I work, James goes to school, then Sutton brings us home most days, our weekends now filled with more than just quiet days at home. James teaches Sutton poker while I tinker. I get to enjoy spending nights wrapped up in the arms of my lover. The one slowly embedding himself into my chest so tight I know it’s going to be hard to let him go.
Despite the constant fight-or-flight my body remains in most of the time, I doubt my life could get any more settled than it is now.
As I wipe the counter, the lunch rush over, I wait patiently for James to finish school. When the door chimes, I look up expectantly, but instead of my brother, I see a somewhat familiar face.
“Good afternoon,” I greet him with a grin. The old guy is back. He isn’t a local, but I remember him.
“Hello, dear. The chicken pie was so good, I wanted to bring my wife to try it.”
I look at the older lady at his side. She offers me a warm smile, one I return.
“I told you it was good. Two chicken pies?” I ask them as they take a seat at the counter.
“Yes, thank you. He’s been talking about it nonstop since he had it.” His wife chuckles. They’re cute. I put them at maybe in their sixties, although they both look really fit. Travelers are not uncommon around here because of the distillery, but we rarely see the same people twice.
I get their pies, fresh from the kitchen, and then fill a cup of coffee for each of them. “So still in Williamstown?” I pour, remembering him saying that’s where they were staying.
“Just for another few days,” he says.
“We just love it here. So nice and tranquil. Have you lived here all your life?” his wife asks me.
“I have.” I nod, sticking to my script.
“What a magical place to grow up in,” she gushes.
“Do you still have family here?” the man asks, just as James rushes in.
“I’m starving.” He throws his bag on the floor and sits at the end of the counter. Sutton’s late today, but I’m sure he’ll be here soon.
“Excuse me,” I tell the couple, not answering their question as I move to grab James his cupcake and milk and get him settled.
"So how was school?”
“Great,” he says happily.
“Did you hand in your project?” I lift my eyebrows, because he’s so keen to play baseball at lunch now, I wouldn’t be surprised if he forgot to hand in his Benjamin Franklin project. The one he’s been working on for a while.
“Yeeees,” he moans, and while for most parents and guardians, I’m sure they would find it frustrating, I’m ecstatic that he’s got a good group of friends at school and acting like a young boy should.
“Where’s Sutton?” We both look toward the empty booth.
“Not sure. He’ll be here soon, I’m sure.” I nod to him, then move around the diner, clearing other tables, seating a few new people as the afternoon rush starts.
“That was wonderful, my dear,” the older lady says as I step to the counter and take their empty plates.
“It’s the best pie I’ve ever had,” I agree with her. Rochelle’s chicken pies are now building somewhat of a name in these parts.
“Almost reminds me of this lovely café in Manhattan… what’s it called, dear?” She looks at her husband, and I know the one she’s talking about.
“Do you mean Thistle & Wren?” I ask, and they both look at me with bright grins.
“That’s the one. Do you know it?” the man asks, and I immediately still. I was too relaxed. I wasn’t thinking.
I swallow and clear my throat. “Oh, I’ve never been, but I had some people through here last month that talked about it,” I tell them easily.
“Well, we better get going. So nice to meet you, my dear,” the woman says as they both stand, grab their things, and leave some money on the counter.
“Enjoy the rest of your travels,” I say as they walk out. With my heart beating hard and fast, I clear their section, and only a few minutes later the familiar sound of the back door catches my attention. My stress immediately lowers, knowing the man I feel so safe around is finally here.
