Second Chance Cafe

by Brandy Bruce

  “Maybe he’s the one,” her mother said, almost to herself.

  Isa couldn’t stop herself from laughing out loud. “Because he can make a fabulous chocolate croissant?”

  Her mother didn’t answer, but her smile didn’t fade.

  “Are you ready to find the one?” she asked.

  Isa looked at the grapes in her hand. “Maybe.”

  Her mother leaned over the counter, giving Isa her undivided attention. “Have you ever been in love, Isabella?”

  Isa considered the question. She thought over the guys she’d dated since college. A long list of crushes and casual relationships, if they could even be called relationships.

  “Over and over, Mom. I fall in love too easily.” The admission sent a burst of displeasure through Isa’s heart.

  “Being in love isn’t the same as having a crush or being swept away by emotions. Being in love—and being loved in return—it’s like changing directions. And it’s okay if you haven’t experienced that yet.”

  “But it’s not!” Isa pushed back. “I’m twenty-seven. I’ve gone out with lots of guys. I’ve wanted to be married and to be a mother since I played with dolls as a child. Why hasn’t that happened for me yet? I love being in love. But it never lasts. There’s all this excitement at the beginning. Then it always fizzles. I’ve never dated someone whom I could really picture myself with for the rest of my life. And even if I could, eventually he couldn’t picture himself with me. I’m tired of being disappointed. I’m tired of waiting! And I refuse to keep falling in love so carelessly. Remember Peter? I thought I would marry him.”

  Her mother bit her lip and Isa knew it was in an attempt to hide a smile. “You were fourteen.”

  “See? I have a long history of being wrong about guys.”

  Isabella stood up and walked over to the sink, turning the water on to wash her hands and to avoid eye contact with her mother.

  “This isn’t what I envisioned for my life. What if I never should have become a nurse?”

  “You’re a gifted nurse, Isa,” her mother told her.

  “I keep looking at Mandy and thinking…will I ever have a baby? Will I ever find someone who loves me like Leo loves her?”

  Her mother walked over and stood next to her, placing a comforting arm around Isa’s shoulders.

  “Yes,” she answered with calm, tender assurance. “You will. Be patient. Have faith.”

  Isa didn’t respond.

  I’ve been patient. I’ve had faith. Neither has gotten me where I want to be.

  Her thoughts were followed by a stream of guilt. She knew she should have more faith. She wished she could trust without questioning. She wished she could be content with her life.

  But her heart fought her. Contentment escaped her. She wanted more.

  “I have to go, Mom. I’m working tonight and I need to go home and rest.”

  Her mother kissed both her cheeks.

  “Io sono venuto perché abbiano la vita e l’abbiano in abbondanza.”

  The words, spoken in Italian, circled Isabella; she wanted to hold on to them, to somehow know they were true.

  I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

  The verse was her mother’s reminder that Jesus had big wishes for her, too. An abundant life.

  “What about Dad?” Isabella’s words were barely audible. Her father, a man of great faith, lay weak in the next room. What about his life?

  Her mother smoothed Isabella’s hair.

  “An abundant life isn’t necessarily an easy life. But it’s beautiful.”

  * * *

  At nine-fifty that night, Isabella put her purse and jacket in her locker in the staff room and slammed the locker door shut.

  “Easy there, girlfriend.”

  “Mags, I thought you were off tonight,” Isabella said, doing a once-over glance to make sure her friend seemed well. Maggie shrugged.

  “Carol asked me to cover her shift and I could use the hours. José and I are trying to save money before the baby comes. Ow!”

  “What?” Isabella rushed to her side. Maggie grabbed Isa’s hand and pressed it to the top of her belly. Isabella felt a jab.

  “Oh, wow!” Isa grinned as she felt another kick. With her hand pressed to Maggie’s belly, feeling the movement of her unborn baby, Isa tried to stifle feelings of longing. The two women walked out to the E.R. together and Isabella thought of how she felt surrounded by pregnant women, an ever-present reminder of the joy of love and marriage—two things that seemed out of her reach. She squelched the ache. Surely her time would come. She thought of her mother.

  I need to put my hopes and wishes in God’s hands.

  If only she could trust that they’d be safe there.

  Another stab of guilt pricked her. She pushed away thoughts of God and faith—or lack of faith.

  “How’s your sister-in-law doing?” Maggie asked.

  “They’re going to induce in three days.”

  At the sound of someone crying out for help, both nurses took off running toward the E.R. entrance.

  After five hours, two car accident victims, one broken arm, two high fevers and a stomach virus that had resulted in dehydration, the E.R. finally slowed down and Isa checked her cell phone for any messages. She saw one from Ethan. He’d sent it a little before midnight.

  Brunch tomorrow? O’Brien’s by the firehouse?

  Isa couldn’t think of a reason to say no. She wanted to see those blue eyes again. And brunch with Ethan would give her something to look forward to for the next few hours. She texted back that she’d meet him there at 10 a.m.

  Once her shift ended, Isa rushed home to change, then stopped by her parents’ house to check on her dad, checking his vitals and making sure he’d taken his meds. She spoke with the visiting nurse for a few minutes before leaving to meet Ethan. He sat in a small booth by the window and waved her over.

  “You’re not in your scrubs. I was sort of hoping you’d be wearing the Charlie Brown ones,” he mentioned as she slid into the booth across from him.

  “So you like seeing me in scrubs,” she flirted.

  Ethan smiled. “Is that a question?”

  “Not really,” Isabella answered, and Ethan laughed out loud.

  “How was your doctor’s appointment this morning?” Isabella asked, watching closely to read Ethan’s response. She saw defeat cloud his eyes and she reached across the table to squeeze his hand.

  “The doctor said they’ll do an X-ray Friday morning to see if the bone has healed and whether I can begin therapy.”

  “That’s a good thing, Ethan. You’re making progress.”

  “I suppose. It’s frustrating. I’ve been wearing this back brace for five weeks. I feel like I’ve been doing nothing for days and days. Just sitting around, waiting to heal. I’m used to being busy. I’m used to cooking at the firehouse, loading up my gear, rushing out to fight fires or respond to emergencies. This…nothingness…is really getting to me. This isn’t who I am.”

  “You’re healing, Ethan. That’s what matters. Give it time. And prepare yourself for the physical therapy. It’s not going to be as easy as you think.”

  “You’re probably right. But I’m ready and willing to start as soon as I can.”

  After ordering a plate of scrambled eggs and toast and a cappuccino, Isabella took a good look at the little café.

  “So is this where the firefighters hang out? Seems a little dreary to me.”

  Ethan nodded. “I know. But what do you think about the location? It’s pretty good, right? And what about the size of the restaurant? Not too big but not too small. The kitchen was updated a few months ago, so it’s in great shape.”

  Isabella raised her eyebrows. “Exactly what
kind of conversation are we having here? I feel like you’re trying to sell me on this hole-in-the-wall café.”

  Ethan sighed. “It’s for sale. The owner wants me to buy it.”

  Isabella coughed. “Buy it? You want to buy a café? What about the whole fireman thing? Isn’t that your career?”

  Ethan nodded. “Yes. Absolutely. But look at me, Isa. I’m going crazy at home. I want to be doing something. The restaurant thing… Well, I’ve always been sort of interested in owning a place like this.”

  “A dreary place with so-so scrambled eggs and torn vinyl booths?”

  Ethan didn’t respond. Isabella kept her concentration on her plate of scrambled eggs, trying to understand why she was suddenly feeling so upset. She knew she’d hurt Ethan’s feelings. But she’d already told him how she felt about restaurant life. If she’d been hesitant about dating him before, he had to know this wouldn’t help. Her cell phone buzzed and she grabbed it, grateful for a distraction from the awkward moment. She gasped at the message.

  Baby’s coming. Can you meet us at the hospital?

  “My sister-in-law is in labor!” Isabella immediately punched in Leo’s number and held up her hand for Ethan to wait.

  “Leo? How’s Mandy?”

  “Her water broke and she started having contractions. We’re on our way to the hospital. Mandy’s nervous.”

  “I’ll meet you at the hospital.”

  Isabella hung up the phone, her heart pounding. “I have to go, Ethan.” She slung her purse over her shoulder.

  “Wait! Do you want me to drive over with you or anything?” He looked poised to get up and was already pulling his wallet out to pay for brunch.

  She shook her head. “No, that’s okay. We could be waiting for hours.”

  “I don’t mind.”

  “It’s a family thing. Mandy would kill me if I introduced you to her ten minutes after she’s just given birth. I’ll text you to let you know how it’s going.”

  “Oh. Okay, sure. Of course. Keep me posted.”

  “I will.” Isabella paused at the dejected look on Ethan’s face. “You know, even if I’m not crazy about restaurant life, that’s your choice to make. We’ll talk soon, Ethan. I promise.”

  “I’ll be waiting, Isa.”

  * * *

  Ethan sat alone in the booth, watching out the window as Isabella ran to her car and sped out of the parking lot. He tried to reason with himself, to talk himself out of feeling hurt by Isa’s words.

  It’s a family thing.

  That’s your choice to make.

  Both comments hit that place in Ethan that always seemed open to being wounded. The inference that he was outside, that his decisions were his alone to make—in short, that he was alone.

  Ethan bowed his head at the table.

  God, you know that I wish I had a family—parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, people to care about me and bother me and share life with me. That I don’t like being alone. That I want someone else to have an opinion about my decisions.

  He sipped his coffee, wishing that Isa had let him go to the hospital with her. Wishing that she’d inundate him with questions about his idea of buying a restaurant—or even argue and rant against it. Something. Anything.

  It’s my decision.

  She’d made that clear.

  Ethan looked around the café. He could envision the way he would run it. He’d make it a fun place to stop in for breakfast or lunch. Maybe he’d decorate with firefighter memorabilia. He’d create new sandwiches and soups to serve—and chocolate-stuffed croissants for breakfast, of course. He started picturing the revised menu.

  I could include my grilled tomato, chicken and cheese sandwich. And that seafood bisque I made last winter that the guys at the station raved about. Maybe my meat-loaf sandwich. Definitely my pulled-pork sandwiches with homemade coleslaw. My cherry-and-cream-cheese Danishes. My peach-cobbler muffins. I need to work on perfecting my corn chowder recipe.

  His mind raced with possibilities. As Isa had described it, the little place did look dreary. But Ethan saw potential. He saw a warm café, brimming with people, with food, friends and life. The truth was that he’d already made inquiries at the bank. He knew he could most likely secure a loan.

  He slowly stood up and made his way to the back where Mick kept his office. He tapped on the door.

  “Come in!”

  Ethan poked his head in. “Mick, can we talk?”

  Mick’s eyes lit up with hope as he sat in the most cluttered office that Ethan had ever seen.

  “I hope you’re here to tell me I’ll be going to Alaska soon.”

  Ethan took a deep breath. He made his decision.

  “Tell Miss Kay to start packing.”

  Chapter 5

  Isabella jogged down the hospital corridor toward Mandy’s room. She knocked and pushed open the door. Leo stood in front of the television flipping through channels, and Mandy lay in the hospital bed munching on ice chips.

  “What’s going on here?” Isabella put her hands on her hips. “I thought we were having a baby!”

  Leo chuckled. “The contractions have slowed. They’re talking about giving her Pitocin to move things along.”

  Isabella moved to Mandy’s side and squeezed her hand. “Hey, sis. How are you?”

  Mandy bit her lip.

  Afraid, Isabella thought to herself.

  “I’m not sure whether I want things to hurry up or slow down.”

  Isabella perched herself on the side of the bed. “You want things to hurry up, Mandy. Trust me. Can’t you just imagine that little Romano in your arms?”

  Mandy smiled at that, though the nervousness didn’t leave her eyes. “I am anxious to hold him. I wonder if he has hair.”

  Isabella laughed. “Look at your husband. There’s a good chance.” Both girls looked at Leo’s full head of jet-black hair and giggled together.

  “My parents are on their way from Evergreen,” Mandy commented.

  “Want me to make sure they stay in the waiting room?” Isabella whispered, knowing Mandy’s mother’s tendency to want to take control.

  Before Mandy could answer, she scrunched her eyes closed and groaned. Leo was back by her side in a flash.

  “Contraction?” he asked, and Mandy grunted a yes, not opening her eyes.

  “Almost over, Mandy,” Isa said, watching the monitor. “Baby Romano will be here before you know it.”

  * * *

  Four hours later Isa held her new nephew, Antonio Gabriel Romano, in her arms. At eight pounds and nine ounces with a headful of black hair, Antonio had stolen his aunt’s heart. Isa rocked him in her arms. The recovery room was full. Mandy’s parents and brother and sister-in-law hovered around Isa as she held the baby, and Isa’s own mother stood fussing over Mandy, with Leo next to her, beaming like the proud papa he was. Reluctantly, Isa handed baby Tony to Mandy’s mother. Her phone buzzed and she stepped outside to the hallway to answer it.

  “Hi, Ethan!”

  “Are you an auntie?”

  Isa smiled, leaning back against the wall. “Yes. We say la zia for aunt in Italian. Tony is gorgeous. Mandy was incredible. She was afraid at first, but she ended up having to help calm Leo down. He nearly fainted.”

  Ethan laughed. “Were you in the room with them?”

  “Yes. Leo was so jittery when it was time to push that Mandy insisted I stay for support in case we lost him.”

  “Will you be staying all night?”

  “No.” Isabella yawned. “Leo’s staying with Mandy. I’m going home to sleep until my shift at ten. I’ll come back tomorrow. I can’t believe I’m an aunt!”

  “Was that the first birth you’ve attended?” Ethan asked.

  “My fifth. I have a lot of
cousins, Ethan. Plus I assisted on a delivery in the E.R. during my first year as a nurse. What about you? Have you ever had to deliver a baby? I’ve heard of firefighters having to do that during emergencies.”

  “No, thankfully. I’d be terrified. The only time I want to be involved in a birth is when my own baby is being born.”

  Isa didn’t answer for a moment, her pulse leaping at the direction of the conversation.

  “Do labor and delivery frighten you at all?” Ethan asked. Through the door, Isa could hear Tony cry and an immediate chorus of concerned voices. She smiled at the sound.

  “No,” she answered. “The prize at the end is worth it.”

  The door cracked open and her mother motioned for her to come back. “I have to go, Ethan. Call me tomorrow.”

  “I will.”

  Isa hung up the phone, but she couldn’t quite get Ethan’s words out of her head. The reality that he wanted children hovered in her thoughts.

  He didn’t say if. He said when. He wants kids. Good to know.

  * * *

  The next morning, Isa planned to leave the E.R. at 6:00 a.m. and make her way up to the fourth level of the hospital. She wouldn’t deny that she’d taken every one of her breaks up in the maternity ward overnight. It was convenient working just an elevator ride away from her new nephew. After the exhaustion of giving birth, Mandy had chosen for Tony to sleep in the nursery, waking up every few hours to nurse. Isabella had been thrilled to be so near the new baby.

  She knew she’d need to head home for sleep soon or she would collapse from exhaustion, but she wanted just one more snuggle with Tony. She grabbed a cup of coffee from the staff room and her purse.

  “You know that’s not going to be strong enough, Isa.”

  Isabella swirled around.

  “Ethan! How did you get in here?”

  He grinned and leaned against the doorframe. “Maggie.”

  “How did you bribe her?” Isa asked, eyeing the paper bag in his arms. He laughed.

  “Breakfast. Listen, I don’t want to hold you up. I figured you were going up to the maternity ward. I thought I’d bring breakfast for your family.”