17. The End of An Era
We left the Calypso feeling slightly lighter, buoyed by Jeremy’s assurances. He had promised that all employees would be paid by the end of the day. Just before Sarah called him, Jeremy had received a notification from the bank. Due to Steve’s lack of response, the bank took ownership of Calypso Café at 6 a.m. to mitigate the risk of default. Since payroll was managed by an external company and all of Steve’s accounts were either frozen or delinquent, Jeremy pledged to transfer sufficient funds to cover everyone’s paycheck and add a month’s severance.
“He’s such a good guy,” Sarah remarked, relief evident in her voice.
“And rich too,” Rita added, bringing comic relief to the tense morning.
With our plans abruptly cleared and stomachs growling, Rita, Sarah, and I decided to go to the Golden Spoon for breakfast. The sensation of having no immediate responsibilities was unusual for me. I was no longer in school, and my only actual job, the podcast, hardly felt like one. Suddenly, I am starting to feel what it’s like to live a stress-free life. It has been so long since my schedule allowed me to spend quality time with friends.
The soft chorus of laughter sparked by Rita’s comment fades, and a reflective silence settles over us.
“I’m really going to miss you guys,” Rita says, her fingers tracing the wood grain of the table, her voice tinged with melancholy.
“Same,” Sarah agrees softly.
“Me too, a lot,” I echo, feeling the weight of the moment. “So, what are you guys going to do?”
Rita lets out a heavy sigh that sounds like a deflating balloon. “I don’t know. I guess I’ll find another job.”
Sarah begins to speak, hesitates, then sits up straighter, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes. She places a hand on her abdomen, and instantly, I understand the gesture. “Dan and I are pregnant,” she announces, her voice brimming with joy.
“Ah!” Rita exclaims, clapping her hands together. “Congratulations!”
The joyous news jolts me, and I feel a pang of something bittersweet, like a withering rose amidst a blossoming garden. I gather my spirits, forcing myself to echo Rita’s enthusiasm. “Yes, congratulations,” I say with a smile. It truly is thrilling for Sarah, especially knowing how deeply Dan loves her. “I’m truly happy for you,” I add sincerely, my heart swelling with joy for her despite my mixed emotions. I mean, it would be nice to announce news of my pregnancy. But that’s just not an option right now.
Sarah’s smile grows wider, and she seems to relax as she shares more about her life changes. “I think this is the universe working on my behalf, on all of our behalf really. Things were never going to end well as long as Steve owned the café. Working for him has been extremely nerve-wracking. He used the café like his own personal ATM, so I’m not shocked his practices finally caught up with him.”
“I didn’t know that,” I admit, surprised by the revelation.
“It was stressful, too stressful,” Sarah continues, shaking her head as if to physically cast off the burden. “Dan and I have been discussing taking over his parents’ apple orchard in Connecticut. I would run the business, and he would manage the mill.”
“That sounds fun,” I reply, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought of not seeing Sarah as often.
“I’ll miss you, though,” Rita adds, her voice tinged with sadness. “But gosh, you’re pregnant?” Rita asks, squeezing Sarah’s arm affectionately. “How far along are you?”
“Two and a half months,” she happily announces.
I stifle an urge to jump for joy. Sarah and I conceived around the same time. The thought of our children being born around the same date almost makes me want to share my news regardless of the scandal associated with my pregnancy. But still, I can’t. I won’t.
Suddenly, Rayna, the owner of the Golden Spoon, approaches our table, expertly balancing three plates of food. Her unexpected arrival instantly brightens our mood. Rayna wasn’t the waitress who took our order, but her presence is as welcome as a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. She’s dressed casually in loose jeans rolled up above her ankles and a bright yellow T-shirt featuring a happy face print, starkly contrasting the typical attire of the Golden Spoon’s waitstaff. After she places the plates on the table, we each rise to greet her with a warm hug.
Rayna, still standing at the edge of our table with her hands on her hips, frowns, obviously concerned. “Is it true that there’s a chain on the door of the Calypso?” she asks.
We all nod, each chiming in with a quiet confirmation. As usual, news travels fast in this town.
“Wow,” she murmurs, her gaze drifting off momentarily before she looks back at us. “Is Steve okay?”
“We don’t know,” Sarah replies, her voice low.
Rayna nods, her expression showing a mix of concern and understanding. Everyone in town is aware of Steve’s gambling issues, and given her past with him, her concern is understandable. Rayna and Steve were an item before she married her current husband.
“Well, listen, if you’re looking for another place to land, I would be happy to have you. Coming from the Calypso, you’re the best crew in town.”
We all exchange glances. Working together again, even in a different restaurant, is quite appealing.
“And Gina,” Rayna says, her intense focus catching me off guard. “We know about your podcast and your Monday morning pastries. You’re always sold out before I even get there. We’ve been thinking about expanding by adding a bakery. I would love to have you baking here.”
I press my lips tightly together, contemplating her offer. It’s certainly tempting. Yet the thought of working in a brand new kitchen—a space Randy has never occupied—fills my heart with sadness for a moment. But regardless, I say, “Thanks for the offer, Rayna.”
“I’d love to work here,” Rita enthusiastically declares. I can even start right now!”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’m pretty sure I’m moving to Connecticut,” Sarah says, her hand resting on her stomach once again.
Rayna extends an open hand toward Rita in a welcoming gesture. “Then you’re hired, Rita,” she announces enthusiastically. “But you can start tomorrow morning. I want to give you a moment to absorb the shock of going to work and finding chains on the door.” She shakes her head, her expression a mingling of pity and sadness, before turning her attention fully to me. With a curious look, Rayna asks, “And what about you, Gina?”