Page 45 of Everything We Left Unsaid

“Y’all enjoy,” she offers with a friendly smile. “It was good seeing you.” Abby returns her sentiment and Sarah trots off to seat the next customers.

“How did she hear about Ama already?”

“Small town.” She shrugs, those two words apparently the only explanation needed.

“Now that we’re here, I should probably tell you about the incident with your uncle the last time I was in his restaurant.”

“My uncle?” she asks, perplexed.

“Yeah, Phil. Rosie’s husband.”

“Oh, I had no idea you knew each other.”

“Well, we don’t, actually. I mean, somehow he knew who I was.” She winces and I realize exactly how he knew who I was. Of course she’d confide in Roselyn what happened between us, and Roselyn would then tell her husband and they would lament about what a terrible, no good, dirty dog I was. “Anyway,” I continue, trying not to dwell on the past and all the shit Abby and I have been through, “he may have kicked me out of here, and I got the impression I wasn’t welcome back.”

“Oh, Jacob, I’m sorry.” She shakes her head and covers her face with her hands. “I’ll talk to him. I should’ve called him and Roselyn and explained everything.”

Before we can continue our conversation, a server appears at our table. “Hey Abby, it’s good to see you.”

“Hey Molly, it’s good to see you too.”

“I hear your grandma’s gonna make a full recovery. That’s great news!” Abby shoots me a knowing look. It’s amazing how fast news travels in this town.

“Yes. Yes, it is.”

“What can I get you guys to drink?” Abby gives her drink order and she turns her attention to me. “What about you…?” she begins, but stops abruptly and glances back and forth between Abby and me. She lifts her pen from the pad and turns it over, pointing right at me. “Hey, aren’t you that guy-”

“We’ll both take sweat teas,” Abby interrupts before she can finish her question. I give her a questioning look and she turns her attention to our waitress, plastering on a tight smile. “Thanks, Molly,” she says, dismissing her. “She was here that day,” Abby offers in explanation once the waitress is out of earshot. I wait for her to elaborate. “The day I slapped you,” she whispers, leaning in so nobody hears her.

“Oh,” I reply, realization dawning on me.

“Yeah,” she sighs, eyes downcast in embarrassment.

I place my finger under her chin and tilt her head up. “It’s in the past,” I repeat my words from earlier, reminding her that all is forgiven.

“Okay,” she agrees. “No more bringing it up,” she promises.

We enjoy the rest of our lunch in peace, nobody mentioning her grandmother or the infamous slap. I pay the bill, despite her protests, and we slip out of our seats.

“I’d like to stop by Ros’s office for a minute if you don’t mind.”

I don’t really like the prospect of another run-in with Uncle Phil or even his petite, fiery-haired wife, but I agree anyway. Maybe now’s as good a time as any to face the firing squad.

We walk toward the back hallway, my palms dampening and beads of sweat collecting on my brow as we draw closer. This could get very ugly very quickly, and the last thing I want is to upset Abby. We stop outside the open office door and Abby knocks on the frame.

“Abby! Come in,” Roselyn greets excitedly. I hover just outside, letting them catch up. I’m not sure if I should make my presence known just yet. I’ll let Abby make that call.

“Hey, Ros.”

“How’s Ama, honey? I’ve been worried sick about her since Ethan called me.”

“She’s doing better. She’s awake and breathing on her own. She’ll be back to normal in no time.”

“That’s great, hun,” she offers sincerely. “What brings you in here today?”

Abby sighs and I hold my breath. “Jacob’s back.” Her voice is tiny and unsure, like she’s in the principal’s office making a confession.

“Yes,” Ros replies, all the happiness evaporating from her voice. “I heard.”

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