Page 209 of As They Are
“Do I give him this?” Henry muttered. “Or do I tell him he has to take his health seriously?”
“If you wanna open that can of worms, be my guest.” Tammy shrugged. “He’s already in a bad mood, so I bet he’d be real fun today.”
“On second thought,” Henry said before nodding at Hugh, “have a great breakfast.”
Hugh nodded and went back to his grumbling.
“Want the corner table?” Tammy asked. “Seems to be your favorite.”
“I’d love that one,” Henry said.
“It can be your usual.” She led us over to our table. “Though, you’ll have to make a habit of coming in.”
“We plan on it,” I said.
Henry was the picture of ease, and so was I. This was the complete opposite of how things had felt when I’d gotten here.
“I’m gonna let Kelsey take care of you,” Tammy said. “Please be gentle. She’s trying her best. After I make sure Hugh isn’t still pissy about the order mix-up, I’ll be back to chat more.”
I took a breath. “Time to get to know Kelsey,” I said.
“Are you nervous?”
“A little, but she seems nice.”
“She is. Tammy’s always had good things to say about her.”
Minutes later, Kelsey walked toward us. She wasn’t smiling, though I knew it had more to do with the grumpy old man who’d ruined her day and not us.
“Hi,” she said. “It’s so good to finally meet you more than just in passing, Wren. Sorry that I’m not in the best mood. Did Mom tell you what happened?”
“She did. And I heard your screams.”
She blinked. “I thought the cooler was soundproof.”
I slowly shook my head. “Sorry, it’s not.”
“Oh myGod,”she groaned.
“If it helps, it was funny.”
“I’m sure I’ll laugh about it later when Hugh’snotin the building.” She turned and looked at Tammy, who was still smoothing things over. “It was an honest mistake.”
“He’s like that with a lot of people,” Henry said. “Especially doctors.”
“I’m just adjusting to waitressing,” Kelsey said. “I have a degree in communications, so this should be easy.”
“I don’t think there’s anything easy about being a waitress,” I said. “All the things you have to remember? No thanks.”
“That’s nice of you to say.” Kelsey let out a breath and smiled. “How are you feeling?”
“Like a human again,” I replied. “I needed that break.”
“I saw a few episodes of the show you’re on and am wondering how you’re functioning at all. Seriously, you did not stop.”
“She really didn’t,” Henry said.
“What’s next?” Kelsey asked.
