24. Charlie
“I’m going to need another batch of sausage gravy. Also, Mellie, people keep asking for the cinnamon rolls, so don’t stop now.”
“Woo hoo!”
I smile over at Mellie, who is doing a happy dance at her bakery station. “Enough dancing. More baking.”
She smiles at me, her hips still moving to the non-existent song. “In this kitchen, we dance. Especially when I’m told to make more cinnamon rolls.”
We do dance here. And we’ve been doing happy dances all morning. Because it’s been nonstop since we opened the doors for the first official day of Mona’s: Charlie’s version.
I mean, that’s not the official name, but it’s what I jokingly like to call it. Because while there is still her patty melt, french toast, and triple stack BLT on the menu, there are new things, like my sausage gravy that has been a huge hit, Mellie’s to die for cinnamon rolls, and, based on the orders, a crowd favorite: The Breakfast Burger, which is a cheeseburger in between two halves of Mellie’s freshly baked glazed donuts with a fried egg and bacon.
Don’t knock it till you try it. At least that’s what I told the servers to say when people were skeptical about ordering it.
“I knew these were going to be a hit.” I snag a cinnamon roll from Mellie’s tray. Consider it the boss tax.
“No. This is a hit. The whole thing. You did it, girl.”
“We did it.”
We hug each other so tight one of us might pop. But it’s needed. From working in the hellscape that was Napoli’s to landing in this dream situation, this hug is long overdue and needed.
“Hey, we have this covered back here,” she says. “How about you go out there and see your fans?”
I look over to the line cooks, who are all doing everything they are supposed to be doing. “You sure?”
She points to the door. “Go. If it gets crazy, I’ll come get you. Bask in this day, girl. You’ve earned it.”
“Thanks.” I grab my tumbler of water, because me and this little one are thirsty, as I head to the dining room. I try and sneak out, wanting to take in as much as I can unnoticed, but the second I’m out the door, my shadow is right next to me.
“You okay? Do you need to sit? You should probably sit.”
I sigh loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear. “I’m fine, Simon. Things are evening out in the back, and I was told it would be good for me to make an appearance in the dining room. I just wanted to see what’s going on.”
Simon puts one hand on my not-showing stomach and kisses my temple. “Good. I’m glad you did. It’s been amazing.”
He steps away, but switches his hand to the small of my back, as I take in the sight of my first day. Every table is full. Families and friends are eating and laughing. Servers are zooming around with plates and drinks. The jukebox that had been at Mona’s for years is currently playing one of my mom’s favorite country songs.
And that’s when I lose it.
“Hey? You okay?”
I nod as Simon wraps his arms around me. “I wish my mom were here.”
Simon kisses my temple and holds me a little tighter. “I know you do. And while I never knew her, I bet good money she’d be so proud of you.”
I cry into his shoulder for a second, not wanting to show my new patrons that I’m an emotional basket case, when I hear two of the best words being shouted by the sweetest little voice.
“Aunt Charlie!”
I quickly wipe my tears and turn around as Lila sprints toward me. “Sweet Pea!”
Lila jumps into my arms, and I don’t know if I’ve ever hugged her so hard. I swing her back and forth, my hold only getting stronger, as I sprinkle kisses on her cheek. “I’ve missed you.”
“I miss you,” she says between giggles. “Daddy said I can have as much as I want!”
“I did not say that,” Connor says as he steps up to us, giving me a kiss on the cheek. “I said you can pick anything you want. But you aren’t going to eat the whole menu.”
“Yes, you can,” I whisper. “You just tell me what you want, and I’ll get it for you.”
The sound of Lila’s sweet giggles helps me relax for the first time in weeks. I forgot how much this kid can change my mood just from her toothy grin.
“Who are you?”
I follow Lila’s eyes to Simon, who took a step back, but I knew likely wasn’t too far away.
“I’m Simon. What’s your name?”
Connor all but rips Lila out of my arms, which takes her by surprise. “None of your concern.”
Oh…shit…
Shit, shit, shit…
“Hey Lila, remember my friend Mellie?”
“The cake lady!”
“Yup. The very one. How about we go visit her in the kitchen, and maybe she’ll let you help with the cinnamon rolls. While I’m doing that, how about your Dad and Simon go outside so we can have a nice, calm, chat when I get out there?”
I signal both of them to go outside as I take Lila from Connor. I ignore the death glare Connor shoots Simon, as well as the signature Simon Banks “fuck you” smugness he returns as the two walk out my front door.
Shit…this is going to be bad.
As soon as Lila’s feet hit the ground she’s in a full sprint to the kitchen, nearly knocking over one of the servers when she throws open the door. Normally I’d tell her not to run, but today the kid is moving at the exact pace I need. Because I need to get outside quickly. Otherwise, my restaurant opening might also be accompanied by at least a fight, not to mention probable homicide.
I’m beating myself up as I race out the back door and around the building. How did I forget to tell Connor about Simon? I mean, I know why. I’ve barely remembered my name over the past few months. And between my insanity, his work schedule, and now taking care of Lila on his own, we haven’t talked more than a few texts a day. Which means he doesn’t know a lot of things.
Like that I don’t hate Simon anymore.
And that he’s about to be an uncle.
And that Simon is the father of why he’s about to be an uncle.
As soon as I turn the corner, my body instinctively bends over as a gulp for breath. Though I quickly realize I don’t have time for that.
“I saw you in there.” Connor points his finger into Simon’s chest. “Who the fuck do you think you are touching my sister?”
“First, don’t fucking touch me. Second, who the fuck are you to tell me what I can and can’t do?”
“I’m her brother, you asshole.”
“Oh! Well, nice to officially meet you. Simon Banks.”
Simon’s sarcastic enthusiasm doesn’t go over well with Connor, who’s just staring at the hand Simon extended to him.
No, not staring. Scowling.
“I know who you are, asshole. Which is why I’ve been waiting years to do this.”
Connor cocks back his arm and I run over just in time to stop him.
“Stop! Both of you!”
Connor’s arm tenses in my hands, but luckily he doesn’t budge. Then there’s Simon, who’s standing there with a conceited smirk.
“Okay, let’s cool down,” I say, putting myself between the two men. “Connor, there are things you need to know.”
“Please, Charlie, because I feel like I’m missing a whole hell of a lot.”
I happen to turn toward the restaurant, where I can see every set of eyes glued to the window. I want to die of embarrassment, especially when I see someone literally holding their plate so they can continue eating while they watch.
I wanted a memorable first day. I just should have been more specific in my wish.
“Connor, I know you hate Simon. And for what we thought was a good reason.”
“It is a good reason, Charlie. He hurt you.”
“That’s what I thought too. But I was wrong. It was a huge misunderstanding.”
Connor looks at me, then Simon, then back to me, clearly not believing any of this. “Misunderstanding? Is that what he’s telling you?”
I shake my head. “Yes, he told me, but it’s true. The woman I saw was his sister.”
“Sister?” Connor huffs a laugh and shakes his head in disbelief. “He’s going with the sister line? Come on, Charlie, you’re smarter than this.”
“It’s true.”
I turn my head to see Maeve walking toward us, along with Simon’s entire family. Talk about timing...
“Who are you?”
“I’m Maeve. The sister who didn’t fuck her brother.”
Connor looks to Maeve, then back to Simon and me. “What the hell is going on?”
“This is how I know he’s telling the truth. Maeve had no idea who I was, and I didn’t know her.” I turn back to Connor, begging him with my eyes and words to see and believe I was in the wrong. “I was sad and angry. And then you called me about Mom. I was mad at the world. I cut everyone off, including Simon. I never gave him a chance to explain and for years let myself believe what I wanted to.”
“So what does this mean?” Connor says. “Don’t tell me…”
I take a step back and slip my hand into Simon’s. “Yes. We’re together.”
“Oh! Did you make it official? I know you said you didn’t need to, but with the baby and all…”
Everyone shoots a look over to Mrs. Banks, whose eyes double in size when she realizes what she just said.
“Baby?” Connor’s eyes are darting from person to person. “Did she say baby?”
“Yes. I’m pregnant.”
There’s silence on the street. No one knows what to say.
Everyone except Simon.
“I’m sorry, but we’re all acting like this is a sad announcement, when it’s the greatest thing in the world. Charlie and I are having a baby!”
“Jesus fucking Christ…”
I mutter the Lord’s name in vain into my hands as I smack my forehead. What in the literal fuck is happening right now?
“Charlie Bennett and I are having a baby! Baby Bug is due in May. I’m going to be a daddy!”
“Wait, what? Did you just say Baby Bug?”
We turn to the new voice—how many people are on this sidewalk right now?—which belongs to Wes. He’s accompanied by Betsy, the rest of the friend crew, and all of their kids.
“Yup! You’re about to be Uncle Wes.”
“Damn,” Oliver says shaking his head. “I did not have that on my bingo card.”
Despite the shit show that happened outside, followed immediately by Simon coming into the diner and announcing to everyone that not only were we expecting, but that he was buying everyone’s meal, things have settled down.
And I can now say, it was a success. Even with the shit show.
We were only open through lunch today, figuring we didn’t need to jump into the fire feet first. A few customers are still finishing their meals, including a group of women who told me that this was going to be their new Friday lunch spot. Everyone was complimentary of the menu—especially the breakfast burger. A few of Mona’s older customers told me that the coffee tasted different, but they wouldn’t hold it against me.
It was the same coffee.
The best part? Everything in the back of the house was smooth sailing. Mellie had her groove going. The line cooks are damn good, and I have no worries about leaving them on their own. My servers are angels, and even the two high school kids I hired to wash dishes and bus were on their game.
It’s almost too good to be true…
“Well, Sis, you did it.”
I smile as Connor takes a seat across from me at the table I sat down at five minutes ago, just meaning to take a rest. I’m now wondering how I’m going to get back up. “Something like that.”
“Don’t downplay this,” he says. “I want you to say it out loud. ‘I crushed it.’”
“Well, it wasn’t just me.”
He shakes his head. “We all know that. But you need to take your credit for this. Say it.”
“I crushed it,” I whisper.
“Louder.”
“I crushed it.”
“One more time.”
“I crushed it!”
I didn’t mean to yell that loud, but I must say it felt good. Until I realize that my exclamation has stirred a napping Lila in the neighboring booth.
“Oh shit,” I whisper. “Sorry.”
“She’s fine.” Connor looks over to his daughter, a softness in his eyes he only has for her. “It’s the sugar crash.”
I laugh, knowing that Lila ate her weight in sweets today. Mellie said she wasn’t the best helper when it came to icing, but was masterful in taste testing. I feel a rush of emotion watching her, her thumb in her mouth as she does sometimes still, and wondering what it’s going to look like when my child inevitably takes a nap here.
Is it a boy? Or is Simon right with the girl? Is it going to have fair, blonde hair like Lila and I had as a baby, or dark like Simon? I’ve thought about these things from time to time since I found out I was pregnant, but I think this is the first time it has occupied my thoughts.
“I wish you’d have told me.”
I turn back to Connor, though I can’t bring myself to look at him. “I know. And I’m sorry. I didn’t want you finding out like this.”
“Which part?”
I finally look up. “Both?”
We both softly laugh as Lila stirs a little more.
“Simon, huh?”
“Believe me, I wasn’t expecting it either.”
I look out the window to see the father of my child talking to people walking past, shaking their hands and pointing to the restaurant. I don’t know what he’s saying, but I can clearly tell he’s talking about Mona’s and the pride on his face is unmistakable.
“And he’s in? He’s ready to be a father?”
I smile as I think about his antics earlier today. “Did you not hear the announcement in front of the whole town or witness the baby pool he started?”
“Yeah, but it’s easy to put on an act.”
“You’re right, it is, but he isn’t. He’s…” I look out the window again, only this time Simon and I make eye contact. He shoots me a wink that somehow travels through the space and foundation of the restaurant to warm my entire body. “This is how it was meant to be.”