Chapter 23 #3
“Of course, dear.” She pulled me in for a tight hug.
I was so shocked; it took a second for my brain to catch up and hug her back.
“You should know by now; you’re one of us.
Even if it weren’t for your connection to the Papadakises, I’d still consider you a friend.
You’re the hardest worker I have, and you remind me of my mama when she was your age.
A little skittish, but ready to fight for the life she wants.
I’m sure you also have a heart of gold. I’ve seen it in how you care and interact with others. ”
My mouth gaped open and closed, my brain unable to find the words to respond to all that. Did she really see me like that? “I’m…really…but…thank you,” I stuttered when my mouth caught up.
“You don’t need to be thankin’ me for speaking the truth.
” Avery shoved my shoulder with hers. She was a paradox.
With ebony hair streaked with pinks and purples, both arms covered in tattoos, and multiple piercings dotting her sharp features, she cut an intimidating first impression, but her kind eyes and enormous smile softened her edges and made her more personable.
When I first met her, I’d been completely thrown because I had never seen so many tattoos and piercings on a woman before, and she owned it with a confidence that I envied.
The Dusted Bull was another type of family. Avery ensured her staff felt comfortable and taken care of. There was a level of trust and respect between the owner and the staff that was unlike anywhere else I’d worked. Not that I’d worked in many places, but still.
Tears filled my eyes, but I refused to let them fall as I blinked furiously.
Avery noticed. “None of that. You start, I’ll start and we’ll never be able to open. Back to work.” She turned away, but I couldn’t help but notice she dabbed at her eye as she did.
We got back to work, and before I knew it, the bar was open and the regulars and early birds filed in. We were nicely busy for a Tuesday afternoon, and I could focus on work and forget about the troubles waiting for me outside these walls.
At around six-thirty, Kai arrived, but he was alone.
He settled into a seat at the bar facing me with a smirk. “Hey, Wildflower.”
“Fancy seeing you here.” I couldn’t help but smile back. “I thought you said you were bringing your team. They backed out and left you hanging,” I teased as I leaned on the bar top.
“Oh no, they’ll all be here soon. I just wanted some alone time with my favorite bartender.” His sly wink sent a jolt through me, making my heart do a little flip.
“I’m working,” I exclaimed, swatting at him with the rag I was using to clean up spills. “No funny business.”
Kai snagged my wrist. “But I love our funny business.” He pulled me to him and kissed my cheek before I even realized what was happening.
“Kai!” I chastised, and he held up his hands in mock surrender.
“Okay, okay. I’ll have an IPA and a burger with the works, please.”
With an eye-roll, I nodded at him and started preparing his order. As I set the beer in front of him, he caught my wrist again. “When’s your break? Maybe hold off on my burger until you can join me.”
“Not till ten. Think you can wait that long?”
“For you, absolutely.” His blue eyes held mine for what felt like an eternity before other patrons flagged me down.
My phone rang as I was serving a customer and couldn’t answer it, but glanced and saw the number was from Doc’s practice. Worry landed like a lead weight in my gut. If he were calling me after hours, maybe my test results weren’t good.
I quickly completed the customer’s transaction and made sure everyone was set before ducking into the office.
Avery’s head popped up when I knocked on the door, her dark-framed glasses resting low on her nose. “I have to make a quick call. Can I take my ten?”
“Sure thing. Just let Flora know,” she said and waved me off.
As I pushed through to the kitchen, I let Flora know and headed for the staff bathroom, knowing I’d need somewhere quiet and private to hear what Doc had to say.
Checking all the stalls were empty, I rushed inside and locked the door, closed the toilet lid and sat down.
My hands trembled as I reached for my phone and saw a missed voicemail message.
I called the message bank; it was Doc asking me to call him as soon as possible.
Nerves skittered through me as I dialed his practice, and he answered on the second ring.
“Hi, Grace. So sorry to call you so late, but your results just came in, and I thought we should discuss them. Is now an okay time?” He seemed to hesitate, and that made my palms sweat.
“Now’s fine. I’m at work. But please, Doc, I need to know. Is there something wrong with my results?” My heart was trying to beat out of my chest as my breathing picked up.
“Well, there is something we need to discuss. Grace, you’re pregnant.
” Doc’s words ricocheted around my brain as I froze.
No, that was not possible. It felt like I was underwater as Doc’s voice echoed from my phone.
“Grace? Grace, are you there?” I couldn’t respond as my world shattered and the floor was reaching up to greet me.