Amanda brought out dessert. “Told y’all to leave some room. Hope you listened.”
“You know I’m going to take at least half of mine home,” Orene said.
“Yes, ma’am.” Amanda laid two little containers on the table. “I know you like the back of my hand. Plus, who has room after fried pork tenderloin night? Brought you both a box.” She gave them a wink and spun around to tend to someone else.
“That woman is singlehandedly handling this crowd. And with a smile, no less.” Natalie nodded with appreciation. They were probably about the same age.
Orene agreed. “Oh yeah. She works circles around others. Always has.”
They both took a few bites of the still-warm cobbler, then packaged the rest. “We’ll have it for breakfast with our coffee,” Orene announced. “The best thing about getting old is eating dessert for breakfast.”
“Count me in on that.”
Stretch wouldn’t let them pay on the way out.
“I wanted to treat you to dinner to thank you for your kindness,” Natalie said as they walked out of the restaurant.
Orene threw her hand in the air. “It’ll all work out. A thank-you goes a long way around here.”
“Thank you.” They walked in silence back to Orene’s house.
When they got back to the house, Orene said, “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for bed. You can make yourself at home. TV is in the living room over there.”
“I’m ready for some rest too. Thank you for such a warm welcome tonight. I feel like it’s proof that I’m doing the right thing.”
“Of course you are. Trust the journey, dear.” She lifted her chin toward the heavens. “He’ll steer you in the right direction. All you gotta do is give him space to talk to you.”
Natalie wasn’t sure if it was a God reference or if Orene was referring to Jeremy, but either way was okay by her. “Good night. I’ll see you in the morning for coffee and cobbler.”
Orene went around the corner, and Natalie climbed the stairs to her room on the second floor. She’d eaten way too much tonight. She made up the four-poster queen-sized bed with sheets so soft she couldn’t wait to climb in. She changed into her pajamas and then crawled up on the mattress with her belly full and hope in her heart.
She pulled the vintage bedspread draped over the footboard up over her. It was like the one her grandmother had on her bed, white with the little nubs and fringe at the bottom.
She stretched out, grateful for the way things had turned out tonight.
She wished she’d called Sheila earlier. She had a feeling sound carried in this house, and she didn’t want to disturb Orene. She texted Sheila to let her know that she’d arrived and was safe and sound in a beautiful room on Main Street.
SHEILA: Thank goodness. Was getting ready to send out a search party.
NATALIE: I’ll call tomorrow. Promise.
She texted Sheila a picture of the beautiful room.
Thankful for the safe place to lay her head tonight, Orene’s open invitation had diluted the worry Natalie felt earlier.
She closed her eyes with a smile in her heart and a tear on her cheek.
For there is a right time and way for everything.
Chapter Eleven
NATALIE ROLLEDover and gave a long stretch as she inhaled the smoky aroma of coffee.
Mmm. Those cup-at-a-time coffee makers don’t fill the air like that.
Sunshine streamed into the room. Shadows from the huge tree outside her window danced across the walls. The rhythmic image reminded her of a couple waltzing in fancy attire.
I haven’t slept like that in a long, long while.
