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I lowered a brow at her. “I’m aware, but I’ve been fighting this fight for twenty-five years. There are times when you have to speak up immediately. Then there are times when you can wait for people to see the issues on their own and then step in to help them facilitate the change when they ask.”
Hazel leaned back on the seat and eyed me. “You’re playing good cop. You’d rather give the advice when asked than when unsolicited and unwelcome.”
I pointed at her with a wink. “Now you’re catching on. I’ve learned that trying to shove the ADA down people’s throats doesn’t get you very far. Showing up and letting them see the struggle a few times is the only thing that shifts their mindset.”
“I’ll remember that. Thanks for making me think outside the box on it. I’m not disabled, so it’s easy for me to say you should do XYZ but harder for me to see the reason why you don’t.”
“You’re welcome. Now then, whatcha having? There isn’t a thing on the menu that isn’t good.”
“I’m torn between hotcakes and sausage, or eggnog French toast.”
“All three,” I said with a head nod. “We’ll share.”
“Irving and Hazel!” Ivy called as she ran through the swinging door. “I didn’t know you were here.” When she came to a stop in front of us, she was all eyes on Hazel. “How are you feeling?”
"Better," Hazel assured her. "My mind is a bit fuzzy sometimes but my hand doesn't hurt as much now, so it's just a matter of time until it heals."
"I'm glad to hear that, Hazel. Everyone has been so worried. We’ll get you back to feeling one hundred percent with good food and friends. In the meantime, we’ll do the heavy lifting until you can again." She glanced at me with a mischievous grin that made it clear I’d better watch myself around Ivy Lund.
"I still have so much food at my apartment from your last delivery," Hazel assured her quickly. "But I know it’s time to meet the people of Bells Pass as I'm sure they're curious about the unconscious woman from the park."
"You certainly did make an entrance," Ivy said with a wink. Star chose that moment to whine from under the table. Ivy stoically didn't speak to him, though I could tell she wanted to.
"Star, go visiting," I commanded.
The dog wormed himself out from under the table, tail thumping on the floor as Ivy loved him up.
"Oh, my sweet Star," she cooed. "You work so hard. You need some breakfast too. What can I get you to eat, sweet baby boy?"
My giant German shepherd was lying on his back and smiling at the woman giving him a belly rub.
"Ivy, you're going to make my dog fat."
"I'll do no such thing! Besides, he's a working dog and wears off everything he eats!"
I glanced at Hazel, who was currently biting her lip to keep from laughing. "Okay, fine, Star will have a scrambled egg with a slice of bacon. Hazel and I will share an order of hotcakes, sausage, and eggnog French toast. Star, return," I ordered the dog, who slunk back under the table with one final longing glance at Ivy.
Ivy clapped with excitement. “Perfect. Coffee?”
“I’ll have tea,” Hazel said.
“Tea? We make great coffee,” Ivy said, her voice sing song.
“I’ll have to take your word for it,” Hazel replied. “I’m allergic.”
Ivy waved her hand in the air as she took a step back. “Allergic? Like to coffee?”
“Yep,” Hazel said with a chuckle. She glanced at me. “I love telling people I’m allergic to coffee. I get that reaction every time.”
“I didn’t even know it was possible,” I replied, hoping I didn’t have the same look on my face as Ivy did.
Hazel shrugged. “You can be allergic to anything. Coffee just happens to be a rare one. Unfortunately for me, I get the whole can’t breathe, face swells up, lips turn blue look with it.”
“We don’t want that!” Ivy said, waving her hands. “Is it okay for Irving to have it near you?”
“Oh, yeah, that’s fine,” she said, brushing her hand at my empty coffee cup. “It’s only if I get it in my mouth.”
“A coffee and a tea it is, then. I’ll put your tea in a disposable cup for you, just to be sure that there isn’t residue on a cup or something,” Ivy told her.
