Fletcher was waiting for me with a big smile on his face. He stood to greet me with a side-hug. “Wanna grab lunch before we head home? We could stop at Bixby’s? Everyone’s been asking about you, wondering when you’re coming back to work.”
I frowned.
Fletcher shook his head. “No rush. Just whenever you’re ready. I’m just saying, there are people there who care about you. We all care about you, Sky.” He squeezed my shoulder. “C’mon, let’s go get something to eat. My treat.”
I was nervous as we walked through the front door of Bixby’s Diner, the bell chiming our arrival. The diner felt both familiar and unfamiliar, but Fletcher was right—the minute people caught wind that I was in the building, my old coworkers flooded me with cheerful faces and hoots and hollers.
“Sky’s back!”
“Hey, Sky! How are you doing?”
“We’ve missed you around here, man. When are you coming back?”
That’s when I realized that maybe Adam and Fletcher were right. Maybe I reallydidhave a second chance here in Greymercy…
10
FLETCHER
It wasn’tlong before a routine began to form. Therapy sessions twice a week. Taking our pills together every morning—Sky’s new meds and my supplements. Making smoothies for breakfast and enjoying them while watching cartoons. Madeline had said it might be healing for Sky’s inner-child, and I loved cartoons, so it was a win-win.
Every now and again, Sky would comment about the past, about something he and his brother used to do. Or he’d bring up a recipe his mother used to make.
“We could try recreating it,” I offered. “I’m always game to play around in the kitchen, and you can help me. I’m sure Adam won’t mind being off dinner duty for a night.”
Sky flushed, but smiled. “Thanks.”
It wasn’t long before things settled down in our home and the snow had melted, giving way to spring buds. Winter had almost relinquished its grip on Greymercy and I was glad to see it go.
Over our spaghetti and meatballs, Sky cleared his throat. “I… I think I’m ready to come back to work.”
I glanced at Adam, who raised a single eyebrow. We exchanged a look, then smiled at him.
“Are you sure?” I asked.
“Yeah. I miss everyone, and having too much time on my hands is actually giving me anxiety. I’m ready to go back to Bixby’s.”
“I’ll add you to next week’s schedule then,” Adam agreed. “Glad to have you back on the team.”
That first day back, I could tell Sky was extremely nervous. He fidgeted about, picking at his clothes and chewing on his fingernails.
“You’ve got this.” I gave him a thumb’s up when he clocked in. He forced a tight smile. I wanted to give him a hug, but I knew he needed me to be positive rather than to dote on him right now.
I had to give him credit. He stumbled a bit, like a newborn fawn learning how to walk for the first time, but he fell back into his old routine pretty easily. His coworkers welcomed him back with cheers and back-pats.
Josie, being the sweetheart that she was, jumped in to help catch him up to speed with everything that he missed—gossip included. I bit my lip to hide my grin as a small smile appeared on Sky’s face.
After that first week back, things were almost back to normal.
Almost.
I couldn’t help but notice that Sky looked exhausted as he came in the door after a closing shift. He shucked off his coat, letting it drop to the floor, and toed off his worn shoes with a groan.
“Ugh, my feet… I forgot how much foodservice kills,” he bemoaned.
I laughed softly and wiggled my own socked toes beneath the blanket. “You can say that again.”
I patted the couch cushion. Sky practically collapsed next to me and leaned into my shoulder. I turned my head and pressedmy nose into his hair. He smelled of fry grease and sweat and the distinct scent that was wholly Sky.
