”

When the girl is out of earshot, I close the menu. “You shouldn’t let that jerk at the bar get under your skin—if that’s what has you upset, I mean. A guy like that, he’s got issues that have nothing to do with you.”

The young girl returns to our table, struggling to balance a large tray with two glasses of water and a cup of coffee. I notice her nametag as she sets the glasses in front of us. “Brooke, is it?”

“Yes sir,” she says, surprised. “How’d you know that?”

I smile and indicate the white tag on her shirt. “Took a chance.”

“Oh right.” Her cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Sorry, I just started this week and it’s my first night on my own.” She places the tray under her arm while she digs in the pockets of her apron for her pen and notepad. “Are you ready to order, or do you need a few more minutes?”

I look to Meredith who nods. “I’ll have a slice of pie. Apple if you have it.”

“We have Dutch apple. That alright?”

Meredith’s eyes dance. “That is definitely, alright.”

“And for you?” the waitress asks as she jots the order.

“I’m okay with the coffee for now.” I lift my cup. “So, you say just started? Are you new in town?”

The girl smiles. “Oh no, I’ve lived here my whole life. I’m just working part time to try and save for college.”

“Oh yeah? I ask. “What year are you?”

“Huh?” The girl puts a hand on her hip as she considers the question.” Well, I’ll be a senior this fall, so—” she chews her gum “—next year. And I’m so done with high school drama. I can hardly wait.”

Are you fucking kidding me? This girl is in high school?

Meredith takes one look at my face and laughs out loud.

The waitress looks confused, but brushes it off. “Let me get that pie for you,” she says with a smile as she turns to leave.

“Twenty, huh?” Meredith giggles. “Guess it’s a good thing you’re off the market. You might have ended up in jail if I hadn’t been here,” she says, sarcastically.

“Hey. Now, in my…” I begin to defend myself, but think better of it. “Just add that to the list of reasons why I’m lucky to be off the market.” The smile on Meredith’s face tells me that was the correct response.

The waitress returns with Meredith’s pie and a pot of decaf to top off my cup. Realizing she’s interrupting, she steps back. “Just yell for me if you need anything else.”

Meredith digs her fork at the crumble topping of her pie. “It’s wasn’t the guy at the bar. I mean, he was gross, but it was more than that.” She cuts a small piece of apple away and takes a bite. “Mmm. So good. This may give the pecan a run for its money.”

“Doubtful.” I sip my coffee. “Anyway, you were saying?”

“That jerk. He was only a reminder of a problem I’ve had my whole life.”

“Okay, then I’m confused, Doll. What problem?”

Meredith sighs, sadness clouding her eyes. “I guess...” She shakes her head, frowning. “It just feels like no matter what I’m saying, or who I’m saying it to, no one hears me. Like I’m invisible or something.”

I choke on the hot coffee in my mouth. “I hear you.”

“You do. Mostly.” She licks her lips. “It’s really not a big deal. I don’t know how I could have been any clearer with that guy. It got to me. That’s all.”

“Mostly?” I frown. “What do I do?”

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