Page 100 of Daily Grind
Yeah. And another tomorrow.
Wow. I’m sorry, love. I know it’s rough.
It was killing him, if he wanted to be honest with himself, which of course, he didn’t want to be.
I’ll be fine.
He wanted to crawl under the counter and cry. He loved the shop, but right at the moment, he hated every single bean and porcelain cup.
A longer pause.
I’m here for you, Bri.
Shaking fingers.I know.
But for how much longer, since Brian couldn’t be there for Rob?
Let me know when you’re free again, and I’ll take off work. Do whatever you want to do.
Sleep. He wanted to sleep and stop having anxiety claw its way through his gut and throat every day. He wanted to stop shaking when the mail came.
I’ll let you know.
Love you, Bri.
Love you, too.
And he did, so much. Brian tucked away his phone and scrubbed his face, then got to cleaning dishes and wiping down the counter and tables before the lunch hour rush began.
Around one thirty, Miranda came in. She didn’t look heartbroken, which was good, but she looked as tired as he felt. “Hey, how’s your grandma?”
She sat down at the counter. When Brian gestured to the espresso machine, she shook her head. “I’m too wired.” She paused. “Grandmom’s alive and… okay.” She twisted her lips.
Not good. “What happened?”
“She fell. Lost her balance. Broke her arm, and bruised up her hip real bad.” Miranda cradled her head in her hands. “But the pain meds aren’t good for her. She’s more disoriented than ever and—” She broke off. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen.”
“If there’s anything I can do—”
She waved the words away. “Shit Bri, you’ve kept me on. That’s above and beyond. I’m your most irregular employee ever.”
“You’re also my best.” Utterly and completely true. If she could work more hours, that would solve a ton of issues.
She smiled, but it was pained, as if she understood his thoughts. “Doesn’t help if I’m not here.”
Yeah. “It’s fine. We’re going through a bump, that’s all.”
Her smile dropped away. “Bri, this is worse than before, and you need a break.” She tipped her head. “Everyone can see you’re at your limit.”
He started to reply, but the shop door opened and several people trickled in. Miranda waved him away.
After washing his hands, he took their orders and started in on the drinks. None were that complex and his mood had lightened enough that the smile didn’t feel forced this time. Nor the friendly banter. When they took their seats over by the window he turned back to Miranda.
“I’m just tired.”
“And stressed.”
“That, too.” He shrugged. “Nothing I can do. Maybe over the summer I can hire a few more people. But we have our hands full training Rich and Lamont.”
