Chapter 45 Poppy
E arly November
“Did you grab the mums for my mom?” We’re rushing out the door and I can’t help but catch how adorable Owen is as he carries a million things: my water, his own bag from staying over last night, and other things for the dinner. I lock the door behind us before walking down the steps to his car.
“Yeah, I have them. Where are we meeting them again?” Both sliding into the car, I bristle as the freezing seat hits my back, luckily, he has heated seats so it will soon be a forgotten memory.
“Calico Cafe.” I rub my mittens together and blow into my hands. It isn’t even December yet but the air has a crisp, cold feel and it’s been below freezing the past few nights.
“Oh yeah, that’s right. I can get that IPA I love.” A smile spreads across his face. One of my favorite things about him is his ability to get excited about little things. It could be a fresh cup of coffee, a snuggle from Samson, getting to help me with something, or an IPA, but he brings a lightness to my life that I didn’t even realize I was in search of.
“What?” he asks, turning the car on and pulling out of the driveway.
“I just like you.” Leaning over, I peck a kiss onto his cheek and bask in his summer, cedar scent that has come to feel so comforting.
It’s only a few minutes drive down the beach to the Cafe, so there isn’t much time for chit chat, but I’m looking forward to seeing my parents. I message with my mom most days, but with how much time Owen and I have been spending together, I haven’t been able to see them quite as much as I’d like.
As we pass by the bookstore, I ask, “Did Grace get in that book you were looking for?”
“Not yet. She said she’d call when it came in.”
The cafe is one of the only places that has an actual parking lot on the boardwalk, which tonight I’m thankful for as it looks fairly busy. Getting out of the car, we wave to a fellow teacher, and Grace herself actually is walking in at the same time. Looks like this is the place to be tonight.
As we pass through the front doors, the owner calls out to us and I see my mom frantically waving at me from a booth towards the back.
“There they are,” I call out over the many voices echoing in the small restaurant. Owen follows me, holding onto my hand as we weave through the tables getting to my parents.
“Hi! I’m glad you found us, it’s crazy in here tonight,” Mom says, pointing us to the hooks for our coats along a back wall. Pulling off my scarf and setting my bag down in the booth I take in the room again, spotting Cicely and her family as well. She waves with a big smile on her face and I wonder if she’s seen Owen as well.
“Yeah, do you know why?” We both get settled across from my parents and I start to look over the menu even though I’ve been here so often I have it memorized. Owen and my parents have spent time together, but this all still feels new and the familiar butterflies give my stomach a fluttery feel.
“Robert thinks everyone is wanting to get out with the cold moving in,” my dad chimes in. Looking towards Owen, he adds, “How are things going with school, kids treating you alright?”
“Yeah, for sure. I think it helps they know me from last year, so I’m not a brand new face in the building. A little trust has been built there.” He pores over the menu as well, even though I know he chose what he wanted when we were still at my house. Must be a little nervous too.
Too quickly, my mom adds, “That’s good. Are you thinking you’ll stay?”
“Mom!” I stare at her over my water, almost spitting out my sip.
“What? I think it’s a fair question.” She holds up her hands and gives me a look like I should know her better than this. Of course she would want to get involved.
“That’s the plan. I am loving being closer to my cousins and of course, spending time with other people.” He reaches for my hand under the table and I feel heat rise to my face.
“Well, we like to hear that.” My dad gives my mother a similar disapproving look before smirking towards me. “We’re buying, so get whatever you’d like.” Such a fatherly thing to say. I’m a grown woman, but my parents still like to treat me when we go out.
A waiter steps up to the table, clearly flustered and out of breath. I recognize him as a student from a few years back, but can’t place his name. “What can I get you all?”