Page 76 of Life After You

Kayla

The bell over the door jingles as I step into Patty’s, the familiar scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries wrapping around me. I breathe it in, letting the warmth settle deep in my bones. This place, this diner… it isn’t somewhere I’ll ever forget, nor will I be able to stay away from it for long. Not just for the food or the people—but for what it has come to mean to me.

It’s an odd feeling. It isn’t as bittersweet as I expected. I’m just too relieved, too excited. Content.

I’m leaving. I’m following my heart. I still can’t believe it.

My stomach flips at the thought, but the second I picture Logan—his voice low and steady in my head, saying, Come with me—I know I’m making the right choice.

Patty is behind the counter, wiping down the espresso machine, her silver hair pinned up in her usual messy bun. She glances up, her eyes twinkling when she sees me.

“Well, if it isn’t Kayla Smith. Definitely in here early for her shift and not for any other reason, right?”

I smile, but there’s a lump in my throat. “Yeah. There just might be…”

She eyes me closer, tilting her head. “Hmm… you’re not a mess right now, I mean, other than your nerves, but that could just be from talking to me…”

I shift on my feet, nervous energy buzzing in my veins. “I need to talk to you.”

Her expression softens. “Ahh, okay.” She leans on the counter, studying me. “I’m ‘bout to lose my new staff member so soon, eh sugar?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “I’m leaving, Patty.”

She sighs, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “I’m surprised you bothered to come in here and see little old me. If I was your age, there’d be nothing but a cloud of dust behind me.”

A breathless laugh escapes me. “I’m going on tour with Logan. I—” I shake my head, a smile breaking free. “I love him. I have for as long as I can remember, and I—God, I just can’t do distance. Not with him. Not when I know where I belong.”

Her lips part in surprise before a slow, wide grin spreads across her face. “Well, it’s about damn time.”

Relief rushes through me, and I exhale a shaky laugh. “I wanted to tell you first. You gave me a chance when I needed it most. When I was lost and had no idea what the hell I was doing.” My throat tightens, and I blink hard against the sting behind my eyes. “I’ll never forget that, Patty. Ever.”

She watches me for a long moment, something soft and knowing in her gaze. Then, before I can react, she grabs my hand and tugs me toward one of the booths. “Come on, sit with me a minute.”

I follow, sliding into the worn leather seat as she pours us both a cup of tea. The scent of cinnamon and honey drifts up with the steam, wrapping around me like a hug.

“You’re doing the right thing, sugar,” she murmurs, wrapping her hands around her mug. “It’s not gonna be easy. But also, young miss, stop talking like this is goodbye forever. We kin now.” She reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. “Go. Be happy. And when you come back, you better have stories to tell me.”

A tear slips free, and I swipe at it quickly. “I don’t know if I’d be able to stay away from your cooking for too long.”

She chuckles, swatting at me playfully. “Damn right. I expect postcards. And I want a picture of you and that boy on a stage somewhere, looking stupidly in love.”

I laugh, wiping at my eyes. “Deal.”

She nods, satisfied, then jerks her chin toward the door. “Well? What the hell are you still doing here?”

I hesitate for just a second longer, soaking in this moment, this place, this woman who has become like family. Then, with a deep breath, I stand, my heart light.

And just like that, I’m running out the door, ready for the next chapter of my life.

I throw another sweater into my suitcase, heart hammering against my ribs as I zip it up.

This is real.

I’m really doing this.

The tiny room that’s been my safe haven for months suddenly feels too small, too temporary. I glance around taking in the creaky wooden floorboards, the window that rattles when the wind picks up. The bed where Logan and I had… it gives me flutters down low just going through the memories.

God, I’m going to miss this place.

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