The question is so ordinary and so not-ordinary.I turn toward the coffee maker so I don't have to answer it with my face.
"Good," I say. "Really good, actually. Luna’s fun to work with. I’m trying to make myself useful in other ways, although they don’t need as much help as I thought. But I cook dinner.”
“If I’d known you can cook, I might have kept you for myself.” She laughs. “I’m teasing.”
We take the coffee out to the porch, because the afternoon is warm and the view of the mountains from Luna's front steps is just incredible. Mercy sits on the top step and stretches her legs out.
"I do miss you at the diner," she says. “But I’m glad this is working out better.”
"I'm sorry I couldn’t?—“
"Nope." She holds up her free hand. “It’s totally fine. You were running on fumes and nobody's nervous system can handle a lunch rush on zero sleep. That’s the official story, should anyone ask. Which nobody has, by the way.”
I scrunch up my face. “I find that hard to believe. I heard alotof whispering as you hurried me out of there.”
“There’s always whispering about something or other. Anyway, don’t worry about it. Let’s talk about how good you look. Ranch life agrees with you.” She bumps my knee with hers. “When you came in to The Friendly Table, you looked so lost. I hoped you'd let me help, but I was scared for you. And now…well, you’ve definitely found something. Rest and relaxation alongside the work?”
I don't know what to do with my face. I try a sip of coffee. It doesn't help.
I’m smiling so big, I’m sure it raises questions I’m not ready to answer.
I can’t tell her about falling asleep on Zane’schest last night and waking up with his hand on my belly.Definitelycan’t tell her that deep in my chest there is a small, glowing belief that the future is going to be very bright.
"The mountains help, too,” I add.
Mercy grins and lifts her face toward the horizon. "Oh, for sure. Definitely the mountains."
It means more than I expect that she’s just happy for me without asking too many questions, because even though we’re just getting to know each other, she sees enough to understand this happiness is still private.
She stays for another twenty minutes. She tells me about that regular at the diner who was obnoxious to me, Jessika Foote, having a hissy fit about something to do with the Town Fair committee. Apparently that’s all anyone could talk about this morning at breakfast, which makes me feel better.
My own meltdown might have been the talk for a day or two, but it’s been replaced. And Jessika’s fit will be replaced by the next person’s drama. Life goes on.
When she stands up to go, she pulls me into a quick hug. “I’ll see you soon, I hope? I’ll come for another visit.”
“I’m picking up my car tomorrow,” I say.
She jerks back. “You aren’t leaving, are you?”
“No.” I shake my head and hold her gaze. “I’m here for the summer, I think.”
At least.
No, I’m being brave in my heart. I’m here for longer than just the summer. But that, too, is private.
“Well if you want to stop in for coffee, I’ll save room for you at the counter.”
“Sounds good. Oh, um… Could I ask favour of you?”
“Of course. What do you need?”
“Some more clothes. Does Dragonfly Creek have a buy and sell group? We aren’t picky, but I could use more sundresses or shorts and t-shirts for Bellamy, size three, and I need barn clothes for myself. Jeans and t-shirts, size large. Or medium tops are good too.”
“I’ll see what’s available. I have some shirts that you can have, too. Plus I love an excuse to go thrifting.”
“I can pay you back whatever it costs.”
She waves me off. “Please, it would be my pleasure. And hey… whatever's putting colour in your cheeks, I hope you let yourself have it."
