Page 21 of Rescue
“Well, I ran into Mason at The Fried Egg this morning and asked him how we could go about this drive thru idea of yours. We decided he needed to come look at it to make sure it was doable. Right, Mason?”
“That’s right, Mrs. Walker.” Mason looks at me, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was embarrassed. That can’t be though.
“Good morning, Mason, long time no see.” Mason sticks his hand out for me to shake and I go in for a hug. He pulls back and is even more embarrassed.
“I better get going. Lots to do this morning.” And before I can say another word he turns and swiftly walks out the front door. I follow him to the door and see him get into his truck and pull out as I lock the door behind him.
“Was it something I said?” I wonder aloud to Nana. I make my way back towards the counter where she is measuring the window with a small measuring tape.
“That boy is uncomfortable with affection. Never has liked it much. I think you just took him by surprise is all. Especially since you’re wearing next to nothing and going out tonight with his little brother.”
She gives me a mischievous smile and her eyes light up.
“Nana, how do you know about that?”
“Now you didn’t think you could do something in this town without me finding out, did you? You know Piney Grove is too small to keep a secret. I’ve got eyes all over this place, and don’t you forget it.”
She’s only slightly teasing. I know she’d have no problem tearing me a new one if she found out I was doing something shameful or outrageous.
“That doesn’t explain how you know about something that happened less than 24 hours ago.”
“A lady never reveals her secrets,” she says with a glint in her eye. “Anyways, that’s not why I’m here. I love all your ideas you’ve been coming up with to help modernize things around here. Honestly, Penny, your mother has been telling me how well the business has been doing and I’m so impressed.”
I’m overwhelmed by my feelings of gratitude and love for this woman. She gave me my love for baking and I wouldn’t be half the woman I am without her guidance. I tell her as much.
“Nana, I . . .” I struggle to find the right words, overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you,” I finally say. “Hearing you say that means the world to me. You’re the whole reason I chose this path. Yougave me my talent and love for baking. And even more than that, I wouldn’t be half the woman I am, had it not been for you.”
Her eyes get uncharacteristically misty before she pulls me in for a hug.
“Now I want you to listen to me and promise not to argue, you hear?”
I nod in agreement. I would do anything for this woman.
“I want you to take over here at the cafe. I’m getting too old to be getting up and opening this place up every morning.” I gasp, blindsided. I look at her with clear confusion.
“Oh, don’t go looking so shocked,” she says, seeing the reaction on my face. “That accident I had a few weeks ago was the best thing that ever happened to me. I came out of it with a new hip, a new lease on life, and with the knowledge that my brilliant and successful granddaughter can not only keep my beloved business afloat, but make it better.”
“Nana, I couldn’t possibly take the cafe from you. My plan has always been to move to the city and make a name for myself until I was ready to build my own business, like you have. I never even considered that you would just give me yours.”
“I don’t know why not. What else would I do with it? You think I spent all those hours with you teaching you all my favorite recipes, just to sell this place to the highest bidder? Maybe you’re not as smart as I give you credit for, girlie.”
“Oh, come on now, you know I love this place and everything you taught me.” I look around at the cafe and a million memories come to mind. I spent my childhood here. This is where I learned how to do everything. It’s a part of who I am.
“You know I’m getting older. I want to enjoy what’s left of my life. It’s time for me to retire and spend some time doing something other than baking and making coffee for the fine folks of Piney Grove. This was my dream business and I’ve loved every minute of serving this town, but I’m ready for something new. And you know what else, Penny?” She pauses for effect and smiles at me. “I’m ready to help make your dreams come true, too. Just like your Papa Cliff did for me.”
I smile at her and my thought race. Is this real? Could I really do this? Am I ready to own my own business? I know Nana would help me with anything I might need, and Mama will be here to help me with the finances, but this is a huge leap. Sure, I’ve been doing this by myself for the past few weeks and not only is it running, but I have to admit that the business is thriving under my management. Maybe I really can do this.
“Now, I didn’t mean to wake you up and spring all this on you. Why don’t you think about what I’ve said and we can get together this time next week to discuss what you think. I’ll love you no matter what you decide, but just for the record, I know you’ve got what it takes to do this.”
I spend the rest of the morning doing the ordering for the cafe and thinking nonstop about Nana’s offer to pass down the business to me. I guess I should have seen this coming, but I honestly never thought about it. I’ve been so focused on building my career that I didn’t consider that I already had one here in Piney Grove.
Once the ordering is done, I see that the dining area floors could really use a good moping. I get to work, hoping the physical labor will help me sort through some of my thoughts. I’m so lost in thought that when I hear a knock on the front door I’m startled enough to drop the mop. When I look towards the door, I see Amy standing there with her arms full.What is she doing here?
I rush to open the door. “Hey, girl! Can I help with some of that?”
She hands me a large bag that appears to be full of clothes and takes another with her over to the table I stacked on one side of the room. “Ugh, the diner was so busy this morning. I swear half the town was there. Took forever!”
“What’s all of this?” I ask as she starts pulling things out of the bag.
