by Jessica Joy
I try to pull my wallet out of my bag anyway, but he just pats my hand and gently pushes it back into the bag. I start to give my basic information for the reservation, but he seems to pay no attention as he clicks through a few things on the laptop and hands me one of the five keys hanging on the wall behind the counter.
Giving in, I take the key and decide to tease him back. “Aren’t you the only waffles in town? I don’t remember seeing another restaurant as I drove in.”
“Drove ‘em all out of business in the great waffle-off of ’69,” he returns with a wink.
With a laugh I head out of the office and look at the key. Yes, an honest to god actual key, with a giant plastic tag bearing a faded red number three. I get back to the car, thankful to find Evan still fast asleep, and pull into the parking spot just outside our door. When I get into the room, I’m pleased to find ample space and a comfy looking queen bed centered on one wall with a burgundy and cream quilt that looks handmade, folded at the foot of the bed. There’s a long, dark dresser along the opposite wall with a flat screen TV set on top of it. The door to the bathroom is on the far wall and a set of dark bi-fold closet doors next to it. I drop the room key onto the dresser and flip the bar lock into the doorway, propping the door open, before running back outside to grab Evan and our bags. I’ve slimmed our bags down to a small duffle and his diaper bag for coming inside, makes it easier to grab-and-go if needed.
Dropping the bags at the foot of the bed, I set a now awake and wriggling Evan in the center of the mattress. “Stay buddy,” I say with a chuckle as he immediately rolls to his stomach trying to army crawl his way around the soft bed. He is getting so big, he’ll be crawling any day now, I can feel it. He’s the best baby on the planet, not that I’m biased or anything, it’s just the truth. He’s such a trooper putting up with the long days in the car and moving from place to place. Nothing phases my little man, he’s always just the happiest baby I’ve ever seen.
I try to wrangle him onto his back to change the now very stinky diaper. I pull up his bag from the floor and dig through it for a change and a fresh sleeper for him. When I look up, Evan has wiggled his way up against the pillows and is on his side, attempting to suck on his toes through the footies.
“Silly boy” I laugh. This boy is my world. I would walk through hell and back to keep him safe and give him the life he deserves. When things get too hard, money gets too tight, or I get too paranoid and convinced we’ve been found, all I have to do is look over into his smiling little face and I know it’s all worth it.
The dirty business done, I settle him into a little cocoon and go check the door. It’s a solid door, metal jambs with a lock, deadbolt, bar latch all in good repair, guess ‘Grandpa’ Clay keeps up his place. It has become my nightly ritual to triple check the locks. I heave a deep breath and crawl into the bed, curling up with Evan under the lovely warm quilt.
Chapter 3
Tessa
Bud. It’s too early to maim mommy. We’ve talked about this. Mommy needs her coffee before you attempt to dismember her,” I grumble as I’m pulled from sleep by the sound of happy little baby gurgles and tiny fingers trying to pry my eyebrows from my face. As soon as I open my eyes, his entire face lights up and he lets out a squeal, flailing his limbs. His little freak out results in me getting punched in the face and kicked in the chest.
The things we put up with for our children.
I can’t help but smile back at him. Who can resist baby smiles? Evan giggles again and reaches for my face, this time grabbing my lips and tries to pry them off. “Okay, okay bud. Coffee time. How does some breakfast sound? Mommy could use some waffles. And coffee, epic amounts of coffee.”
Thirty minutes later, Evan and I pull into the parking lot behind a little diner off Main Street; The Looking Glass Cafe. Exactly the kind of precious name you would expect to find in a “Small Town, U.S.A” place like this. A bell jingles over the door as I stomp inside, shaking the snow off my ill-equipped feet and pants. It’s still snowing lightly so I brush the few flakes off his hood before pulling it down and placing a kiss on his forehead as we step further into the cozy warmth of the diner.
It’s an adorable little place straight out of ‘Pleasantville,’ with a large U-shaped counter taking up the center of the room. There are bar stools bolted to the floor along the counter, with padded, vinyl teal tops and booths in the same teal around the outside walls. The window into the kitchen is centered in the far wall behind the counter. The diner is packed at this point in the morning and there’s only one booth still open and I slide into it on the far side so I can keep an eye on the door, as has become my habit. I settle Evan on my lap and hand him a napkin to play with. Seriously, why is their favorite toy always a piece of paper, an empty diaper box, or a plastic cup? Oh well, works to my benefit because I can’t afford to buy him much of anything right now.
As Evan tries to eat the napkin, that silly boy, I pull a menu from the holder against the wall and look over it, seeing what this place has to offer. The words swim in front of my eyes as I fight a yawn. I need a giant cup of life-giving elixir. A waitress with a sweet southern accent stops by the table and asks, “Morning Darlin’! What can I get you and Mr. Sweet Cheeks here? Ain’t he just the sweetest little thing?”
When I look up, I’m a little taken aback by the woman, in the best way possible. She’s the most adorably petite, primped, and put together older woman I have ever seen. She’s five foot flat if she’s an inch. I’m guessing she’s in her early-to-mid sixties by the crinkling around her eyes and mouth, but she wears the years well. Her curly red hair is threaded through with liberal amounts of silver and piled on top of her head, accented with a teal ribbon and large teal flower tucked behind her ear. Between the red hair, the cheery floral print 50’s style dress, and teal kitten heels she reminds me of Lucile Ball in “I Love Lucy.” I can’t help but smile at the warmth and happiness that seems to radiate from her
That’s it, it’s decided. I want to be her when I grow up.
“Darlin’? What can I get ya?” she asks again with a sweet smile.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Coffee. Lots of coffee please. And waffles,” I answer with what I hope is a smile as I try to wrangle an increasingly antsy Evan. He’s starting to lose it. Yesterday’s long stretch in the car has taken its toll and has turned my placid little angel into a grumpy, fidgety, squirmy fish today.
Before I can apologize for his squealing and grumping, the woman smiles down at me and says, “Comin’ right up doll,” as she bends down and takes Evan from me without a word. She settles him on her hip and breezes off, chatting with him and smiling as he giggles and babbles back.
Did a complete stranger just take my son out of my arms, without saying a single word about it, and then walk away with him?
My jaw works, trying to say something but can’t find the words, as I watch her walk away with Evan. A rumbling chuckle behind me draws my attention and I turn to find Clay sitting across the booth from me watching the waitress disappear with Evan through the swinging double doors to the kitchen. I gape at him as he shakes his head with another chuckle and meets my gaze, “Just go with it Darlin’.”
“Umm… Clay? What just happened?” I ask, not sure if I should run after the crazy ‘I Love Lucy’ look alike who just kidnapped my son or not.
“My Alice happened sweetheart. Don’t you worry about your boy, she means well. She just forgets to use her words sometimes when she sees little ones. All our grandbabies are down in Georgia, we have seven of them now, and the youngest is about your boy’s age I reckon. My Alice just can’t help herself. I promise your boy is in the best of hands. Why don’t ya come sit with me at the counter and we can get you some food while Alice takes care of the little one,” Clay says with a warm smile. I’m about to protest when he cuts me off again, “She won’t be givin’ him up anytime soon Darlin’. She’ll see him happy and entertained while you come keep an old man company. What do ya say?”
I
’m overwhelmed, confused, and feeling the tightness of anxiety settling into my chest. Looking over to the counter I see Alice refilling coffee mugs with Evan still propped on her hip as she chats with the customers and engages him in the conversations all with a beaming smile. With a sigh and a shrug, I relent. Turning back to Clay I give him a resigned, “sure, why not.”
“Atta girl. Come on and grab a spot by me and we can enjoy the best waffles in town,” he says with a wink as he stands and heads to a pair of open stools at the far end of the counter, leaving the spot next to the wall open for me. Alice breezes up and places mugs in front of each of us. She coos at Evan as she fills both mugs with delicious caffeinated goodness. I wave and smile at Evan and he lets out an excited shriek when he sees me, his adorable toothless baby grin melting my heart like it always does. I giggle back at him before he goes right back to playing with the - thankfully capped - pen Alice must have given him.
“Well aren’t you just the sweetest little peach! You love your momma like a good little boy don’t you Sweet Cheeks?” Alice fawns at him.
“His name’s Evan,” I offer, not sure how to handle introductions now that Alice seems to have adopted him.
“Evan. Good strong name,” Clay muses.
“You’re forever gonna be my Sweet Cheeks. It’s settled,” Alice coos as she walks away.
“Well… okay then?” I say to myself as I add two sugars and two creamer containers to my coffee before I grip the ceramic mug in both hands and take my first sip. My eyes almost roll back in my head before they close in satisfaction as the first taste washes over my tongue. I live for this, this first blissful sip of life’s blood every morning. I sigh contentedly as a small smile tugs at the corner of my lips.
“Girl after my own heart. Alice says I’m more ape than man until I get my first cup in the morning. Though, I prefer my cream with a little more coffee in it…” Clay chuckles as he lifts his mug, taking a sip. “So, what brings you to our little corner of the north Tessa my dear?”
“Oh, I was just on my way into Duluth, but when the snow hit yesterday, I pulled off the highway to find a place to stay for the night. I’m not used to driving in the snow and didn’t want to risk anything with Evan in the car,” I hope my answer is enough to satisfy his curiosity without prying further since it’s literally what I told him last night.
Clay smiles back at me, but I can see the question in his eyes. He knows I’ve got more to say. Of course, he knows there is more to it, anyone with half a brain stem would see through the thin veneer of truth I’ve laid over my reality. I kick myself for not working out a more detailed back story over the last three months. How have I survived this long with no one asking questions? Did no one really notice while we were in Denver? Wait. Isn’t that the point?
I really shouldn’t be upset that I was able to fly far enough under the radar that no one took notice. I must have given off better “fuck off” vibes than I thought.
“Yeah, you mentioned as much last night. If you don’t mind my asking, why Duluth? We’re such an out of the way corner, people don’t usually think of us as a destination, especially solo with a little one in tow,” he says over his mug. There is a challenging gleam in his eyes, as if he knows I’m formulating the story as I go.
“Oh, yeah, I heard Duluth is gorgeous this time of year and I was ready for a change of scenery. Seemed as good a place as any to try for new people and new places, plus, it doesn’t hurt to look for some work,” I shrug. This man is too smart for my own good, he doesn’t believe a word I’m saying. If I can’t contain the over sharing while he’s around, I should brush up on my story; at least my gut says he means well. Clay raises his brow at me, not buying my brush off, but thankfully he doesn’t press me any further.
Alice materializes in front of us bearing the most perfect Belgian waffle I have ever seen, thankfully breaking the tense moment between Clay and I. Evan is still perched on her hip and ignores my attempt at getting his attention as he plays with the pen he’s still holding on to. “Couldn’t help but overhear you’re looking for work Darlin’. What would you be looking for?” she asks with a sweet smile. I see Clay raise an eyebrow at her and she just smiles back at him before returning her gaze to me. I have no clue what was just said with that look, but Clay certainly does.
“Honestly, I haven’t thought about it. Whatever I can get, I guess. Anything that lets me afford rent, groceries, and diapers,” I say, my brows drawing together as I realize just how little I’ve planned out this next step in our journey. Alice must notice my concerned look because she pounces.
“Well where are ya thinking of staying? What’ll you do with sweet little Evan here while you’re working?” she asks as she pinches one of Evan’s cheeks, earning another happy gurgle and raspberry from him.
“Umm… I, uhhh… I guess I hadn’t….” I stutter, flustered by her questions. I’d hoped to have a couple days to figure out my plan once I found a place to crash and give me a chance to sort through my options. Fate’s once again being the wicked bitch she is and wants to watch me squirm as I try to talk my way out of this insane corner I’ve somehow found myself in.
“Well good, then it’s settled!” Alice beams, directing her comment at Evan as he places his hands on her cheeks and starts babbling back to her, oblivious to my distress. Adorable little traitor.
“What’s settled?” I ask, a note of panic lacing my voice.
“Why, you are Darlin’! You’re gonna work here with me! I’ve been looking for someone for ages and I think you’d be a perfect fit. Oh, and Clay! Isn’t that house over on Cypress still available? It would be perfect for you Darlin’! Clay’s sister Betha lives next door and would just love the chance to help with Mr. Sweet Cheeks here while you’re working. I’ll go give her a call now and get it all arranged,” she says with an air of finality before sweeping off through the door to the kitchen, Evan still oblivious and happily perched on her hip.
I stare after her, my mouth hanging open in confusion and shock. “Ummm… What the hell just happened?” I ask, keeping my eyes on the swinging door to the kitchen as if Alice will appear again and everything will magically start making sense.
“My Alice happened,” Clay chuckles, “she means well honey. But seriously, think about it. My sister lives in a duplex, one side of it has been empty for a while and she’s looking for a tenant, it’s a nice place with two bedrooms. I did the renovation myself a few years ago and I think you and your boy would fit there perfectly. My Alice has already taken to your little boy and anyone who can raise a sweet little man like that is alright in my book. The offer stands,” he says, placing his hand over mine on the counter and squeezing it in encouragement.
“I... Ummm… I mean I guess I don’t have any other options lined up right now… but why do all this? You don’t even know me! I could be a serial killer! I could have stolen that baby and be on the run!” I say, pulling my hand away from his and clutching my coffee mug like a lifeline, my eyes going wide and almost frantic.
Clay laughs and cocks his head to the side, “Did ya Darlin’?”
“Well… no… but I could have for all you know!” I exclaim again pathetically, meeting his gaze with clear panic on my features.
“I have a good sense of people and you aren’t making my Spidey sense tingle. I think I’m willing to take a chance on you and your boy.”
“Spidey senses? You know Spiderman??” I ask in surprise, my shoulders relaxing and a measure of panic melting from my expression.
“I’m old Darlin’… I ain’t dead. And not for nothing, Spiderman premiered when I was ten and I was all over that shit. So, in reality it’s you who’s doing the catching up there, not me,” he says with a cheeky grin as he takes another sip of his coffee.
“Well I guess I can’t say no, can I?” I resign, looking down into the mug still clutched in my hands.
“Not a chance,” he chuckles again, “So it’s settled. I can take you and Evan over to see the house and m
eet Betha tomorrow afternoon. Gives me a chance to make sure it’s all set before you two swing by. You can stay at the motel again tonight.”
“I, uh, don’t have much. I can give first months’ rent but I don’t have any furniture. Where’s a good place for me to go rent some things?” I ask, my voice taking on a resigned tone, almost ashamed to admit just how little I have with me.
“Don’t you worry about a thing Darlin’. Just come with me tomorrow and it’ll all be taken care of,” he says, offering me a warm, grandfatherly smile.
“Umm… I don’t know what to say…”
“Just say yes Darlin’. What can it hurt?” he asks, a clear challenge in his eyes.
“Alright Clay… twist my arm why dontcha” I say with a small smile.
“Now you’re sounding downright Minnesotan honey,” Clay laughs and clinks his mug against mine in cheers. “You better eat that before it gets cold,” he says, sliding the maple syrup my way.
Well… THAT just happened. What could go wrong?!
Chapter 4
Sawyer
A week after the little bar brawl, I'm finally starting to feel human again. Last year I was visiting oblivion for at least a month, so only a week this time around is a substantial improvement. Finally feeling fit for human consumption, I’m sitting in the common room eating a late breakfast with a couple of the Brothers. I’m never going to be able to handle that day but Axel’s right, drinking myself to death every year? That’s no tribute, and fuck if that’s what Bumblebee would have wanted.
Tully’s ridiculous story of his latest attempt at snagging some pussy is interrupted when King and Clay walk out of King’s office and head our way.
“... And that’s when the EMT’s showed up to cut me outta the damn swing. Last time I let Bones play wingman!” Tully laughs around a mouth full of Roxy’s famous french toast. King rolls his eyes and smacks Tully upside the head.