Page 16 of Pieces of Heaven

On Thursday afternoon, an older gentleman named Glenn comes around with his laptop and several newspapers. He drinks four cups of coffee, eats a sandwich, and tries one of my apple fritters. I nearly giggle like a moron as I enjoy my first “stick around” customer.

I wonder if Glenn found out about the shop from Tommy. No matter how much I try, I can’t get that sexy, wild man out of my mind.

In fact, the delusional romantic in me even hopes Tommy will find out about my date with Francis and stake his claim on my heart. Of course, that never happens. He doesn’t even return for his sandwich.

Friday at noon, I’m startled from my sullen mood by the arrival of three SUVs. Instantly on alert, I worry my very first customer has returned to cause more trouble.

Weeks ago, a woman named Kendra entered my life. I’d been so excited over my first customer. Now, that dreadful woman claims I’m her enemy and will suffer her wrath. One day, Kendra even came by with a car full of her friends. For whatever reason, she sat in the SUV and revved the engine for ten minutes.

I locked the front door and waited with my phone, just in case I needed to call the police.

In the end, Kendra and her screaming blonde posse left.

Today, inching closer to the front door, I’m prepared to lock it, if the SUVs are filled with the second stage of Kendra’s “wrath.”

Seven women exit the three vehicles. They’re an attractive bunch with not a scowling face amongst them. Since they don’t seem angry, I leave the door unlocked and hope for the best.

Returning to the counter, I feel overly nervous. Having waitressed since I was ten, I know what I’m doing. Yet, my confidence disappeared as soon as my parents died.

That’s why I keep fixing the name tag on my shirt as the women talk outside. One of the brunettes waves her hands around like she’s showing off the place. Maybe they’re lost. A blonde woman nudges the brunette and points somewhere. Now, I’m sure they’ll pile back into their SUVs and go elsewhere.

Instead, a brunette with a bohemian vibe opens the door and says to her friends, “You’re making this more difficult than necessary.”

She enters, catches my gaze, and smiles warmly. I instantly freeze up, and all my experience goes out the window.

As the women enter, I feel like a loser in the same way I did when I’d see former coworkers. They’d all moved on with their lives while I kept working in my parents’ shadow.

“Hello,” says the original brunette and pushes back her wavy, brown hair. “How are you today?”

The others frown at her before a third brunette steps forward.

“I’m Irina. I ordered the cupcakes for my party. My husband picked them up.”

Assuming the worst, I reply, “I’m sorry.”

“No, they were great. Everyone loved them.”

Irina’s around my age. All the women are. They’re beautiful friends staring at me like I’m a weirdo.

“I’m Xenia,” I say before remembering my name tag. “I’m glad you were happy with the order.”

My words fall into an awkward void. Irina’s big blue eyes stare as if she’s lost. I’m certain she’s here to complain. Maybe she was too nervous to do it alone, so she brought along backup.

Or possibly, she learned of the one-sided feud with Kendra and wants to stir up trouble. I’m unsure why else they’re all so quiet.

“Are you friends with Kendra?” I ask in barely more than a whisper.

“That cunt?” asks the original brunette who rolls her eyes dramatically. “What about her?”

Shrugging, I don’t know how to respond. I feel like I’m taking a test with questions in another language. Figuring I’m bound to fail, I embrace defeat and wait for the fallout.

“This is getting weird,” says the younger of the two blondes and steps next to Irina. “I’m Landry. We regularly have girls’ days out together. We picked your coffee shop for today’s location. Can we order coffee?”

“Yes,” I say, sounding too grateful. “Of course.”

The women give me their orders during the introductions. The other blonde is Callie who is the realtor that Tommy mentioned. She’s married to Ed Macready who is the first brunette’s father. Wynonna has a brother named Hoyt who is married to Selene. The exotic brunette’s equally beautiful dark-haired sister is Yazmin who’s married to Wade. Landry lives on the same property as the bohemian woman named Rosemary. I’m admittedly confused by the time they finish explaining. I do understand how they’re connected to the Steel Berserkers Motorcycle Club, meaning they might know Tommy.

“The cupcakes were for your baby shower?” I ask Irina who doesn’t look pregnant.

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