Page 2 of I'll Catch You
“Then can I talk to the owner?” His lips are turned down but there’s a lightness in his voice. One that makes me feel bad for being so mean to him. I soften myself up and brush my hands on the front of my apron, this time with far less vigor. This man isn’t bad. He’s just doing his job. I can reject him without taking my annoyance out onhim.
“The owner is the little girl sitting at the booth behind me. And I’ve already been a bad example to her by being so mean to you, so please accept my apology.” I take a brief pause. “Any business matters can go throughme.”
He shoots me a puzzledlook.
“She’s technically the owner because the former owner named her as the successor, but until she’s old enough I’m hercustodian.”
“Is she your daughter?” he asks, peeking around me. The best part of him being here is the distraction from the boredom, but since he’s only ordering for one, I think it may have been a better financial decision to lock the door in his face and turn off all thelights.
“No, my niece,” I reply. I don’t need to give this guy my entire life story. I don’t like it when people ask a lot of questions about me and Brynn. I check my attitude. “Is there anything else I can help youwith?”
“No,” he says with a slight purse to his lips and a little contrition in his voice. Maybe he was a little salty to me just like I was to him. “I’m okay for now. Thank you. I’m Peter, by theway.”
“Peter. Okay,” I reply. I tap a finger on the edge of the table and make my way back to thekitchen.
Even though he’s a welcome respite from the boredom, he’ll remain right there. A respite. A temporary interlocutor. I let a little smile play on my lips in spite of myself. I can’t helpit.
