Page 21 of Love Over Easy

“It depends on what you want to snack on.”

Our eyes meet and while I know she’s not referring to what I’m thinking about, I see when she understands my silent reply. She dips her head, hiding a private smile and embarrassment. I give her a break and head upstairs for a quick shower and a clean pair of shorts and t-shirt.

I find her out on the deck, which I am learning is her favorite place to be, with the outdoor table set. She’s used the plates my mom always called the company dishes and she has long-stemmed wine glasses I didn’t even know I had.

“I hope you don’t mind me opening a bottle of wine I found in your kitchen.”

“No. Not at all. I keep one on hand for when my mom visits.” I take my seat and I lean over my served plate and breathe in. I have no idea what it is, but it smells amazing. At first glance I would have said a pot roast and vegetables, but the masterpiece before me is nothing like my mom’s. It doesn’t smell like my mom’s either.

“I found a roast in your freezer. It’s nothing special, just a pot roast with roasted carrots, onions, and Brussels sprouts. And I made scalloped potatoes with a creamy garlic dill sauce.”

I stare in amazement. “I had all of this in my kitchen?”

She chuckles. “Yes, you did. But I had to work to find them. I cleaned out your refrigerator while I was at it. You let a lot of good food go to waste.”

“Yeah, my mom stocks what she thinks I need and then I never have time to cook.” The meat is tender and practically falls apart. Flavor bursts on my tongue at my first bite. The potatoes are creamy and buttery and seasoned perfectly. I’m not sure what dill is, but I like it. I’m not usually a fan of Brussels sprouts, but the veggies are all deliciously sweet and smoky. “This is really good, Shyanne. You’re going to make a success of the diner and I’ll be really sad to lose my cook. I haven’t eaten this good…ever. But please don’t tell my mom I said that.”

Her eyes light up. “You really like it?”

Why is she so insecure? She has to know it’s incredible. “I really do. Tell me about the diner.”

“I’ve always wanted to do something like this. I’m not even sure I can. I can’t believe Hannah is letting me run the diner rent-free. All I have to do is buy the food and supplies. It’s not even going to require that much cleaning inside to get it ready. The equipment has been taken care of and is all in working order…”

I continue to shovel food in my mouth as I watch Shy’s animated excitement in the way she talks about the diner and her plans. This has meaning to her and I hope she has the success she’s hoping for.

“Shy, I have to ask. Are you sure this is safe for you to do?”

She pauses and takes a breath. “I don’t think anyone knows where I am. I was pretty good in hiding my trail. Eventually I know I’ll be found, but for now, I want to do this for me. I’ve never in my life been able to have something just for me. Something that I like to do. Something that gives me joy instead of…bruises.”

That’s a strange choice of words. “Honey, I promise, no one will ever hurt you again.”

Her gaze flutters downward and the radiant smile that has been on her face is no longer there. “That’s a promise you can’t keep. But I thank you for wanting to keep me safe.”

“You speak in riddles. Talk to me, Shy. Tell me what’s going on.”

She slowly shakes her head. “I can’t. Not yet. But I will. As soon as I can, I’ll tell you everything.”

I want to pull her onto my lap and wrap my arms around her. What I’m feeling isn’t even about sex. It’s about comforting and shielding her from harm. I never want her to be afraid another day in her life.

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