by Leah Atwood
“Not until nine or so. I’m spending the day with Gina.” Speaking of, she glanced toward the house and saw her standing at the window. When Dani caught her eyes, Gina alternated raising her shoulders and giving a thumbs up with lowering them and giving a thumbs down. Dani sent back a thumbs up.
“Jay keeps motioning for me to get back inside, and I better see what he wants. I’ll call you tonight, or you can call once you’re home.”
“I’ll call you.” Looking back at the window, she saw that Gina had disappeared.
“Before we go, what’s your favorite movie?”
“That’s random,” she teased.
“Humor me, I want to know.” In her imaginary vision of him, he was smirking, and had no doubt that’s what he was doing. She could hear it in his voice.
Several titles came to mind because she’d never been able to pick a favorite, but she chose one to tell him. “Never Been Kissed.” Right after she said it, she groaned, fully expecting a sarcastic reply.
He surprised her by not giving her a hard time. “Good to know. Have a great day, Dani.”
“You, too.” She hung up and went to pick up the blanket still spread on the ground.
Gina was standing by the door waiting for her. “I see a gigantic, happy, smile. That’s good right?”
Bashful all of a sudden, she felt her cheeks warm. “Yes.”
“That’s all I need to know.” Gina flashed a coy look. “Unless you want to tell me details?”
“There’s not much to tell. He already knew about Jeff.”
“Let me guess, Bryce?” A few bugs flew into the house, and Gina shut the door.
“Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner.” The both laughed while they walked to the kitchen table and sat down.
“Did you ask about Carrie?”
Dani sobered. “Yes.”
“And?” Gina crossed her arms on the table and leaned forward.
She relayed that part of the conversation to Gina. “I can’t be jealous of a dead person. I know I have to take his word as truth on this subject.”
“It sounds like things are on the right track.” Gina sat up straight. “I, personally, am rooting for the two of you.”
“Thanks.” Dani chuckled then pointed to the baby monitor. “Did Erik fall asleep?”
“As soon as I laid him down. If only he’d go to sleep that easy at night.”
The vibration of Gina’s phone shook the small table, a split second before the phone rang. “It’s Greg. That’s weird he’s calling at this hour. Do you mind?” She gestured toward the phone.
“No, go ahead and answer.”
“Hi, honey.” Gina’s voice changed when she talked to her husband. It became lighter and airier.
Did Dani’s change when she talked to Rob? Curious, she’d have to ask someone.
“Really? When?”
Eavesdropping on Gina’s part of the conversation made her uncomfortable and she moved to the family room. A brushed pewter photo album Gina had shared earlier in the day sat on an end table. Dani sat down on the sofa and flipped through the pages. A few minutes later, Gina came in with worry etched on her features.
“Greg’s on his way home,” she announced.
“Oh no. What happened? I thought he wasn’t due in until Friday.”
“His uncle called a delay. Have you watched the news at all?” Gina sat down, cross-legged, on the opposite end of the sofa.
“Not today.” She set the photo album aside.
“So you haven’t heard the latest about the tropical storm?” Gina asked.
“Roderick?” Her head tilted slightly to the right. “Vaguely, but I thought it was fizzling out.”
“Not anymore. Apparently, not only has it strengthened, its path has also changed.” Grabbing the remote from the coffee table, Gina turned on the television and tuned to a weather station.
“Where are they saying it’s going now?” Unfortunately, the weather program had just gone to a commercial, so they had to wait for more information other than the warning that scrolled across the bottom of the screen.
“Greg said hurricane watches have been issued for all southern parishes, including us. The meteorologists are now saying it could reach cat five level.”
Mouth agape, Dani absorbed the news, then sat silently watching when the weather program returned.
ALL DANI HEARD about the following day at work was the incoming hurricane. Everyone was concerned, taking the threat seriously. There hadn’t been any change in the projected path overnight, with most models having Roderick making landfall either in Cameron or Vermillion parish. Though several parishes north, the effects could still be catastrophic for Oden Bridge.
Business was slow, and she spent time talking with her patrons, an activity she enjoyed but rarely had the time to do.
“Will you stay or evacuate?” she asked Mr. Anderson, the postmaster. He and his wife, Louella, were sitting at the table nearest the kitchen, and Dani had delivered their salads.
“We’ll make that decision tomorrow. If so we’ll leave before the traffic becomes too much of a nightmare.” Mr. Anderson didn’t look too worried, which eased the butterflies in her stomach.
“Where will you go?”
“My sister lives in Texarkana, so we’ll go there and visit for a few days.” Mrs. Louella unfolded her napkin and placed it on her lap. “What are your plans?”
“I’ll go with my dad’s advice, whatever he thinks best. As of this morning, he hadn’t made a decision.”
Mindy, the new server she’d hired last month, came out from the kitchen. “Miss Dani, there is a guy at the back door with a delivery you have to sign for.”
“I’ll be right there.” She gave the table a bouncing tap. “Enjoy your meals, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson.” Turning on her heel, she went through the kitchen, to the back door, wondering why she had to sign for a package when, in the past, any employee had been able to receive one.
“Are you Dani Trahan?” A driver, unfamiliar to her, was waiting at the door. He must be new or a substitute.
“Yes, sir.”
“Please sign here.” He handed over a brown, electronic gadget, and she took the stylus and signed her name. She exchanged the gadget for a box and the driver tipped his head. “Have a good day, ma’am.”
“You, too.”
On the corner of the box was a stamp identifying the package as an overnight delivery. Prying fingers got the best of her and she snuck to her office, tearing the tape as she walked. She set the box on her desk and lifted the flaps. A large smile spread across her face. Inside was a tin of gourmet popcorn and a DVD copy of Never Been Kissed. An envelope was taped to the case. Sliding her finger under the flap, she tore it open to find a hand-written note from Rob.
Call me when you’re home from work. We’ll have our first “date” from the comfort of our homes. –Rob
The smile grew larger if that was possible. He had to have worked fast to accomplish finding the movie and getting it shipped before the cut-off. She wasn’t sure how a date from separate homes would work, but she looked forward to a relaxing evening before the hurricane preparations began. Orders in the kitchen waited to be prepared, so she hurriedly sent him a text.
Package arrived. That was sweet, thank you. Can’t wait until tonight.
Returning to the kitchen, she washed her hands and started on the next order. No customers came in after seven forty-five, and at eight thirty, she made a decision to close early. In the past, she would have worried, but not tonight. She was learning to accept the ups and downs, especially when there were logical explanations for the downturns. Next week, once the hurricane had passed and, Lord willing, the damage was minimal, business would return to normal.
The counters were cleaned and sanitized, floors mopped, food saved, and reports run. All employees had been sent home, and Dani sat at her desk entering the last of the numbers into the computer program. She hit save and shut it down. At the end of this shift, her feet didn’t a
che like normal, nor did she feel tired. She felt energized, ready to “spend time” with Rob.
Last night, they’d talked long into the morning hours and by the time they’d hung up, she felt a closeness to him that took her by surprise, albeit a good one. Even back in the summer, when they’d had many conversations through texting, they hadn’t communicated with abandon like they were now, with no pretenses, no holding back.
A black cloak covered the sky and very few stars shone through the clouds. An eerie silence filled the town as she drove through as if the storm were already moving in. Pushing the thought aside, she focused on driving. She didn’t want the impending weather to dampen her mood.
At her house, she rushed through feeding Pip and taking a quick shower, dressing in a T-shirt and sweats afterward. Frustrated when she couldn’t find her phone to call Rob, she slipped on a pair of flip-flops and went to look in the Explorer. It wasn’t in the cup holder, where she usually kept it while driving, neither was it in the passenger seat. Blowing out a breath, the wet hair hanging around her face tickled her chin. She pushed it behind her ear and looked under her seats. Finally, she found it under the rear passenger seat.
Still outside, she called him.
He answered before the first ring was completed. “Hi, there.”
Her breath caught in her throat when he answered. All the things she imagined she should feel with Jeff came true with Rob.
“Hi.” She felt giddy, a feeling she wasn’t accustomed to but discovered she liked.
“Are you home from Bayou Bits already?” His words drawled out slow.
“I closed early because there weren’t any customers coming in.”
“I could say I’m sorry, but I’m not because I get your attention sooner. Any updates on the hurricane?”
“Not since we talked this morning.”
He yawned. “I’m sorry. After we got off the phone last night, I never went to sleep. Once I knew you got the package, I decided to get some shut-eye before you called.”
“Thanks again. I wasn’t expecting anything like that.” Mosquitos, not getting the message that summer was over, began to attack and she went inside. “How’d you pull it off in such a short time frame?”
“I have superpowers.” He laughed. “But seriously, I had it planned for when you finally called, it was only a matter of finding out which movie.”
“Confident, were you?” Before she settled in and got comfortable, she grabbed a bottle of water.
“I prefer optimistic. Are you complaining?” he shot back with a light chuckle.
“Nah.” She grabbed the movie case from the counter, took out the disc, and then put it in the DVD player. On the way to the sofa, she picked up the remotes from the coffee table.
“Good. Ready to do this?”
Sitting with her legs crossed, she found her comfy spot on the sofa. “How does this ‘date’ work?”
“I’ve never tried anything like this before, so don’t blame me if it’s a total flop, but as I see it, we watch the movie together, you from your couch, me from mine. We stay on the phone, pretending it’s a real date.” He stopped talking and sighed. “It sounded so much cooler in my head.”
His lapse in confidence was endearing. “It’s unique and thoughtful. I like it.”
Chapter 17
Hurricane Roderick’s arrival was imminent. Watches turned to warnings and evacuation orders were issued. Dani and Angela worked to prepare Bayou Bits for the storm, and the restaurant would remain closed until further notice. She tried not to think about the loss of income, especially after closing for a week last month. When God was trying to teach her a lesson, He didn’t pull any punches.
Deciding her thought was irreverent, she wrinkled her nose. Bayou Bits was successful, even in its down times. Another week of closure would hurt her wallet, but not break it. She was blessed to do what she loved.
“You’re not worried about riding out Roderick here?” Dani carried the last of the potted plants inside.
“My house is made of cement and built well above flood level. I’m not too concerned.” Angela cast a smile over her shoulder then hammered in the last nail to the plywood. “I think we’re done here."
“Are you still fine with checking on the building after the storm passes?” On the advice of her dad, Dani was joining her parents and going to stay with family in Monroe. They’d be caravanning with Gina, Greg and Erik.
“Absolutely. When do you think you’ll be back?” Stepping down from the ladder, Angela looked at all the windows.
“Monday morning, hopefully, but it all depends on the storm and damage.” Dani surveyed the preparations. “Do you see anything else that we should do?”
“It all looks good. If you don’t mind, I’m going to cut out—I still have my yard to take care of.” She snickered. “With all the grandkids’ toys outside, it will probably take the better part of the afternoon.”
“Go on. I’ll put these away and lock up.”
“Be careful on the road. Traffic’s bound to be a beast.” Rarely one to carry a purse, Angela pulled her keys from the front pocket of her pants and got into her car.
Dani picked up the hammer and container of nails then went inside, dropping them off in her office. In the file cabinet was a folder of vital papers, including Bayou Bits’ insurance policy. She removed it and tucked it under her arm, just in case, before taking her purse, which was hanging over a chair. Checking her phone before leaving, she saw nothing from Rob, but that was expected because he had a meeting this morning.
A message from Bryce confused her.
When you get to Gram’s, just say ‘yes.’
What are you talking about? She’d briefly talked to him that morning, but had no idea to what he was telling her to say yes.
You’ll know when you get there.
She huffed, exasperated. Too much was happening to play his guessing games. You’re a royal pain. Heading over there now.
I know. Remember, just say ‘yes.’
It became obvious he wasn’t going to tell her anything. She carried her belongings out to her SUV. The temperatures were warm, and she drove with her windows open. Cold chills shot down her back when she drove through Oden Bridge. Main Street was a ghost town with boarded up storefronts and windows. Few people were out, even fewer cars. This wasn’t the first hurricane to hit Oden Bridge, but she’d never experienced such extreme precautions for other ones and the town’s vacancy made the threat more tangible.
Her mom’s navy blue sedan was parked in Gram’s driveway. Dani parked behind her and went inside.
“Oh good, you’re here.” Dani’s mom greeted her at the door, dressed for comfort in a bowling shirt and jeans.
“I came as soon as I finished at the restaurant. Driving through town was eerie.” A shudder passed over her again. “Looks like everyone’s already cleared out.”
A brief look of guilt passed over her mom. “About that—there’s been a new development.” Her mom twisted her shoulders and looked behind her. “Come here.”
Dani followed her mom to the porch with increasing interest. “What’s going on? First, I get an odd message from Bryce and now you’re being weird.”
“Gram has decided she wants to ride out the storm in Tennessee.” Her mom sighed. “Bryce had wanted her and Gramps to visit for a while, and Gram` has decided this is the perfect opportunity for her to go.”
“Good for Gram. She’ll have a good time.” She leaned against the railing. “What’s the problem?”
“Gram doesn’t drive long distances. She never has.” Dani’s mom crossed her hands in front of her torso. “I can’t go right now because I’m on call through next Wednesday for work and can’t be more than a few hours away until the storm passes and then have to come right back.”
“Oh,” she drew out into a two-syllable word. It all made sense. “And I’m volunteered to drive her?”
“Please, Dani.” Hands went from a crossed to clasping gesture. “I k
now you don’t want to leave for a week and not be able to check on the restaurant after the storm, but this means a lot to Gram. I promise your dad and I will take care of anything with the restaurant or your house, if need be.”
That was asking a lot, even considering the lengths she’d gone to not allow work to control her life. If Bayou Bits was damaged in the storm, how would she handle it from Nashville? “I don’t know.”
A crestfallen expression shadowed her mom’s face and her hands dropped to her sides. “I knew it was a long shot, but I had to try.”
“I didn’t say no, Mom.” An image of Rob materialized in her mind. If she drove Gram to Bryce’s, she’d get to see him. The plan seemed much more inspired when she thought of it that way. Even then, it wasn’t a guarantee. “Let me call Angela. If she can step in, I’ll take Gram.”
“Thank you.” Her mom squeezed her and kissed her cheek. “Have I told you today how much I appreciate you?”
“No, but don’t get carried away.” She backed away and threw a quick wink her mom’s way. “My motives aren’t completely altruistic.”
A large grin stretched across her mom’s mouth, and her eyes lifted. “Is this your way of telling me you finally talked to Rob?”
“Yes.” That lightheaded, happy feeling returned.
“Good, good.” Her mom’s eyes sparkled. “When were you going to tell me?”
“Soon, but it’s only been a few days.” She couldn’t wait to call Rob and tell him the good news as soon as she spoke with Angela. Even more, she couldn’t wait to see him.
“I’m happy for you, sweetheart. I don’t know Rob very well, but Gram thinks the world of him, and that says a lot.” Motioning to the door, she took a step. “Let’s go tell Gram the good news. About the trip that is—you can tell her about Rob on your terms.”
On the way into the house, she sent Bryce a quick text. I’ll see you tomorrow.
A reply came before she’d even reached Gram. I knew you’d say ‘yes.’
She shook her head, laughing. The upcoming week was sure to be interesting.
Chapter 18