Ginger frowns before sitting down across from me. It’s a good thing she’s worked here for so long otherwise the owner wouldn’t be happy. “I don’t think we are, but I’ll check.” She reaches across the table and pats my hand. “Do you want to talk about anything?”
“Not really.” Glancing around the restaurant, I notice nothing has changed. The vibe and energy is the same as it was when my parents brought me here as a kid. “How are Annie and Jordan?”
“Oh, they’re just fine,” Ginger grins. “Annie started dating someone and plans to bring him home to meet me this summer. And Jordan,” she sighs. “He’s finally growing out of his rebellious stage.”
“Oh wow,” I lean back. “I didn’t realize he was giving you so many problems.”
She laughs, “It was only a phase. He has one more year in college, then he’ll be set loose on the world.” She stands up abruptly. “I almost wish he would have gone to school closer.”
“Why is that? Do you miss him when he’s away at school?”
“I do, but I always hoped you two would hit it off.”
“No offense, Ginger,” I snort. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. Besides, I’m swearing off guys for a good long while. They are too much trouble.”
“You’re wise in your young age,” she grins. “Do you want your usual?”
“You still remember what I order?” It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been in here, and she has to have had many customers within that time period.
“Of course I do.” She walks backward a few steps. “You are my favorite, and best, customer.”
Shaking my head, I laugh. Ginger is one of the reasons this will always be one of my favorite places to eat. Even in a city as big as this one, she manages to make you feel important. “Yes, I’ll have my usual.”
“I’ll get the order put in and grab you a drink.”
“Thanks, Ginger.” As soon as she’s gone, I open my purse, rummaging for my tablet. It’s not in there, though. This morning was such a rush that I left it charging on my nightstand.
Pulling out my phone, I open the reading app and pick up right where I left off. A book nerd is always prepared. With any luck, I’ll finish this book before I leave.
* * *
My plate has been cleared from the table by the time I finish my book and close out the app. Words cannot describe everything I feel after reaching the end.
“You must have really liked whatever you were looking at,” Ginger calls out from behind the bar.
There are twice as many people filling the room, and that is my cue to head home. As much as I want to be the social butterfly I used to be, I don’t have the energy to interact with others tonight. “It was,” I call back.
Shoving my phone in my purse, I scoot out from the booth. “How much do I owe you?” Ginger is filling a drink order as I walk toward the bar.
“Nothing,” she smiles.
“Nope, you aren’t paying for my meal, Ginger. I’m capable of buying my food.”
“I know that, honey. Let me do this for you.” When she sees my frown, she continues, “Consider it a good deed, and maybe it will bring more good things your way.”
Arguing with her isn’t going to do any good. Once she’s decided on something, she doesn’t change her mind. “Fine,” I grumble.
“Oh, before I forget,” she reaches under the bar. “I packed up a few slices of cheesecake for you, Jay, and your parents.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I wanted to.” She places the bag in my hands. “Now, don’t be a stranger. I shouldn’t have to wait a couple of years before I see you again.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I turn toward the exit. “And thank you for dinner. I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime, hon.” She goes back to pouring drinks.
Before I walk out, I find another waitress, and pull a twenty out of my purse. “Can you make sure this gets added to Ginger’s tips?”
“Sure thing,” she nods and continues toward a table at the front.
The night air is hot and sticky. It’s like walking into a sauna after being in frigid temperatures. The tattoo shop across the street catches my eye. There are a few people milling about, and I walk across the crosswalk.
After reading Steiner’s book, I feel the need to ink something on myself as a daily reminder. My mom would freak out if she knew I was considering getting a tattoo, but something is pulling me toward this shop.
Grabbing my phone from my purse, I quickly take a picture of the name. I don’t have time to see if they have any openings tonight. The cheesecake slices will get nasty if I keep them out in the heat for too long.
As soon as I’m in my car, I contemplate all the possibilities of ink. It would definitely be a change for the new me. Well, the new old me.