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“Take all the time you need, Emma. You’re an amazing, intelligent, and beautiful woman. And anyone would be lucky to have you,” Lisa reassured her.
Emma sighed, her eyes wandering out to the shimmering sea. Maybe Lisa was right about finding someone new. But the thought of opening her heart again was terrifying. She could only hope that one day she would be ready to take that leap of faith.
“Thanks Lisa, you’re the best.” Emma walked into the kitchen and grabbed Riley’s water dish from the floor.
“I’ll see you at Phil’s in a bit, okay?”
“Okay. See ya then.” Emma ended the call and filled Riley’s dish to the brim.
Since there was going to be a lot going on today, she would have to leave Riley at home, which made her feel guilty, especially since he hated fireworks. But he also didn’t do well in big crowds, like last year’s town Christmas parade incident when he snatched a pretzel from a kid’s hand, bolted off, and nearly got ran over by the truck pulling Santa’s sleigh.
After saying goodbye to Riley and heading out the front door, Emma got in her car and drove the short distance to town. She parked on a side street a couple of blocks away from Phil’s since it had gotten crowded. The sun was beating down on her shoulders as she walked up to the diner, and she realized she didn’t bring any sunscreen with her. She hoped Lisa had brought some; otherwise, she was going to be burnt to a crisp.
The diner was packed as she walked in and took a seat at the counter. She waved at Margie, the older waitress, and Phil, who peeked out from the back kitchen. “Hey Em! Good to see ya!” he called out.
“You too Phil,” she called back, then greeted a few other people around her. Lisa walked over to her, sipping her coffee and slipping onto the open stool next to her.
“You look festive,” Lisa said, giving her arm a squeeze.
Emma laughed. “I felt like I should probably make an effort.”
Margie walked up to Emma with her notepad out. “So, what’ll it be, honey?”
“I’ll do a large veggie wrap. With fries this time,” Emma said, surprising herself.
“You got it.” Margie gave her a wink before ripping off the piece of notepad paper and taking it back to the kitchen.
Lisa’s eyes grew wide. “Fries? That’s a first.”
Emma took a deep breath. “Yeah. I figured I could treat myself, for the holiday and all.”
Normally, Emma would order a small salad and be done with it, but she felt different today. For years, Chad had scolded her for ordering anything that was the least bit fattening. His critical glances and hurtful comments always made her feel guilty about her figure. Although she had dieted throughout their marriage, she struggled to stay the size six Chad preferred.
While waiting for her meal, Emma turned and was greeted by her old neighbor, Ada Harrison. “Hello dear! I haven’t seen you in ages. How are things at the new house? I hope everything’s coming together for you.”
Emma smiled. “Things are going well! The new cottage is coming together nicely. It’s smaller than what I’m used to, but it’s perfect for me and Riley.”
Ada’s mischievous grin lit up her eyes. “Well, I’ll have to tell you all about the man who took your old house! He’s from Chicago, and what a dreamboat! His son is just as handsome as he is... maybe fifteen or sixteen, I think? And no wife either. Boy... if I was about ten years younger, I’d think about leaving Frank for him.”
Everyone around them laughed at the story, including Phil, who had come out from the kitchen.
“It sounds like he made quite an impression on you!” Lisa teased.
“He came in earlier this morning,” Phil told them. “A nice guy.”
“Ada certainly thinks so!” someone called out from one of the booths.
The walls of the diner shook with laughter, bouncing sound waves through the crowded space. The clinking of dishes and silverware was drowned out by the raucous noise of the patrons enjoying themselves. Emma was mid-laugh when she heard the ringing of a bell above the door and looked to see who had entered, a smile still playing about her lips... until she saw him. A pin drop could be heard as everyone stopped laughing immediately, their mirth replaced with unease. Silence gripped the diner like a vice.
Emma’s heart sank as she caught sight of Chad, her ex-husband, with Ashley on his arm. It was the first time she had seen him since the divorce. The memories came flooding back, a rush of emotions crashing over her. She watched as Chad waved at everyone, including her, before leading Ashley to a booth. Emma felt a mix of anger and hurt as she saw him moving on so easily, with someone new by his side.
Turning back in her seat, Emma tried to compose herself, her mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts. She felt her breath hitching slightly, her chest tightening with the weight of the past. The pain of Chad’s betrayal was still fresh in her mind, the wounds of their broken marriage not yet fully healed.
Phil, noticing Emma’s distress, leaned over her with a protective gesture. His words were filled with indignation. “You want me to kick him out? I’ve got the right to refuse service to anyone, you know. Especially lying, cheating snakes like him.”
Emma glanced up into Phil’s kind eyes and smiled, but shook her head. “I don’t want you to lose business on my account, Phil. Just let them stay.” She didn’t want to make a scene, and give Chad the satisfaction of knowing he had gotten under her skin.
Phil reached across the counter and squeezed Emma’s hand. “Okay, sweetie. But if you need anything, just let me know.”
