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9PepperI sit on the edge of my bed clutching my phone. I keep googling the name “Travis Masters,” but he doesn’t seem to exist on the internet. How is that even possible? Search engines are so powerful now that they can pick up even the tiniest online presence, and yet it’s as if Travis is a ghost.
Does that mean he doesn’t exist in real life, either?
I begin to dial Leslie, but then remember that I can’t do that because she’s on a weekend getaway with Frank. I wouldn’t be surprised if the two move in together sometime soon, to be honest. It may seem quick, but I know my friend is hopelessly in love, and I’m happy for her because her redheaded boyfriend is genuinely solid.
But what about my relationship? Ugh. My stomach turns and I rush to the bathroom and empty the contents of my stomach into the toilet.
This is the second time today I’ve thrown up. Come to think about it, for the last couple weeks, I’ve been nauseous a lot and I think it’s Travis. Thinking about him and our so-called relationship is making me physically ill.
I shake my head. That’s not it. I probably have a stomach bug, that’s all and I don’t need to fill my head with this drivel. I’ll feel better by the afternoon, but just to be safe, I call Coffee Perk.
“Coffee Perk, Denise speaking,” answers a peppy voice.
“Hi Denise, it’s Pepper.”
“Pepper! Have you thought about what we discussed?”
I grimace.
“Um, not yet, but I will. I can’t come in today though because I’m not feeling well.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry to hear that! I hope you feel better soon. Give me a call tomorrow if you’re still not feeling in top top shape, okay?”
I’m glad she’s so understanding because Denise is actually the owner of Coffee Perk. My job depends on her generosity.
“I will. I appreciate it, Denise.”
I hang up and thank my lucky stars again. I kind of lucked out with my manager. She overheard Leslie and I talking about my potential coffee shop dream one day, and I expected her to be mad, but instead, she’s very supportive. So much so that she wants to franchise Coffee Perk into the next town over, with me running the new place.
Now I know franchising isn’t exactly the same as having your own shop, but Denise has promised me a lot of control. I can dictate the environment, and as a franchise with only two stores, I’d get to help create the menu for both locations. But still, I’m not quite sure. It’s not the same as having my own business. I want to be in charge of everything from theme to menu to atmosphere, and running Coffee Perk 2 is a definitely not what I envisioned.
Still, this could be what I need to get to the next step, and that counts for something. I’d be making a lot more money, for one, and I might even be able to move out of my parents’ house. Certainly that’s a big plus.
I flop back on my bed. It’s too much to think about right now, and my stomach is still unsettled. There might be crackers and ginger ale in the kitchen, but I can’t bring myself to go down there because Maryanne and Ben keep popping in and out. They’re showing a house on our street, and if I go downstairs, I run the risk of seeing them.
Damn it. Unfortunately, they still haven’t let up on their real estate dreams for me.
I sigh and place an arm over my face to block out the light. Maybe I should tell them about Denise’s offer because that might get them off my back for a little bit. Then again, Maryanne and Ben might consider it a betrayal. They’ll say I’m chasing my dreams rather than committing to the here and now. God.
My stomach turns again. I don’t think I’m going to throw up, but I focus on my breathing to make sure and swallow hard. What is going on with me? A stomach bug doesn’t usually last a few weeks, but this has been going on non-stop now. Maybe I should go see a doctor.
Then again, I could be suffering a stress reaction and nothing serious. After all, between personal life and work, things have been really difficult. Leslie’s words keep ringing through my brain: is his name even really Travis? She’s convinced my man is married or has some other reason for hiding our relationship, and it can’t possibly be good.
If only I could talk to him in person but he’s been busy with work, and when he’s not busy, I already have plans. He told me early on I should never cancel anything to be with him, and so I haven’t. But the result is that we don’t really see each other anymore, especially since the idea of Coffee Perk 2 came up. At least we’re going to get together this weekend. I know once I have a chance to confront him, all the answers will reveal themselves, and I’ll feel better then.
