Page 208 of As They Are
“I want to,” I said. “I miss my work pants. And seeing the sky. Plus, I wanna meet Kelsey when I’m not having a mental breakdown. She’s been waiting patiently.”
“Sounds like a plan,” he said. “Are you heading to the diner now?”
“I think so. You should do your usual, but I’ll grab something there.”
He checked his watch. “You know, I was thinking that we should have a day where we usually go. You and I can check in with Tammy and Kelsey. It’s a Monday, so it shouldn’t be too busy.”
“It’s been a week, and you’re wanting to change the routine?”
“Update it a little,” he corrected. “I’m always open to good changes. And Tammy’s been calling the clinic line and checking in.”
“Does she not have your number?”
“She does. She thinks it’s fun that my office has a landline.”
“That sounds like her.” I laughed. “Should we head out now?”
“We have time,” Henry said, holding out his hand.
The weather was finally cooling as fall rolled in, though the heat would linger for longer than anyone would have liked. Henry had been busy updating the annual plants in the pots at the square, something I wanted to help him with as time went on. Some of the leaves on the trees were starting to change, promising beautiful hues in the coming weeks.
Before, I didn’t stop to notice the season changes. This year, I would.
“Finally!” Tammy said when we walked in. “She’s outta the house! This has made my day.” Henry cleared his throat and Tammy’s eyes widened. “I mean, I’m happy you got the break you needed.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “I don’t feel bad for lounging for a week. No matter what anyone says.”
“That’s my girl,” she said as she pulled me into a hug. “Are you two stopping in for breakfast? I have a new omelet topping for you, Wren.”
“What is it?”
“Love.” Her smile was as wide as it had been on camera.
I blinked. “Really?”
“No, it’s olives. Did I get you?”
“I’m sure lovedoesgo into your food, but I’m not used to you being so ... sweet.”
She sighed. “Kelsey told me I should be sweet as well as snarky. I’m trying.” She waved her hand.
I would take her any way she wanted to be. “Where is Kelsey, by the way?”
A distant, muffled scream echoed through the diner.
Tammy winced. “She’s having a moment in the cooler. She must still believe that the cooler’s soundproof. Ron used to tell her that as a joke.”
“Is she dying in there?” Henry asked with horror.
“No. She gave Hugh the wrong order, and he said she should dye her hair blonde to match her brains. I told her to let out her frustration at thatin the back and not at him. Usually, I find a towel to scream into. She must have needed more than that.”
I looked for Hugh. He’d been at the opening for the library, but I hadn’t met him directly yet.
He was in a corner, grumbling under his breath. He angrily sipped his coffee before catching me looking. I gave a wave, but his eyes cut to Henry.
“It’s decaf, Doc!”
“It’s not,” Tammy said under her breath.
