I left to order the pizza and give Mike and Tory more time alone. I still had boxes in the basement to unpack and I’d been looking for some old photos I was sure were in one of them.
I went to the basement, after telling Tory where I’d be and giving her money to pay the pizza delivery guy.
I found a box marked photos in the corner and opened it. I sifted through the contents and found the pink shoebox I’d been looking for. While packing for the move, I’d put photos of Mike and Tory in one shoebox and photos of Mike and David in another. I wanted the kids to have them. I lifted the shoeboxes out of the box and came across a bag of photos I’d forgotten about. They were of me and Jake back in the day. I took those, too, thinking I’d perhaps send Jake a few.
“Mom! Pizza’s here!” Tory shouted.
I put the photos of David and the photos of Jake and me in my bedroom. The pink box I took with me.
I walked into the kitchen while Tory was getting plates out of the cabinet. “You found the dishes!”
Tory turned around. “Dad told me where they were. What’s in the box?”
“Photos of you and your dad. I thought you might like to have them.”
Tory’s eyes widened. “We’ll have to look at them later, Dad.”
I looked at Mike and smiled. “What would you like to drink?”
“Water for me,” Mike said.
“Me, too!”
I filled three water glasses and sat them on the table. Tory served the pizza and handed me a plate. “It’s smells delicious.”
“Do you remember the weekend, Dad, when you let me and David eat pizza for every meal?”
Mike put his finger up to his lips. “Ssh. That’s our secret.”
I put down my water glass. “Every meal?”
Tory laughed. “Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I was actually so sick of pizza after that weekend I didn’t want to eat it for a long time.”
I hadn’t realized until then, mostly because I hadn’t thought about it, that David and Tory had a whole other life I wasn’t a part of. They’d spent a lot of weekends with their dad doing things like eating pizza for every meal. They had a history together, shared experiences that didn’t include me. To be honest, I was a little jealous. I felt like an outsider, a child watching others play from afar, wanting to be a part of the group but not being invited to join.
“Are you okay, Mom?” Tory asked
“Absolutely. It’s just been a long day.”
Tory and I cleaned up and I went to bed while Tory and Mike went back to the living room. Ben was on his way over, and I figured they’d look at the photos and perhaps watch a movie together.
The next morning, I went to the gym before Tory and Mike were out of bed. I wasn’t usually at the gym so early on a Saturday, so I was surprised when I ran into Peter. “I thought I was the only crazy one up this early.”
Peter laughed. “Needed to get an early start. I promised my grandson I’d take him to a baseball game this afternoon.”
“You don’t look old enough to have a grandchild.”
Peter laughed. “Thanks. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“How old is?”
“Five.”
“Oh, what a fun age.”
“Yeah, I’d forgotten what fun a five-year-old can be. And what a nightmare.”
I laughed. “Well, enjoy your time with him. They grow up in a blink.”
There was an awkward silence, the kind that happens when two people have said all they have to say but want to keep talking anyway. I nodded toward the treadmill. “I guess I’d better start my workout.”
He nodded. “Me, too.”
We both turned to walk in opposite directions when I heard Peter say my name. I turned around.
“I was wondering if you’d like to get coffee sometime?” Peter said. His face turned red and I was pretty sure it wasn’t because he was overheated.
“I’d like that, Peter.”
He pulled out his cell phone. “Want to give me your number?”
I recited my number as Peter pressed the buttons on his phone.
“So, maybe I’ll give you a call later.”
“Sounds great.” I walked toward the treadmill, fist pumping in my mind. In the last five years, I could count the number of times I’d gone on a date on one hand. Make that two fingers! There was John, the guy I’d met online. We’d been out a few times, but I’d ended it when it became clear he was looking for more than I was. The second guy I only went out with once. It was a blind date and Stu was a nice guy, but he wanted to get between the sheets on the first date. I’m not into hooking up.
I couldn’t wait to call Shonna and tell her about Peter. I really liked him. He seemed genuine and not the sort of guy who was only interested in getting naked. Peter left before I did and, as soon as I got in the car, I called my bestie.
“What? Have you been holding out on me?”
“No. Seriously. This all just happened.”
“Give me the details. Every last one. What’s he look like?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Tall. Maybe six-four. Dark eyes. Grayish hair with streaks of white, but he doesn’t look old – more distinguished.”
“Oh, distinguished is good.”
“Nice butt.”
“You noticed his butt?” Shonna laughed.
“Well, it’s sort of hard not to. But it is the first butt I’ve noticed in forever.”
“That says something.”
I laughed. “And he’s a grandpa.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. He told me he was taking his five-year-old grandson to the baseball game.”
“Ah, that’s sweet. He sounds like a nice guy.”
“I just hope he doesn’t call to go for coffee this weekend since Tory’s in town.”
“If he does, just tell him you’re spending time with your daughter. He sounds like the kind of guy who’d understand.”
“How are Roger and Max getting along?”
Shonna laughed. “I caught him talking to Max the other morning. I heard Roger talking to someone and I knew it wasn’t the kids and that he wasn’t on the phone. So I tiptoed down the hall and listened. It was Max! He was telling him about the meeting he had that day and asking Max which tie he should wear.”
I laughed. “And this was the guy who didn’t want a dog!”
“Yeah! Roger still puts on a show that Max is for us, but we all know he secretly loves him, too.”
“So, Max has stopped taking Roger’s socks?”
“Yes. Now he’s into taking tissues out of the bathroom trash can and eating them!”
“Too funny!” I pulled up in front of my house. “I’ll talk to you later. I just got home and need to see what Tory and Mike are up to.”
When I walked in the door, I found Tory and Mike eating breakfast. I looked at the plate of eggs in front of Mike. “You actually got him to eat something?”
Tory smiled. “He promised he’d at least try.”
I poured myself a cup of coffee and sat down. “Do you remember the time you and David made us breakfast in bed for Valentine’s Day?”
Tory laughed. “If I remember correctly, we made you a peanut butter and Lucky Charms heart marshmallow sandwich.”
I nodded, wondering if Mike remembered it. He just smiled but didn’t say anything so I figured he didn’t.
“Dad and I are going for a drive later,” Tory said. “Want to come along?”
“Thanks, but why don’t you two go.”
“Are you sure, Mom?”
“Absolutely. I have some research to do online anyway.” I went to shower and let the two of them finish their breakfast.
Chapter 28
The first thing I did when I logged into my computer was check my email. There was a note from Jake and Steve.
Just a quick note to tell you we’re planning a trip home. My dad isn’t doing well and I need to set thi
ngs straight with him. Hoping we can get together for dinner, and we’d love to see your new place.
I typed back.
Great! Give me your travel plans and we can pick a date for you and Steve to come over for dinner. Looking forward to seeing both of you again! Scarlett
I’d started researching jobs online. I knew I could stay working where I was, but I wondered if there was another job I’d like more. What I really wished I could do was quit my job and run the store full-time. And then I thought, what’s stopping me? I’d paid for my new house in cash after selling my other house, and had still been able to bank about fifty thousand. It wasn’t a lot, but definitely a nice little nest egg that would tide me over until I got my store off the ground.
It occurred to me that finding a part-time job might be the answer. If I could find a part-time job that would help pay for my living expenses while working on the store, I’d be able to open sooner and see if I could make a go of it. The more I thought about that idea, the more I liked it. I called Shonna to run the idea by her.
“Have you worked through all of the plans yet with your business mentor?”
“We met twice and I’m making good progress on everything he’s asked me to do.”
“So you’re following a timeline?”
“Yes. It’s one he’s given me based on wanting to open the shop in a year. I’ve finished the feasibility study and done the appropriate research. I just sent him my business plan a few days ago.”
“Here’s a thought. Find part-time work you can do from home. That way, even after you open the shop, you have a separate revenue stream to rely on.”
“Listen to you. Separate revenue stream. Don’t you sound all businessy.”
Shonna laughed. “Is that even a word?”
“Yes, and I like your idea of working part-time from home now and keeping it up after I open the shop. If I can find work I can do anytime, it would be perfect. I could work in the morning before the shop opens or at night after it closes. Or a little of both.”
“You never did say how James took the news you wouldn’t be joining him.”
“Good. I mean, he was bummed I didn’t accept the offer, but understood how important opening the shop is to me. He even offered to invest some money in the business for a piece of the pie.”
“That would certainly make things easier,” Shonna said.
“Yes, but I really don’t want to get into equity financing.”
“Now who’s the one sounding all businessy?” Shonna laughed. “But I get it.”
“And while it would make things easier financially, it would make it more difficult in other ways. Even though James is a friend, I’d have to consult him about what I wanted to do with the business. Or at least I’d feel as though I had to. This way, I’m the one taking the risk.”
Tory yelled that she and Mike were taking off.
“Is everything okay?” Shonna asked. “I thought I heard yelling.”
“It was just Tory telling me she and Mike were going for a drive.”
“How’s he doing anyway?”
“Decent right now. He has a break in chemo and each day seems better than the last. But I know it won’t last. When the next round of chemo begins he’ll be back to feeling like crap.”
I heard Shonna’s daughter in the background.
“I have to run,” Shonna said. “Talk to you later.”
I checked a few job sites for part-time work before logging off the computer. I wondered if James had any work that could be done remotely. Maybe I’d mention it to him. If he did, it would be a perfect situation.
I walked into the store with a sketch pad and pencil. I wanted to get an idea of where I’d place everything. I’d discussed incorporating a soda fountain into my plans with my business mentor, but ultimately decided against it. While the soda fountain was a cute idea, I didn’t think it would be as lucrative as the coffee shop. There was already a creamery nearby, but no cozy coffee shop like the one I had planned.
I’d already made an appointment with a plumber and an electrician to give me project estimates. I knew my expresso machine needed to be directly connected to a water source. I also needed drainage and water softeners in the water line to prevent mineral buildup in the machines.
While researching the business, I’d made a lengthy list of equipment and supplies I’d need to buy. The list contained everything from an expresso machine and grinder to a commercial coffeemaker and bar blender.
I sketched the room on the sheet of paper, drawing a rectangle where I’d place the coffee counter. I wanted plenty of comfortable seating and tables with outlets nearby. I’d been in many coffee shops and noticed a good number of people working remotely. I knew it was important to be able to plug in a laptop or charge a phone. I also planned to buy a few tables and chairs to place in front of the store during nicer weather.
I walked around the space, getting a feel for it. I pretended to walk up to the imaginary counter, order a cup of coffee, and sit at a table along the far wall. I liked the idea of having a small sectional sofa by the window with a big square coffee table. I wanted to create an intimate corner where friends could gather and talk and enjoy one another’s company. Maybe I’d even have a few vintage board games sitting around for people to play.
I walked passed the coffee counter to the back of the store, imagining shelves filled with cool vintage merchandise. I scanned the room and nodded. I was glad I’d decided to stay. It felt right and there was this little voice inside of me that said Scarlett’s Cupboard. And that’s when I knew what I’d call my shop.
I’d promised Tory I’d make lasagna for dinner. It was one of her favorites. Ben was coming over so I ran to the store to pick up salad ingredients and a fresh French baguette. By the time Mike and Tory returned from their drive, I was boiling the noodles.
“How was the drive?” I asked when they walked in.
“Great, but I think Dad’s a little tired.”
Mike nodded. “I’m going to lay down for a while.”
“We stopped for ice cream and ran into one of Dad’s co-workers.”
“Who?”
“Dennis. Do you know him?”
“Doesn’t ring a bell.”
“He didn’t even recognize Dad,” Tory said.
I grimaced. “Well, he has lost a lot of weight.”
Tory grabbed a piece of celery from the table and sat down.
“Dad’s telling us the truth, isn’t he, Mom?”
“What makes you think he’s not?”
Tory shrugged. “He just seems so weak and tired. I really don’t know what he would’ve done or what kind of shape he’d be in if he weren’t staying with you.”
I nodded. “I’m just glad I was here to help.”
“Do you think you can ever forgive him?” Tory asked.
“Tory, what are we talking about?”
“For cheating. Do you think you could ever forgive him?”
“Tory, there was a lot more wrong with our marriage than his affair. That was certainly a part of it, but definitely not all of it. I really don’t feel comfortable discussing this with you, mostly because I don’t want to change how you feel about your dad. And it wasn’t all his fault. At first I blamed him, but I could’ve tried harder or made some different choices. In the end I think it’s better we’re apart rather than together.”
“I just want him to get better,” Tory said.
“I do, too, honey. I do, too.” I pointed to table. “How about making the salad?”
Tory chopped the romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, green pepper and onion and tossed them in the big bowl I had sat out. I finished making the lasagna and put it in the oven. “There, I think we’re all set. Thanks for your help.”
Tory nodded. “What’s this?” She opened the sketch book and asked about the drawing.
“Want me to show you?”
Tory followed me to the shop where I explain
ed where I planned to place everything.
“I love that you’re doing something you’ve always wanted to do,” Tory said. “So many people dream, but it never becomes anything more than that. You’re making your dream a reality. I’m proud of you, Mom.”
I took a huge breath and exhaled. “Thanks. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. I might fail.”
Tory placed her hands on her hips. “What have you always told David and me?”
“Uh, that I love you?”
“Besides that.” Tory smiled.
I shrugged.
“Don’t be afraid to fail. That if you fail, you try again and again. If you spend your entire life fearing failure you’ll never fly.”
Tory hugged me and it was the best hug I’d had in a long time.
I thought about my butterfly tattoo and what it symbolized. I was determined to fly.
Tory’s weekend home went fast and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to her and Ben. It was great to see Mike feeling better and he even decided to go back to his own place for a few days while he was on a break from getting chemo. That left me alone with Muffin once again.
We were snuggling together on the couch, watching a movie, when my cell phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Oh, hi, Peter… Yes, I’d love to meet you for coffee.”
We’d decided to meet for coffee later that night. I knew exactly the place he’d suggested. I’d been visiting a lot of coffee shops and this one was on my list. I hoped Peter wouldn’t mind me taking notes. I was scoping out how others did things. Most of the shops I’d been in were franchises, but this one wasn’t. I wondered if the owner would be willing to talk to me. We wouldn’t be competing for customers because this coffee shop was on the other side of town.
I jumped in the shower and changed clothes three times. Stop it, Scarlett. It’s just coffee. I felt like a teenager going out on my first date. I settled on jeans and a light sweater.
Peter waved when I walked into the shop. He was seated at a table for two in the corner. I walked over and he stood and pulled out the chair for me. It wasn’t busy and the barista walked over to ask if she could get me anything. I ordered a decaf. I didn’t want to have trouble falling asleep.
A Year of Second Chances Page 19