Page 45 of One Chance to Stay
Gulp.
WE NEED A LITTLE GUIDANCE
I walked…no. Istruttedto the bistro.
In one week, Firefly had pulled the rug out from under me. I spent the night contemplating Evelyn’s words. Her pep talk had struck a chord that refused to quiet. If the answer had been any more obvious, I’d have slapped myself. The night ended with me reading about potential careers and what I’d have to do to get a job.
Burying my hands deeper in my pockets, I continued down the sidewalk toward Bistro on Maine. The thought of returning to school and sitting at one of those tiny desks made my skin crawl. I hadn’t been an outstanding student the first time. Would it be the same over a decade later?
“I’ll be the oldest guy in the room,” I mumbled. What if I was older than the professor? It was a lot to process, but I didn’t have a lot of time if I wanted to enroll for the next term. The upheaval of my life might be unsettling, but something feltright. I didn’t just strut, I strutted with purpose.
As I reached the front door, I held it open, and a dozen women exited, each holding an identical book. There was early, and there was ‘Seamus feeding the deer’ early. It appeared mostpeople were on his time. They’d be in bed before I started a shift at the bar.
I slid inside. I couldn't believe Simon had only opened the bistro a year ago. Even with the gaggle of book clubbers leaving, there were plenty of patrons enjoying their brunch. The smells. I don’t know what he cooked, but it left my mouth watering. If the lasagna the other night was any sign, I prepared for an outstanding breakfast.
“You’re not from around here.”
The hostess leaned against her podium, studying me. Her eyes narrowed as she scanned for context. Mainers weren’t a judging bunch, at least not with other Mainers. I just needed to pass the test, and it’d grant me access without reservation.
“I’m staying at Valhalla.” It didn’t convince her. “I’m from Bangor.”
“Ahh.” She stood upright. “City folk.” I had grown used to the playful division between the cities of Maine and the small towns peppering the state. She waved me over with a menu.
Once I took a seat, she held the menu within reach, but pulled away as I tried to take it. “You look like a black coffee guy.”
“Yes, please.”
I tried grabbing for the menu again, and she pulled away. The grin on her face made it clear she was playing with me. I gave up and let the hostess do her thing. “You won’t need this. I have abilities.” She tapped her forehead. “French toast. Side of bacon.”
“I—”
“Homemade maple syrup.”
“I—” She glared. There was no use in giving in. Bacon drenched in maple syrupdidsound delicious. “Sounds great.”
“Be thankful I use my superpowers for good.”
I was about to reach for my phone and respond to all the text messages I had been ignoring. Half of them were from the bar, giving me updates on the million usual disasters that happened every night. At the end of the night, I’d receive a photo as proof that the building hadn’t burned down. Spectrum acted like a little family of its own. From kings to queens, I’d miss the people most of all.
“Mind if I sit?”
Walter didn’t wait for an answer as he pulled up a seat. “Good sir, the missus is angry with you.”
“Me?”
He lived up to the hype. Wearing an old gray hoodie, he’d look like every other person in Maine. The bright yellow knitted cap with a giant pompom on top made him stand out. It took a moment before I realized it had a smiley face on the front. That about summed up Walter.
“Getting me drunk like that. I fell asleep in her craft room. Want to know how to make a woman mad? Drool on her favorite fabric.”
“You got me drunk! I was trying to keep up with you.”
He sat back, eyes wide. “Well, I hope you learned your lesson.”
I rubbed the back of my head. “Still learning it, I guess.”
“Harvey is mad. He slept through it all.”
“I’m jealous of Harvey,” I admitted.
