Page 11 of Make Me

There’s a story there. There’s pain and regret, and I know it’s going to take time and a miracle to get her to open up to me. I have nothing but time, and I’ll start praying for a miracle.

My stomach grumbles. I barely ate at the wedding. Being around Candace, especially when everyone knew we had broken up, was excruciating.

While I wait for my breakfast, the bell above the door jingles, and I look up to find Laci with a squirming Ivy on her hip. While the hostess finds her a table, she puts Ivy down. The minute she sees me, her short legs run to my booth.

“Doggie,” she practically screams in the small diner. The few other patrons look in our direction and laugh at her. “My doggie.” She does a plié while she stands in front of my booth. She goes so close to the floor she almost falls over. Then, she stands up and jumps into the booth, ending up on my lap.

“Come on, Ivy,” Laci says, reaching for her daughter, but Ivy wraps her arms around me and refuses to let go.

“Stay!” Ivy yells.

“Are they joining you, Coop?” Madge asks. “Have a seat, lady. I’m Madge, a mainstay here. I’ll be back in a few to take your order. I’ll bring back some crayons for the little lady.” Madge walks away, but not before pointing a stern finger at the booth.

“I’d sit down if I were you,” I say to Laci. “Madge gets mad when we disobey her.”

Laci looks around the diner, clearly uncomfortable, but she takes a seat. Madge brings her coffee without asking if she wants any. She also puts a cup of milk in front of Ivy. I watch as Laci adds cream and sugar, and I hold the cup of milk to Ivy. She smiles broadly before she takes it from me and sticks the straw in her mouth. Madge returns with a booster seat, and I put it and Ivy right next to me. While Ivy focuses on coloring her menu, I turn to her mother. As soon as our eyes catch, she looks down into her steaming mug of coffee.

“So, what do you two ladies have going on today?” I lean back in the booth, and look into her beautiful, dark eyes. The brown highlights are gone, and the ends of her hair are pink today. I itch to touch it.

“Sopping,” Ivy says without looking up from her little coloring book.

“Shopping, huh?” I arch an eyebrow.

“I’m picking up a couple of bookshelves for the house,” she says. I look out the window and spot her little car.

“Well, I have a truck. I don’t think you can get two bookshelves in that little car.” She sighs, and I know she must realize I have a point. “I’ll take you.”

“That’s not necessary. I’ll figure something out. I always do.”

“And I have a toolbelt. I can put those shelves up for you in no time.”

“And see doggie?” Ivy asks.

“And see doggie,” I confirm. She claps her hands, picks up her cup of milk, and sips.

“See? Ivy’s in.” I offer her a high five, and her little hand hits mine.

Laci looks out the window again and reluctantly nods. “Okay. Thank you.” She smiles at me for the first time ever, and I can’t help the wide smile that spreads across my face. My day is suddenly looking up.

“You look like a breakfast sampler kind of girl,” Madge declares while putting a plate full of eggs, potatoes, bacon, and sausage in front of Laci. “And you, pretty lady, you look like you like your pancakes.” She sets a plate of pancakes and a cup of fruit for Ivy before she gives me my omelet. She walks away without another word.

“She never asked me what I wanted,” Laci whispers. Her eyes are wide as she looks at Madge’s retreating back.

“She just serves us whatever the hell she wants. Be happy she’s in a good mood today. One time, I think she got into a fight with her husband, and she served me oatmeal. I fu—” I catch myself and say, “I hate oatmeal, and Madge knows it. And I had to eat it or else.” Her eyes light up, and she laughs. Her laugh was unexpected, and it’s deep and carefree. She picks up her fork and mixes her eggs with the potatoes.

“Yum,” she says. She takes another bite before she cuts Ivy’s pancakes. While she’s reaching over the table, her tank top lowers, and I can see the top of her full breasts. I can even see part of her black bra, but all too soon, she sits back, straightens her top, and resumes eating.

We eat in silence for a while. The only movement from Laci is when she reaches across the table to wipe Ivy’s mouth. After a few times, I grab a napkin and do it myself. For the second time today, Ivy gives me a wide grin, and I can’t help but laugh at her cute face.

“Um,” Laci says, clearing her throat, “are you sure we’re not bothering you today? Don’t you have Sunday dinner with your mom?”

“Nope. Mom is on a girls’ trip in Memphis right now. I’m all yours.” I smile at her, and she smiles back. She exhales and resumes eating.

“In that case, let me buy you breakfast as a thank you,” she offers

“Nope. For all you know, I might mess it up. In fact, I think I’ll buyyoubreakfast instead. That way, if I mess something up, you can’t be too mad at me.”

“How can you mess up bringing the shelves to my house?” I shrug and wink at her. She blushes and looks away. As soon as Madge returns, I hand her my credit card. Soon, I’m following behind Laci and Ivy so she can drop her car off at home.

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