Page 102 of The One I Hate
We do dance here. And we’ve been doing happy dances all morning. Because it’s been nonstop since we opened the doors for the first official day of Mona’s: Charlie’s version.
I mean, that’s not the official name, but it’s what I jokingly like to call it. Because while there is still her patty melt, french toast, and triple stack BLT on the menu, there are new things, like my sausage gravy that has been a huge hit, Mellie’s to die for cinnamon rolls, and, based on the orders, a crowd favorite: The Breakfast Burger, which is a cheeseburger in between two halves of Mellie’s freshly baked glazed donuts with a fried egg and bacon.
Don’t knock it till you try it. At least that’s what I told the servers to say when people were skeptical about ordering it.
“I knew these were going to be a hit.” I snag a cinnamon roll from Mellie’s tray. Consider it the boss tax.
“No. This is a hit. The whole thing. You did it, girl.”
“Wedid it.”
We hug each other so tight one of us might pop. But it’s needed. From working in the hellscape that was Napoli’s to landing in this dream situation, this hug is long overdue and needed.
“Hey, we have this covered back here,” she says. “How about you go out there and see your fans?”
I look over to the line cooks, who are all doing everything they are supposed to be doing. “You sure?”
She points to the door. “Go. If it gets crazy, I’ll come get you. Bask in this day, girl. You’ve earned it.”
“Thanks.” I grab my tumbler of water, because me and this little one are thirsty, as I head to the dining room. I try and sneak out, wanting to take in as much as I can unnoticed, but the second I’m out the door, my shadow is right next to me.
“You okay? Do you need to sit? You should probably sit.”
I sigh loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear. “I’m fine, Simon. Things are evening out in the back, and I was told it would be good for me to make an appearance in the dining room. I just wanted to see what’s going on.”
Simon puts one hand on my not-showing stomach and kisses my temple. “Good. I’m glad you did. It’s been amazing.”
He steps away, but switches his hand to the small of my back, as I take in the sight of my first day. Every table is full. Families and friends are eating and laughing. Servers are zooming around with plates and drinks. The jukebox that had been at Mona’s for years is currently playing one of my mom’s favorite country songs.
And that’s when I lose it.
“Hey? You okay?”
I nod as Simon wraps his arms around me. “I wish my mom were here.”
Simon kisses my temple and holds me a little tighter. “I know you do. And while I never knew her, I bet good money she’d be so proud of you.”
I cry into his shoulder for a second, not wanting to show my new patrons that I’m an emotional basket case, when I hear two of the best words being shouted by the sweetest little voice.
“Aunt Charlie!”
I quickly wipe my tears and turn around as Lila sprints toward me. “Sweet Pea!”
Lila jumps into my arms, and I don’t know if I’ve ever hugged her so hard. I swing her back and forth, my hold only getting stronger, as I sprinkle kisses on her cheek. “I’ve missed you.”
“I miss you,” she says between giggles. “Daddy said I can have as much as I want!”
“I did not say that,” Connor says as he steps up to us, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “I said you can pick anything you want. But you aren’t going to eat the whole menu.”
“Yes, you can,” I whisper. “You just tell me what you want, and I’ll get it for you.”
The sound of Lila’s sweet giggles helps me relax for the first time in weeks. I forgot how much this kid can change my mood just from her toothy grin.
“Who are you?”
I follow Lila’s eyes to Simon, who took a step back, but I knew likely wasn’t too far away.
“I’m Simon. What’s your name?”
