Page 29 of Time for Change

Me:Just thinking about you. Hope you’re having a good evening at work. The kids and I are at the school’s book fair.

I’m not surprised when the message remains unread. She’ll reply later, either when she’s on break or off work for the night. That definitely gives me something else to look forward to. Until then, I’ll soak up the time I get with my kids, spend a little money at the book fair, and get them home for baths and bed. Maybe then I can enjoy a little Stevie time and give her a call. I won’t keep her since she’s coming off a shift, but it’ll be good to hear her voice.

Yeah, I’m definitely looking forward to that.

Chapter Nine

Stevie

What a day.

It was my first dinner shift, and it definitely kept me hopping. I trained with Meredith, who was great to work with. I served more alcoholic drinks with this shift than I have during the lunch one, so I was able to get more experience with ordering and delivering those. Of course, everyone made sure to reiterate to me the risk of stepping behind the bar, and since I really enjoy my job, that’s a risk I won’t be taking.

When we closed the restaurant, I noticed the bar side picks up. Even for a Monday, there were many patrons taking in the basketball game on television or catching up with friends. The four owners of the establishment have a great thing going, that’s for sure. I’ve worked there a week, and even I can tell.

Now, all I can think about is kicking off my shoes and taking a shower. Heck, I’m considering relaxing in the bath. I haven’t used the tub yet, mostly because it’s old porcelain and dingy. I’ve cleaned it a dozen times, but it still just looks…yucky. So chances are, I’ll stick to the shower and call it a night. Well, after I talk to Jack. I saw texts from him earlier, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating the chance to reply.

We’ve talked a few times over the weekend but haven’t connected yet today. I know he has his kids, so I let him take the lead on communication, mostly because I don’t want to interrupt his family time. From what I’ve gathered, Jack is a committed father who values being with his kids, and who can blame him.

That’s what parents are supposed to do.

Once I park and grab my bag, I climb out of the car, lift my shoulders, and lower my face against the cold January night air, and hurry to the building. I push through the front entrance and even though the vestibule isn’t heated, it’s warmer than it is outside. I move quickly up the steps and down the hall until I’m in front of my apartment door. Taking in my surroundings, I release both locks on the door and slip inside, throwing both locks into the secured position once more.

With a sigh, I slide off my coat and hang it over the nearest dinette chair and place my bag on the table. Quickly, I dig out my phone and tap on the screen, retrieving Jack’s text messages.

I smile when I read the note letting me know he’s thinking of me. I’m also a little envious of their trip to the book fair. When I was growing up, I never shopped the book fair at school. There was never any money for extra expenses, and even though I craved the chance to buy books, it was never in the cards. Instead, I sat along the back wall with the few other kids who didn’t have money with them and watched everyone else pick and buy books.

Pushing that memory out of my head, I flop down on the couch and type out a reply.

Me:Just got home. It was busy but not terrible. How as the book fair?

The bubbles appear almost instantly, and those butterflies start to flutter in my stomach once more.

Jack:It was good. They each picked out a few books and now I’m broke. *insert laughing emoji*

Me:Yeah, but think of the memories they’re making.

Jack:Very true. What are you doing for the rest of the evening?

Me:Nothing. Lol. The shower and my bed are calling me. My feet are sore.

Jack:I bet. I can let you go so you can get some rest.

Jack:I’ve been thinking, I’d love to get together again soon. If you’re interested, let me know. No pressure.

I can’t seem to type my reply fast enough.

Me:I’m interested.

Jack:Great. Look over your schedule and tell me what works for you. Have a good evening, Stevie. Sleep tight.

Me:Thanks, Jack. You too.

Smiling, I climb up from the couch and head for the bathroom. There were two different apartments available when I was looking, a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom. I opted for the smaller unit, not only because it was cheaper, but also because I don’t need that much room. A second bedroom would just sit empty, and I’d hate to take away space from someone who can actually use it.

Though it takes a few minutes for the water to heat up, I’m able to take a nice, hot shower that does wonders for my sore muscles. As soon as my shower is complete, I throw on a pair of sweatpants, an oversized sweatshirt, and stuff my feet into fuzzysocks. There’s nothing worse than being cold when you’re trying to sleep, and since I tend to keep my heat on the cooler side, I always dress warm.

My eyes instantly go to the framed photo on my dresser. The eyes staring back at me are familiar, only because they match my own. Yet I still feel this pang of recognition in my chest. It causes my heart rate to jump and a faint smile to spread across my lips.

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