Page 121 of Average Joe

“I see.” I stood, fidgety and struggling to stay composed.

“Mom.”

“If I’d known you were leaving today, I wouldn’t have let you sleep last night. I would’ve made you stay awake and talk to me about everything, or anything.” Arms crossed, I brought a finger to my mouth and gnawed a nail. “You can’t possibly imagine how much I’ve missed you, how empty my chest has been.”

“I know,” was all he said as he pulled me into his arms and hugged me like he really had missed me, too. “I’m so sorry.”

My boy was taller, wider, and more muscular than when I’d last seen him. His hair was still a thick mess, his voice more mature, his eyes wiser, and as he rocked me, whispering, “I’m sorry,” over and over, I realized his heart had grown, too.

My boy wasn’t a kid anymore. He’d spread his wings. Flown the coop. He’d made bad choices but owned up to them. Dylan would stumble and fall a million and one times in his life, but he was a good kid, well on his way to becoming a good man.

Hard as it was to admit, that journey was for him to navigate. I’d been blessed to be a part of his life for eighteen years. My job was done. I only hoped he’d remember to share his failures and celebrations with me along the way.

We said our goodbyes. I watched my only child cross the backyard, confident he’d flourish while terrified I’d crumble to dust. When he disappeared into Joe’s yard, I allowed myself one long, hot shower to cry, and then I dressed, painted my face, styled my hair, and drove to work.

* * *

The words and numbers on my calendar faded in and out of focus, my perpetual blinking making little difference.

Lilly closed the window, stuffed her tip in the jar, and turned to wipe down nozzles. “You’ve been at that schedule forever. Need help?”

Blink. Blink. I would not cry. I’d finished the schedule at home and only needed to post the changes on our employee portal. For some reason, I struggled to hit the submit button on my laptop. “I’m giving my shifts to the other girls.”

“Well, I’m sure you won’t hear any complaints from them. But why?”

Fear. Exhaustion. “I’m not getting any younger.”

“You’re young at heart,” she sang, snapping my ass with a damp towel.

I tapped theSubmitbutton and snapped my MacBook shut. “You practically run this stand already. I’d like you to manage both, as far as scheduling, hiring, and whatnot.”

“Marley, are you serious?” she shrieked, hopping on her toes and clapping, her breasts bouncing in her leather-studded bustier.

“I’ll still be here behind the scenes, but I’d like to go back to school. Get my business degree. Maybe expand into some clothing-required coffee stands.”

“Well, more power to ya! So, does this promotion come with a hefty raise?”

“You know it does.”

“Then I wholeheartedly accept.” Lilly nodded toward the security camera. “Well, look here. Prius Guy is off schedule.”

“Strange.” I was not in the mood to be friendly. “You wanna take him? He tips great.”

“Nah.” She winked. “He comes for you, boss.”

Prius Guy rolled up to the window, face grim and facing forward. Nothing new. His attire, however, made me do a double-take. Seahawk’s cap. Tight black T-shirt. Black watch with a thick black band and face. He wore a five o’clock shadow that aged him by years, hiding his baby face.

“Hi,” I said, mustering my sweet work voice.

Those dark, steely eyes turned my way. His leer landed on my chest, then took a slow trip up to my neck and face.

Dear God. The man had never looked me dead on. And though he was clean-cut and handsome, something messy and ugly lingered in that glare.

“Well, this is a nice surprise.”

He didn’t blink. “What is?”

Tingles zipped up my spine and over my scalp. His voice carried an edge that I couldn’t decipher.

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