Page 77 of We Thought We Were Invincible
Morgan's back shook, but as Kat released her, she regained her composure.
“You and Colby can handle the dinner rush, right?” Kat asked. “After my meeting, Noah wants to take me out.”
“What's this meeting about, anyway?” I eyed her.
“I already told you it's none of your business.”
“Fine fine. Yes, go. Have fun. Don't worry about us. There are two cooks on the schedule so Colby and I will only have to handle the front.”
“Like you two would ever help cook.” Kat laughed.
“Just go.” I pushed her toward the door, waving goodbye as she got into her car.
Turning back to Morgan, I gestured toward the counter. She sat on a stool while I tied my apron on and started a fresh pot of coffee.
I went to check on the two customers we had. It was another slow day. Once they were taken care of, I slid a mug toward Morgan and poured coffee into it. Then I grabbed the bowl of creamer packets and handed it to her before she could ask. Some things you don't forget.
Working up the nerve, I finally asked the question that'd been on my mind for the past two months. “How's your family doing?”
She finished stirring in a packet of sweetener before lifting the cup to her lips. Taking a tiny sip, she placed it back on the counter and looked up at me.
“Do you really want to know, Callie?” she asked.
“Of course.”
“It's just that most people would rather forget. They ask how we are out of obligation, but they don't truly want an answer other than 'good'. No one will talk about it. My mom won't even let us mention Troy.” Her eyes watered.
“Morgan, you can talk to me.”
“After how terrible I've been? The rational part of me knows you were just protecting your brother. I was the cheater. But the other part of me, blamed you for spinning my life out of control. That was the beginning, and it's hard to separate that terrible feeling from the horror of losing my brother, the pain of being shot.”
“That's why you've been so mean?”
She nodded, taking another sip of coffee. Her hands shook as she lifted the cup. When she caught me noticing, she put it down.
“Side effect,” she explained. “Just another reminder.” She rested her elbows on the counter and hid her face in her hands. “My mom barely leaves the house. Dad barely leaves work. Parker's the same way. All she does is jump out of those damn planes.”
“That's not surprising,” I said. “Have you ever gone with her?”
“No.”
“Maybe it'd help you. Up there, all your problems disappear, even if it's only for a short time.”
“I thought she was just avoiding being home with me and mom.” A harsh laugh escaped her. “I don't know how to help any of them. I can't even help myself.”
Before I could respond, the bell above the door chimed and in walked Seth Franklin. I froze, looking back and forth between Seth and Morgan.
Morgan looked toward the door, her face showing no recognition. Sighing in relief, I walked toward Seth.
“Afternoon, Seth. Do you want a booth today?” I asked, hoping his answer was yes.
“That's okay, Sweetheart. I'll sit at the counter today.” To my dismay, he situated himself on the stool next to Morgan.
I moved back behind the counter, pulling out a mug, filling it, and setting it in front of him.
“The usual, Seth?” I asked.
“You're too good to an old man like me.” He smiled as I wrote his order on my pad and set it in the pass-through window to the kitchen.
