Liri
“We get most of our business during lunch rush, happy hour, and the weekends,” Noelle tells me.
“So, you all work here, your mom, Conrad, and Dillan?”
“Dillan has his own construction business, but he helps out when needed. Especially with Conrad having to travel for his doctor appointments.”
“How old are your girls?”
“Sadie is five and Hope is three. This is them.” She pulls her phone out of her apron and swipes through a few pictures of these little angels who have dark hair and eyes like the Hendrix men.
“They are too cute.”
“They’re mean as can be. I tell Dillan they must get that from him.” She smiles.
“You guys have been together a long time then?”
She squints and starts counting on her fingers. “Well I guess we have been dating for ten years. Feels like my whole life I’ve know him since I was born. How did you meet Killian?”
“Um actually our first encounter was me walking past his car and him calling me a nerd.”
“And you still went on a date with him after that?”
“I know, right? But he was cute, and he pissed me off more than anyone. There was just something about him. He didn’t want to go out with me either. The first night I knew him he bet me in a race.”
“That sounds about right.” She rolls her eyes. “Boys and their toys. They love anything fast. No offense.”
“None taken. Does Dillan race?”
“He used to but once I was pregnant with Sadie he quit. Said it wasn’t worth the risk of not coming home to her.”
“I bet he’s a great dad.”
“Most of the time. Anyway, today you can hang out and see how we run things and help me keep the tables clean. You’ll need to the learn the menu. If anyone orders alcohol and looks under thirty-five, you’ll have to ask for their ID. You technically aren’t supposed to serve alcohol unless you are twenty without supervision, but we can worry about that later. If anyone asks, you’re twenty-one.” She winks.
Most
of my evening mainly consists of me sitting at the counter and rolling silverware up in napkins then taping the sets closed. Next it is filling the salt and pepper shakers and checking all the tables for condiments that weren’t returned to the kitchen.
“Don’t let the easiness of today fool you. Tomorrow will be crazier because we do a two for Tuesday dinner special. Oh, and also you will have to wear one of our t-shirts and black pants. We have some smalls ones in the back I’ll get you a couple before you leave.”
“Thanks.”
“I think that one’s for you.” She motions to Killian standing by the front door.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” I kiss his cheek.
“Came to talk to my dad is he around?”
“I think he’s back in the office.”
“Okay.”
I want to tell Killian that I am proud of him for making the first step to repair his relationship with his father, but I keep quiet. If I say anything, he’ll find a reason to turn away.
Men and their pride.
I think about my own parents. I feel bad that I haven’t gone back to see James, my birth father. Being around him was hard. I don’t know if I can do it again. I know it’s selfish of me. My hand goes to the locket around my neck. Guilt swims in the pit of my stomach. Maybe I can text Sandy and see how he is doing. I’m not ready to commit to another visit yet. I haven’t spoken with my parents either. I’m not ready for that conversation or the stress that will go along with it.