Page 13 of Ash

"Ah! It's good to see you, asshole!" "Come 'ere, idiot!"

The two men embraced each other, slapping each others' backs and laughing.

Suzannah sat down at the table to her right, her knees weak from shock.

Alice brought her a glass of ice water and tapped the menu in front of her. "Ignore those idiots. The bus driver is my brother and that ham-handed cook is my husband. Now go ahead and pick something to eat before you have to get back on the bus."

Suzannah nodded and dropped her gaze to the menu.

There were a good number of items on the menu, but the more she read the more her stomach clenched and turned.

Swallowing, she realized two things.

One - the bus driver was right. She needed to eat something.

Two - the breakfast sandwich sounded like the only thing she could eat.

The bell over the front door jingled and Suzannah heard the bus driver's voice.

"Don't forget. If you're not on the bus. We're leaving with or without you."

"Yes, sir."

The driver chuckled and the door behind her swung shut with a soft shush of sound.

Then the air seemed to settle around her.

She noticed a radio playing something from the seventies. Something sweet and melancholy.

Alice stepped up with a smile. "Nice music, huh?"

Suzannah nodded. "Yes, I like it. Reminds me of my mom and dad's favorite music." She touched the menu and grinned up at the waitress. "May I have a breakfast sandwich, please?"

Alice winked and picked up the menu from the table. "Portable goodness."

Suzannah sat back in her chair. "Sounds perfect."

"I'll put the order in, and you'll have it in plenty of time to get back on the bus." Alice took a step to the side and then leaned back. "Do you want something to nibble on while you're here? Something bite sized?"

The thought didn't sit well with her stomach. "No, thank you."

Alice reached out her hand and settled it on Suzannah's. "Nerves?"

Suzannah nodded. "Moving. The first time in my whole life."

"Wow." Alice's smile lit up her face. "That's exciting."

Suzannah smile wavered a little. "Nerve wracking."

"I get it." She gave Suzannah's hand a squeeze. "Sit here and relax. Enjoy the music." She gestured at the radio.

Before she could say another word, the front door opened up with a discordant jingle of bells.

"Let me know if you need anything."

Suzannah nodded and lifted her glass for a quick drink of water.

Oh.

---