Page 85 of Trophy
But, as it turned out, loving him back was what she’d wanted all long.
EPILOGUE
Two monthslater Allison was checking the website for her jewelry first thing in the morning and thrilling with pleasure.
Another order had come in during the night. She was actually making a little money from her jewelry. Very little. Almost nothing compared to the kind of money she used to have. But it was something, and she’d earned it herself by selling the jewelry she was so proud of.
She wasn’t anywhere close to being able to quit working at Dora’s yet. She still had many more classes to take before she graduated, and until then she wouldn’t be able to get a better job. But still, it was nice to see at least a little progress toward a dream.
The idea of a shop in Charlotte was still just a fantasy—and it might always be a fantasy—but it wasn’t completely impossible. If that didn’t work out, she could do something else that would still make her feel fulfilled and happy.
It felt like life was bigger now than it had been a year ago when she’d left Arthur. Her happiness didn’t rest in only one dream. There were other things to hope for.
There were all kinds of things to hope for.
She closed her laptop and poured another cup of coffee, checking to make sure her black trousers and Dora’s shirt were on properly. It was 5:45 now, and she needed to get moving soon so she wouldn’t be late for work.
Rob strolled into the kitchen, wearing nothing but his underwear. He gave her a vague smile and mumbled something incoherent as he headed for her coffeepot.
She chuckled at his hair. “Vicki’s coming out for a visit today, so we’re going to hang out after work.”
“Yeah, you told me. What prompted her to brave the lack of shopping out here?”
“I don’t really know. She just started feeling bad that I was always the one to make the trip to see her, so she’s coming. She’s actually coming this morning. She says she wants to watch me work.” Allison laughed softly at this idea and hoped her friend wasn’t going to be bored to tears all day.
“Whatever.” Rob shook his head and focused on his coffee.
“Okay. I’ve got to go.” She stepped over to give him a quick kiss, grabbed her purse and her coat, and headed out the door.
It was freezing outside this morning, and it felt ridiculously early—particularly for a Monday. Despite this, Allison was in a good mood and looking forward to the day.
Her mood declined very quickly once she got to work. It was like the entire town had decided to eat breakfast at Dora’s this morning and was in a bad mood about it.
Vicki had arrived just after six, which was earlier than expected, but Allison barely had time to talk to her because she was scurrying around taking orders. She really didn’t mind being busy, but everyone was particularly difficult today.
Keith, Martha, and all four of their kids were waiting when she arrived and unlocked the door, and the kids weren’t behaving at all. First they hemmed and hawed forever as they were giving their orders, changing their minds and discussingthe various menu options. Allison tried to keep smiling, but four tables came in and sat down before they were finished telling her what they wanted. Then they kept complaining loudly about the wait and throwing their napkins and straw wrappers on the floor.
Ernie came in, wearing his overalls as usual, but instead of the oatmeal he’d eaten every morning since Allison had started working, he wanted to try something different and looked offended that she didn’t offer him a menu.
Jeanie came in with several other women who worked the local craft fairs. They all were friendly and relaxed, which was nice, but they kept trying to ask Allison questions about her jewelry and expecting her to stay and chat with them when she had a dozen other impatient tables to deal with.
Cali came in with her new boyfriend, and they took the last booth. Cali was nice enough, but her boyfriend threw a fit because she’d brought him a Coke—which was what he’d ordered. He insisted he’d ordered a Mr. Pibb instead.
When Rob came in at six thirty, Allison almost slumped in relief. At last, someone who wasn’t going to cause her any trouble. But behind him came Malachi Beardsley, his beard just as unruly as the first time she’d seen him. He sat down on the stool next to Rob and took his entire attention, so Rob barely had time to even smile at her.
The restaurant was nearly filled up when Mitch came in, wearing his deputy’s uniform, with what looked like the entire sheriff’s department, who all stood around, glowering because there weren’t enough seats for them all.
Allison was running around frantically, trying to remember who was drinking what and get the plates down as soon as Gus got them up. Chelle was busy too, but her tables didn’t seem nearly as ornery as Allison’s were.
Vicki was sitting in her corner, laughing silently at Allison, and Rob seemed to be completely ignoring her.
She was carrying a tray loaded with plates for Peg and her husband—each of whom had ordered enough for three people—when she heard the bell on the door jangling again. She turned toward it, almost snarling with frustration that Fielding folks were all coming out the woodwork this morning. She stopped short when she saw James and Tari, Rob’s parents.
They smiled at her cheerfully—which was a nice change from everyone else here today—and went to sit with another couple they must have known, so at least they were able to get a table.
She delivered the orders to Peg and her silent husband and was rushing back to the kitchen, where another order was ready, when she saw that Rob was getting up to leave. Instead of coming over to kiss her goodbye, as he normally did, he was just walking to the door.
What the hell was going on this morning?
