Page 139 of Chasing Infinity

Her drawings come through only a few weeks later, and the real fun begins. As I go through the process of watching my future be built right before my eyes, I decide that I should probably get some experience under my belt. I begin working with Marjorie Taylor, who owns a little restaurant on the other side of town, just to see how she runs things. I also join the local community college and start taking classes online toward a business degree, just to say I have one. Is it necessary? Probably not, but knowing that I’ll have a degree by the end of the ordeal somehow keeps my motivation strong.

It takes almost two years for everything to come together fully, the cafe not officially opening until the fall, a few months before my twenty-fourth birthday.

The night before the big opening day, I stand in the middle of my new diner, taking it all in. The furniture has been bought to meet the aesthetic I dreamed of—more of an old-style diner with red-leather booths and dark oak tables. We have plenty of seating scattered across the floor to allow visitors to dine in and the counter up front just in case people want to take out. The hardwood floors are shiny and spotless after being waxed a few days ago. The finish I chose is a warm walnut that gives the area an even more welcoming feeling.

The diner is dark as I look around, though I know tomorrow it will be bustling with all my friends, excited to join me on this new journey. As excited as I am for this next chapter, a part of me still feels nostalgic for what my life used to be. With everything in me, I wish that my parents could be here to see this. Granted, if my parents were still with me, I probably wouldn’t be opening a diner inthislocation, but who knows where I would be? Despite them not being here in person, I know deep down that they’re proud of me and everything I’ve worked to accomplish.

I’m thankful that Charlie, Eli, and Grace have all stood by my side throughout this endeavor. Each one of them has shown up and gone the distance to assist in pulling everything together. Still, a part of me feels like I’m missing something–or someone.

I haven’t heard a word from Noah since I met him in New York two years ago. Even Charlie hasn’t heard anything, giving me a rueful smile every time I ask him, as if he’s sorry he can’t give me better news.

It’s as if Noah has dropped off the face of the Earth.

But what am I supposed to do? He told me not to wait on him, to live my life and continue on the path I want. And so that’s exactly what I did; this is it.

Noah may have urged me to leave Willow Heights, but no matter how much I wanted to do as he asked, I couldn’t. Without fully realizing it was happening, Willow Heights became my home. I couldn’t fathom leaving, especially now when the only family I have left is right here.

As I stand here appreciating the fruition of all my hard work over the last few years, I have no regrets. For the first time in a long time, I know this is precisely where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to be doing. Will it be easy? No, opening a new business never is. But I’m hoping all the extra work I’ve put in will pay off.

With one last anticipatory sigh, I leave the diner floor and walk upstairs to the loft I claimed as my new home. It’s a small one-bedroom apartment, just big enough for me. With this new chapter of my life taking off, I feel a mixture of sadness and excitement. I’m sad because with this new chapter, I know I’m getting ready to close the last one, and excitement because I’m ready to be free.

This is my life, and I’m taking it back.

The following morning, I’m awake as soon as my alarm goes off. I quickly shower and then get dressed, pulling on a pair of dark wash jeans and a long sleeve thermal shirt. I tie my hair up into a ponytail, knowing I’ll need it out of my way today. After brushing a bit of makeup on my face, I grin in the mirror.

“Let’s do this,” I tell my reflection and then don’t give myself any opportunity to back out. Today’s the day.

I go downstairs, wasting no time before hurrying and getting things ready to open.

“Good morning, my love!” I’m rattled out of my thoughts when Grace announces herself as she steps into the diner. As she enters, the doorbell jingles above her. She sashays into the diner, holding up a cup of specialty coffee.

I give her a wry look and tease her, “You know we’re trying to sell coffee here, right? How does it look if the co-owner is walking in the door with coffee from another place?”

Grace rolls her eyes and hands me the coffee, which I begrudgingly accept. “No one will know. Plus, we’ve got a long ass day and probably need the espresso to pull us through, so drink up.”

I chuckle but follow her advice, taking a sip of the hot coffee and sighing in relief as the bitter taste of the espresso hits my tongue. As soon as I swallow it down, I look at her and nod gratefully. “Okay, this was a good idea.”

Grace gives me a dramatic bow. “Thank you. What needs to be done before we open ‘er up?”

I delegate a few tasks to Grace, each of us getting to work and ensuring we’re ready for the big day. Seven o’clock rolls around far too quickly. Grace and I put the finishing touches on everything, making sure the tables are fully stocked with condiments and napkins and the chairs perfectly aligned. Once we’re satisfied, we turn to look at each other. Grace offers me her hand, and I take it, giving it an appreciative squeeze.

“Ready?”

“Let’s do it,” I tell her before pulling her into a big hug.

When I release her, we both walk to the front door and open it. There is a small crowd awaiting us outside, and my face splits into a grin when I see everyone. They break out in a small round of applause as soon as we step out, and I hold up my hand to settle them.

“Good morning, everyone!” I say, and they sound off a round ofhellos. My cheeks are already hurting from smiling so much, so I don’t waste any time. “Thank you all for coming out to the grand opening of Sunny Side Up Diner!” More applause ensues. “Grace and I have worked hard to ensure this diner is everything this small town needs and exactly what you all want. Starting tomorrow, we’ll be open at our new regular hours.” I give them a few more details of what all that entails, what kind of food will be served, and what not. Finally, the good part comes. “And without further ado, Grace?”

Grace hands me a pair of shiny silver scissors we bought yesterday from the pharmacy down the road. I take them in my hand before leaning over and cutting the ceremonial red satin ribbon in front of the front door.

“Sunny Side Up Diner is open for business!”

Before I know it, my diner is full of people excited to order their first meals. Grace and I man the counter, letting the small staff we hired to take care of bussing tables and refilling coffees. The morning doesn’t slow down from the second those front doors open. For the next few hours, it seems as if there is a constant stream of familiar faces stopping in to say good morning and to get a coffee as they peek around, getting a feel for the place.

My heart is full as I say hello to everyone, thanking them individually for coming out and supporting us. If there were ever a moment that fully assured me that I was meant to stay here in Willow Heights, this would be it. I would never have imagined receiving this level of attendance and outpouring of love.

Finally, a little after noon, I see my two best friends enter the diner. They both look impressed as they glance around, taking in the result of all my laser-beamed focus over the last few months. I haven’t given any sneak previews in these final days before the grand opening. The only ones who had any idea of what the diner was like were Grace and me. Charlie and Eli both played along like the good sports they are. I’m sure I was a terror to be around at times, as I sometimes get when I’m trying to meet a deadline, but hopefully, it has all paid off now that they can see the outcome.

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