Chapter 10 #2
‘Well,’ said Michelle, with a gentle shake of her head as she tried to adjust to this new version of reality, ‘I’ve been thinking… instead of taking another job just because it pays well, maybe I should try something different. Something I actually want to do.’
‘Like what?’ asked her dad.
‘Well,’ she gestured around the kitchen, at the gingham tablecloth and vintage bottles and carefully plated food. ‘Like this! I’ve always had this mad dream about opening a proper American-style diner. You know, 1950s theme, jukeboxes, milkshakes, the works. I know it sounds completely nuts?—’
‘It doesn’t sound nuts at all,’ interrupted her mum. ‘It sounds wonderful!’
‘Really?’ Michelle blinked in surprise.
‘Really,’ said her dad firmly. ‘You’ve got a real talent for this, love. Always have had. And if this is what makes you happy…’
‘We just want you to be happy,’ finished her mum. ‘After everything that’s happened, seeing you light up like this… I think it’s the first time you’ve looked properly yourself since you came home.’
Michelle swallowed hard. ‘You don’t think it’s a terrible idea? Opening a restaurant with no experience?’
‘You’ve got more experience than you think,’ said her dad.
‘If you ask me, you’ve been building up to this for years…
and passion counts for a lot. Of course, if you need us, we’d be happy to help any way we can.
Your mum’s got a head for numbers, and I know every supplier and tradesman in a fifty-mile radius. ’
‘Thank you,’ said Michelle, overwhelmed by their automatic support. ‘I’ll probably be taking you up on that offer!’
‘Good,’ laughed her mum. ‘I can’t wait to hear every little detail. I’m always happy to be a sounding board for your ideas!’
‘Maybe you could start by having a look through the menu I’ve put together?’ said Michelle, bouncing to her feet. ‘I know I chose for you… but have a peep and let me know what you’d?—’
Michelle paused with the two laminated menus in her hand. Her phone had just started to buzz on the counter where she’d left it.
‘Sorry. Let me just put that on silent.’ She hurried over and frowned as she caught sight of the screen.
Danny Dalton .
‘Actually… sorry, guys,’ she said quickly, popping the menus on the table. ‘I should probably take this. Be right back.’
‘Go,’ said her dad, waving his Coke bottle cheerfully in the air. ‘We’re fine here!’
Her mum nodded, taking an enthusiastic bite of her burger, her eyes already scanning the menu.
Michelle dashed out of the room and hurtled along the hallway into the living room, pulling the door carefully closed behind her.
‘Danny?’
‘Michelle? Thank God. I’m really sorry to bother you, but I need to ask a massive favour.’ He sounded stressed, maybe even a bit panicked.
‘What’s wrong? Is it your dad?’
‘No, well, yes, but not in a bad way,’ said Danny. He blew out a long breath, clearly trying to calm down. ‘The hospital just called. He’s ready to be discharged. Finally. But they want him collected within the hour or he’ll have to stay another night.’
‘That’s brilliant news! Isn’t it?’ she paused. ‘Why do I sense there’s a but ?’
‘Because there is a but ,’ said Danny. ‘A big fat one. I’m on a call-out the other side of Crumbleton Sands. It’s going to take me at least another hour to get it sorted out and towed back. Total nightmare job.’
‘Oh no, that sounds… frustrating?’ said Michelle.
‘A tad!’ sighed Danny. ‘The thing is, Dad’s been desperate to get out of there all day. If I don’t show up soon, he’s threatened to discharge himself and walk home.’
‘He wouldn’t actually do that, would he?’ said Michelle.
‘Oh, he absolutely would. Stubborn old git.’ Danny let out a tired laugh. ‘Look, I know this is a huge ask, but… is there any chance you’d collect him for me? I’d call a taxi, but?—’
‘But my dad’s the only driver in town,’ Michelle finished for him.
‘Exactly. And I can’t exactly ask Brian Singer to do me a favour, can I?’ Danny sighed again. ‘Besides, even if your dad was up for it, I’m not sure we should be testing my dad’s blood pressure limits right now.’
‘Good point,’ said Michelle. ‘But won’t me turning up in the Buick be just as bad? I mean… I’m a Singer too. He doesn’t know I’ve got the car.’
‘Actually, he does,’ said Danny. ‘I came clean when I visited him earlier.’
‘You did?’ said Michelle in surprise. ‘How did he take it?’
‘Weirdly, he was kind of chuffed that you’re using it,’ said Danny.
‘Really?’
‘Yep. Trust me, I was as surprised as you are!’
Michelle shook her head. Her mind was racing. Pick up Keith Dalton from hospital? The man her dad had been feuding with for decades? It sounded like a disaster waiting to happen. A bad, bad, bad idea. But… it was also completely necessary.
‘Look, I’m really sorry to ask…’ said Danny, sounding desperate.
‘It’s no problem,’ said Michelle quickly. ‘Of course I’ll do it, as long as you think it won’t push him over the edge. Where do I need to go?’
‘You’re a lifesaver,’ said Danny. ‘He’s in the cardiac ward, Purple Zone, room twelve. His name’s Keith Dalton… obviously. Just tell them you’re there to collect him on behalf of his son.’
‘Consider it done,’ said Michelle. ‘Let him know I’m on my way?’
‘Erm… nope,’ said Danny, sounding apologetic. ‘I promise I’m not chickening out, but I figure it’s best just to spring it on him at the last minute. I don’t want to give him time to have a hissy fit and take matters into his own hands.’
‘You think he might?’ said Michelle, trying to ignore the dollop of nerves that had just landed in her belly.
‘Not if you turn up like an angel of mercy ready to spring him from the hospital,’ said Danny. ‘I’ve got a feeling that’ll make you instant best friends.’
‘Okay,’ laughed Michelle. ‘I see your logic. And Danny? Try not to worry. I’ll look after him.’
‘I know you will,’ Danny let out a long breath. ‘Thank you. I owe you big time for this.’
‘No, you don’t,’ said Michelle. ‘Helping each other out seems to be what we do.’
There was a pause, and when Danny spoke again, his voice was calmer. ‘Yeah, you’re right. Right, I’d better go. Thanks again.’
Michelle hung up and stared at the phone for a long moment. Then she took a deep breath and headed back into the kitchen.
‘Sorry about that,’ she said, grabbing her jacket from the back of her chair. ‘Look, I’ve got a bit of an emergency. Nothing to worry about… but a friend needs my help.’
‘Nothing serious, I hope?’ said her mum.
‘No, just… necessary.’ Michelle bent to kiss both her parents on the cheek. ‘Enjoy the rest of your meal. I made cheesecake for pudding – it’s on the counter under that cover, and there’s ice cream in the freezer box. I’m not sure how long I’ll be…’
‘Drive safe, love,’ said her dad.
‘See you later… Chaos Magnet!’ chuckled her mum.
Michelle grinned and headed for the door before they could throw any tricky questions her way.