Page 45 of Unbidden

“Ugh, back to work. Let me know if you need anything else,” I tell him, offering him one last hand squeeze.

“Will do. Don’t work too hard, sweetheart,” he replies earnestly.

Long after Elijah leaves, his words stick with me. He was never able to raise his daughter for reasons unknown to me, but it makes me wonder, is that why I never knew about my father? Was there some sort of outside force that kept him and my mom apart?

All the questions surrounding my parents are starting to bubble over. A talk with Aunt Alice is coming soon.

Chapter Ten

“How was work today, Sage?” Richard asks over dinner.

“Good. One of my regulars came in, which is always a good time.”

“You have regulars?” V teases.

“Shut up.” I laugh and kick her chair. “It’s not like that. He’s a sweet old man. Gives me total grandpa vibes, and he tips well. I think he’s lonely.”

“Well, that’s nice that he talks to you, sweetheart. What’s his name?” Alice asks.

“His name is Elijah. It’s going to be weird. He usually comes in every shift, but he told me today that he has to go out of town for a week for business,” I tell her with a shrug.

“Did you say Elijah?” Richard asks me while looking at Alice.

“Yeah, why?” I ask.

They seem to be having a silent conversation until V interrupts. “You two okay?”

“Yes, of course. Sorry. Anyways, anything new with you, Victoria?” Alice asks, abruptly changing the subject.

∞∞∞

I look up and see Tinsley rushing towards the table with crazy eyes.

“Heads up,” I murmur to V right before Tins sets her bag down on the table.

“Hello, ladies,” she singsongs.

“Hey,” V and I respond.

“What has you in such a good mood?” V teases.

“I convinced the boys to let me go on a date,” she gushes.

“With who?” V leans forward, completely interested.

“Do you remember that guy I met at the back-to-school bash?”

“The public school kid?” V asks.

“Yes. I gave him my number, and we’ve talked a little. He asked me out, and I convinced the guys to let me go.”

“That’s awesome! Good for you,” I tell her honestly.

“There’s one small problem,” she says hesitantly.

“What’s that?” V and I ask in unison.

“I don’t know what to wear. I’ve never gone on a date before.”

---