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But the person I’m most scared to tell is Nora. She adores Penelope and I don’t know how she’s going to take the news.
I drive down Main Street, passing the town square gazebo and trying to avoid eye contact with the people who are walking or shopping. I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone other than Sally right now. She’ll get what I’m going through.
Finding a parking spot, I turn off the truck as fast as I can and head into the diner with my head down. As soon as I open the door, the sounds of people chatting, Christmas music, and the clattering of silverware fill my ears.
“Brent! Hey! What are you doing here?” Sally says from her spot behind the counter.
She’s smiling, but her red eyes and pink nose indicate she’s been crying.
Does she already know about Penelope?
“Hey Sal, I’m here for some breakfast and to talk to you. Have a minute?” I ask, striding over to her.
“Yeah, give me a second. Meet you in the office?”
She has an office off the kitchen in the back, and though she doesn’t use it often, we’ll have some privacy.
“Sounds good,” I say, making my way into the kitchen. I enter the office and take a seat in one of the big leather chairs across from the desk.
The door creaks open a minute later, and Sally joins me. “Sorry, I got caught chatting,” she says. “Everyone is excited for the Christmas Eve Ball. Do you and your folks need help moving anything or setting up tables?”
“That’d be awesome. I’m taking Nora shopping for a dress today with my mom, but after that we’re going to order a pizza and start planning. It’ll be here before we know it. If you want, you can come over and help.”
“I’m there,” she says before an awkward silence fills the room. “So… I’m assuming you’re not here to talk about the ball or the weather. Did you get the note from Penelope?”
“Wait, she left you a note?” Am I the only one who didn’t get a note directly from her? Yes, she mentioned me in the one to my parents, but she didn’t say anything personal to me. It felt like I was an afterthought.
“She did…” she says slowly. “Didn’t you get one?”
“Nope.” I cross my arms over my chest.
Wow, I guess I really meant nothing to her. Our time together, the connection we had, meant nothing.
“I’m sorry, Brent, I just figured she would’ve left you one, too,” she says. “I found mine in the mailbox this morning. Do you want to read it?”
“No, that’s okay. I’m sure she meant for you to read it. Just tell me, is she all right?”
“I’m not sure to be honest. She didn’t say in the letter. I can’t believe she left. Did you say anything to upset her?” she asks me accusingly.
“Really, Sally?” I get up from the chair and start pacing. “No, I didn’t say anything to her. I was actually planning to talk to her today, and even though I’m mad she lied, I didn’t want her to go. I guess it doesn’t matter now though.”
“I’m so sorry, Brent. I wish she’d stayed. I’m really going to miss her.”
“Me too,” I say. “I’m actually not feeling very hungry. Can I get a sandwich to go? I need to get some work done at the office.”
“Are you sure? I could get you a booth in the back so no one bothers you.”
“Nah, thanks though. I’ll order a turkey club and fries to go.”
We head back inside the diner and Sally puts in my order. I stand off to the side, hoping no one talks to me, as I wait.
Luckily, only a few people stop and say hi but I think they can tell I’m not interested in conversation because they move on quickly.
“Here ya go,” Sally says, handing me a bag over the counter. “What time should I come over tonight?”
“How does 6:00 sound? We’ll be home by then.”
“Sounds great. I’ll see you then.” I quickly head to my car and drive to my office. I spend the next few hours working, trying to keep my mind off Penelope, and only eating when the hunger pangs become unbearable.
