8
Her phone vibrated but she was with a customer, so she couldn’t answer it. It was crazy busy on Saturday mornings, and Sunday was even worse. Whoever it was would need to leave a message. Since Charlene had held to her promise and had been texting or calling most of the night, it was probably her with another update, or photo of the horses. Sofia was still worried, but Charlene really looked like she was enjoying herself. There was even one picture of her cleaning out the back of the horse trailer. Shoveling poop wasn’t something Sofia ever thought she’d see Charlene do. She really must like this guy.
It wouldn’t have been so bad last night, but it sucked getting all these messages about how much fun it all was while she was stuck home alone. Sofia understood that something came up and Dylan had to cancel. It probably was better that way. The last thing she wanted was to get used to seeing him and then have it end. She already enjoyed being with him too much.
The drive back from dinner had been so nice. She wasn’t sure how the time flew by so quickly, but it hadn’t seemed like an hour drive. He let her go on and on about her dream and what she was working on. She even told him about the part in the play, although small, and he seemed impressed. Maybe she saw what she wanted, but as far as dates go, that night had been nearly perfect.
The only thing she’d change is the kiss goodnight. It was…too brief. Then again, they’d been sitting in his car, because she’d told him it was unnecessary to walk her up four flights of stairs for nothing. That statement was as good as telling Dylan, “Don’t bother, because you’re getting shot down.” That wasn’t how she’d meant it. Of course, she wasn’t about to sleep with the guy, but some kissing and snuggling on the couch wouldn’t have been so bad. And oh, that man can kiss. Starts sweet and ends spicy.
“Excuse me miss, but did you get our order right?”
Sofia looked down at the pad and she had written eggs over easy. She was positive there was more than that, since there were two people at the table. She blushed with embarrassment, as she’d never daydreamed like that before in front of a customer. It was understandable, based on how he made her feel, but still totally unacceptable.
“I’m so sorry. Could you please repeat it one more time?”
Although the woman smiled, the gentleman she was with wasn’t cutting her any slack. “I have no faith we’re going to get what we order anyway. She’s not even paying attention.”
“I’m very sorry. I can guarantee you that your food will be exactly as you order it,” Sofia said.
“And on the house too,” her mama chimed in from behind.
Oh shit.It was bad enough when a customer noticed, but her mother was going to chew her butt out.
The man said, “Then let me give you my order. I’ll have the steak and eggs, steak done medium well and the eggs poached on wheat toast with extra butter. I want homefries and—”
“Honey, please. Look at her. She’s in love. I remember that look in my eyes when we were first dating. I couldn’t stop thinking about you at all.” The woman smiled. “So please honey, give her a break. And be happy for her, because seeing her brings back some very special memories.”
The man reached across the table and said, “I still feel the same way every time I think of you.”
The woman choked up and said, “Oh, I love you so much. Now how about ordering for real?”
The man turned back and smiled. “We’ll each have two poached egged on wheat toast and coffee. And I’m sorry about giving you a hard time.”
Sofia wrote it down. “Thank you so much for being so understanding. I’ll be right back with your food.”
Although the customers let her off the hook, her mother followed her into the kitchen and waited until she gave her father the order. Preparing for what was coming, she turned around and said, “I know, Mama. I was wrong. It won’t happen again.”
Her mother didn’t say a word about her screwing up the order. “Is it true? Are you in love?”
A strong like. Lust. Love, no.But he was definitely someone she could see herself with. At least, right now it seemed that way. “Mama, it’s too early. We’re still getting to know each other.”
“What is there to know? He is a boy, you’re a girl, you either like him or not.”
Sofia bit her tongue to keep from laughing. There was so much more to making a relationship work, but in her mother’s eyes, it was so simple. “Mama, this isn’t the time. Customers are waiting.”
“Let them wait,” she replied. “You are my only daughter and I need to know.”
It was wonderful that her mother was putting Sofia’s feelings above all, but really, there was nothing to tell. At least, not that she could. The truth was very confusing, even for Sofia. Gee Mama, we were only pretending to be dating, but I guess I really like the guy and that sucks because none of it is real. Or at least, I don’t know what is and what isn’t.
“Mama, I like him.” A lot. “He makes me laugh and listens to me talk about my dreams for my future.”
“Ah. Good. I should have Papa sit down and talk to him about the restaurant too.”
The restaurant?Ha. Sofia wanted to say that was not her dream, never had been. But the more concerning thing was her mother spreading rumors about her and Dylan. If Mama wanted to talk to Papa, it was going to be a serious conversation. It wasn’t the time for that. Panic filled her. If Papa thought Dylan was ‘the one,’ then he’d want to have a sit-down, man-to-man talk. Papa was usually quiet, but she knew he wouldn’t be then. Poor Dylan would be blindsided and for what? Being a friend to her? She couldn’t let that happen. Sofia needed to speak up.
“Mama, please. Times are different now. People take things slow. Besides, I’m in no rush.”
Maria huffed. “You’re not getting any younger.”