Page 2 of Grady

“Hi, Shay.” Though Savannah preferred being called by her given name, most of the people in Clifton shortened it to Vanna, and she knew there was nothing she could do about it, but didn’t care. She loved this town and the people in it.

“Let me grab my purse and we can head to the diner. I am starving.”

“You’re always hungry lately. Are you pregnant again?” Parker asked teasingly.

“Actually, I think I might be. My period is late, but I haven’t taken a test yet.”

“I was just kidding.” Parker chuckled.

“I know, but I really do think there’s a chance. I’ll pick up a test at the pharmacy and make an appointment with Doc Anderson if it’s positive.”

“Are you alright, Vanna?” Parker asked.

“Oh, uh, yes. I’m fine.”

“I’d love to have another baby.” Shay grinned.

“You were born to be a mother, Shay,” Parker remarked. “Now let’s go get some food.”

“You have a beautiful store, Shay. The pieces are stunning.”

“Thank you, Vanna. My uncle is the glass smith, but I think I told you that. The shop does really well during the summer months.”

“I hope my shop will again too.”

“Oh, it will. The antiques are wonderful and those dollhousesare gorgeous!” Shay smiled.

“I agree. I’ve been wanting one for myself.” Vanna grinned.

“I actually have one. My husband bought it for me one Christmas. It seems like every little girl wanted a dollhouse growing up,” Shay said.

“Is everyone ready? I’m so hungry,” Parker exclaimed.

“Don’t mind her, Vanna. She gets cranky when she’s hungry,” Shay said with a smile.

Parker just shook her head as Shay bundled up, and they left the shop. Walking to the diner, they had to put their faces down so the snow wouldn’t slap them in the face. As they entered, they were greeted warmly by everyone inside, which made Vanna chuckle.

“Once you become a regular here, everyone welcomes you like that every time,” Shay remarked. “I still remember my first time here. The whole place fell silent until Connie saved me.”

“Same for me. I didn’t know what to do when everyone was staring at me.” Vanna laughed. “But now, they make me feel right at home.”

“Let’s grab a booth,” Parker suggested. They navigated through the tables and sat on the bench, with Parker and Shay on one side and Savannah across from them.

“Well, hello there, lovely ladies,” Connie greeted as she approached their booth.

“Hi, Connie. The food here always smells incredible,” Savannah said.

“Thank you, hon. So, what can I get for you girls?” Connie asked.

“The usual for me, please, Connie,” Shay replied, and Parker requested the same.

“Well since I don’t have a usual yet, I’ll have a burger with mayo, lettuce, and tomato. Thank you so much, Connie.”

“I’ll have those out to you in just a few minutes.” Conniewinked and walked back to the kitchen.

Vanna’s eyes scanned the cozy restaurant, a warm smile spreading across her face. It was exactly how she imagined a small-town diner: charming and inviting with just the right touch of nostalgia. The booths and tables were adorned in glossy black lacquer with bold red cushions that called out to guests to take a seat. The stools lining the counter matched in vibrant red, adding a pop of color against the classic black and white tile flooring. Despite its worn appearance, Savannah couldn’t help but feel drawn to this quintessential small-town restaurant. She looked at Parker and Shay and smiled.

“This place is perfect. It’s exactly how I envision a small-town diner to be,” she exclaimed.

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