I had never ordered alcohol before, so I said, “A glass of beer. Whatever’s the best kind.”
“Coming right up.”
“Thank you.”
She didn’t recognize me, and for whatever reason, that made me feel two inches tall. Then again, why would she? The last time we’d seen each other, she was unconscious in the road and bleeding. Regardless, I was overjoyed to see her alive and healthy.
With my feet positioned on the footrest of the tall chair, I watched customers eating and carrying on conversations. Most were clustered in family groups, the babies squirming in wooden high chairs, the older kids whispering and giggling. One woman held the rapt attention of her party, her arms animated as she told a story. She was loud and uncouth, yet her mate gazed into her eyes as if she’d hung the moon.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I jumped when Mercy whisked in with the drinks.
“Didn’t mean to startle you,” she said. “Sorry that took so long. My boss needed help filling the tap, and one thing always leads to another.”
“Why are there pants hanging on the wall?”
She glanced at the trousers by the entrance. “Those are for Kevin. Have you ever seen him trotting around? He’s the local handyman who does everything in the nude, and his horse is always traveling back and forth on these roads.” She squinted and cocked her head to the side. “Have you been here before? I feel like I’ve seen you, and I never forget a face.”
Before I could overthink it, I blurted out, “I saved your life. I mean, not really. I was there the night you were hurt on the road. It was about two months ago. But I came in here once before, so that’s how you know me.”
Her eyes grew saucer wide. “You’rethe one who drove us to the Relic’s house? That was you?” She twisted away for a second before facing me again. “Holy mackerel. I tried getting Milly to tell me, but she sputtered something about confidentiality. All I wanted to do was thank you.”
Without warning, Mercy rounded the table and gave me a hug. I froze up at the unexpected contact as she patted my back.
“You’re the reason my life is so wonderful,” she went on. “Milly said if you hadn’t stopped, I wouldn’t be here.”
My eyes clouded with tears, and I quickly blinked them away.
Mercy drew back. “I don’t mean to swoop in like this, but I can’t believe you didn’t say something right away. Let me go tell my mate. He’ll want to come out here and?—”
“Please don’t.”
She regarded me for a second, then gave a curt nod. “You got it. But whatever you order today is on me. No arguments.”
“That’s really kind of you. Can I ask a favor?”
“After what you did, you can ask for anything.”
I glanced at the door. “My boyfriend doesn’t know about that night. I was wondering if you could keep it between us.”
She regarded me with uncertainty in her eyes.
“It’s just that?—”
“Don’t you worry about a thing,” she said, raising her hand. “There’s no reason for me to get up in your business. Enjoy your lunch and whatever drinks you want. I mean it. Anything you want. On one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You tell me your name.”
A smile formed out of nowhere. “Cecilia.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Cecilia. You’re a sweet gal, and I hope this isn’t the last time we see each other. Let me know when you’re ready to order.”
I was blown away by her generosity. Mercy was so affable that it felt as if we were old friends. Working with the public must require an effervescent personality to get good tips.
Minutes ticked by as I stared at the empty chair in front of me. Perhaps sitting by the door wasn’t such a hot idea with everyone filing out after eating. Some noticed me, and I forced a polite smile while trying to look busy staring at the melting ice in my glass.
Crowds made me nervous, especially while alone. I’d had little practice socializing after living a secluded existence with my father. Aging immortals often struggled with the modern world,so I’d done all the grocery shopping and errands. Occasionally I would read a book in the park or buy flowers at the nursery, but mostly I stayed home to look after him. My father was a bookworm who preferred books to people, and we had that in common.
