Page 23 of Truck

Rum quickly places his order, rubbing his hands with delight. “You want a drink with that order Rum?” I ask as I finish writing on my order pad.

“I’ll have a caramel latte, please, Rory.”

“What about you, Truck? Have you made a choice yet?”

“I’ll have a triple cheeseburger with fries and a latte the same as Rum. I’ve not had one of those, so I’ll try it.” Truck smiles and I return it along with a slight blush.

Bustling away, I give the order to Brian who is the cook of the day, and wonder what the heck is wrong with me that I blush when a man gives me an order.

Shelby steps up beside me and elbows me in the ribs. Looking at her in surprise she giggles. “Got yourself an admirer, eh?”

“Be quiet,” I quickly say but don’t even try to stop the small laugh that climbs up my throat.

I work for an hour, doing my best not to look at Rum and Truck’s table, but Rum keeps calling me over for a fresh drink or a piece of pie. I have a feeling he’s doing this on purpose, and Truck is enjoying every moment of it.

When they leave, I feel relieved because with everyone watching me and Truck, it’s a little embarrassing. By the end of the evening, I’m tired and tetchy, but I keep it buttoned down because I don’t want any more comments flying my way.

“Goodnight, Shelby. I’ll see you in the morning because I’m coming in to see Jill and Jayne. Hopefully, to get this work rotation sorted out.”

Shelby quickly replies, “Okay, get off home. I’ll see you in the morning, and Rory, remember that life is for living.”

I know she thinks I am too young not to be open to a new relationship, but I’m not sure I’m ready. I am thinking of Terrence less and that upsets me because I miss him and wish this had never happened.

Arriving home, I quickly shower and climb into bed. I set the alarm on my phone because I can’t afford to be late in the morning. I need to get to the diner and speak to Jill and Jayne about swapping their morning rota to an afternoon. I hope it all plays out because it would take a lot of pressure off Jill.

It doesn’t take me long to fall asleep, but the dream surprises me as it’s Truck on a motorcycle holding out his hand for me to climb on behind him. To my surprise I do, and I’m doing it with a huge smile on my face!

Standing with Jill and Jayne, I explain what could happen with the change in the rotation and quickly offer my help. Picking up Jill’s brother and keeping him with me until I arrive at work gives Jill all the time she would need. “Grady will be okay, Jill. Make sure that my name has clearance to collect him. He is eleven, so he isn’t a stupid kid, he will understand what is happening and why.”

Jayne looks at me, then at Jill as she speaks, “I agree, Jill. This will keep you from running late and getting into trouble that has dogged your steps for quite a while. Rory can bring Grady here, and he can eat a meal before you take him home. Your momma is in the rest home now. She’ll not be coming out again, and you know it. We can do some fundraising to help with the bills.”

“Are Marion and Maisy okay with this change?” Jill asks me in a tentative tone of voice.

I grin, “Oh yes. They want to continue working together, so they’re both happy to work the early shift. You just have to say yes and then arrange which day you will swap. Remember to tell me too, and I’ll need to meet Grady, so he knows who I am.”

“Okay, I’ll speak to Grady when I pick him up from school. I’ll bring him here and we’ll have something to eat, and then he can meet you when you come to work. Will that work for you, Rory?” Jill asks while Jayne is nodding her head in agreement.

“Yes, it works for me.”

“I’ll speak to Marion and Maisy tomorrow, and I’ll bring Grady for his meal. Either way, I’ll bring him, and it will be a treat for him to eat here at the diner.” Jill grins and I can feel the relief she has for the situation hopefully being solved.

“Okay, I look forward to meeting him. It will be nice to have time around a boy his age. I find them highly amusing in the way they see things and react,” I grin more to myself as I remember Lord. He was the child of a friend who I knew well before my marriage. Rosanne moved away with her husband, and I missed them all for a long time. But when they moved to Canada, I lost touch with them.

Leaving the diner, I decide to walk to Main Street and window shop. I missed my run this morning, so it will be a kind of exercise to replace that stretch of the legs.

Hearing a shout, I turn and stop walking as I watch Cilla chasing a man who is pushing a stroller. He’s not waiting for her to catch up, and he has an amused look on his face. Cilla, I notice isn’t particularly stressed, so I’m not worried there is something amiss. Shaking my head, I turn back to the shop windows and continue my walk.

Halfway down Main Street there is a bench, and I take a seat for a few minutes. I watch people passing and get quite a few hellos, nods, and generally pleasant greetings from people I don’t know. I’m so pleased that I came here as I think I’m going to settle in and enjoy living here.

I need to return to the house and get some work done before I go back to the diner and meet Grady. The day is going to pass before I know it.

Meeting Grady is making me a little nervous, but I hope all will work out for Jill’s sake. She is such an amazing person, looking after her brother and doing all she can for her mother. I’m not sure what is wrong with her mother, but I don’t feel it’s my place to ask either. All I need to know is that Jill needs help and I can give it even in this small way.

Walking into the diner, I see Jill sitting at a table with Grady. He’s tall for his age and has messy brown hair that actually suits him perfectly. I smile as I walk over to them, hoping that will cover the fact that I’m nervous and show Grady I really am happy to meet him.

“Hi, Jill, and you must be Grady?” I give him a moment to reply and hold my hand out to shake. Showing him I’ll not treat him as a kid.

Jill elbows Grady into motion and rolls her eyes at me. I ignore it and keep my attention on Grady, who shakes my hand while giving me a weak smile.