He’s waiting at the rendezvous point where we can talk to Ofelia privately. But without her showing up to find out about the offer we want to make, we’re stuck. I’m supposed to text him once things are in motion. This is getting painful.
Me:Hey
It’s not the signal message he’s hoping for:Want to grab a beer later?
Cecilia stops by my table, her ordering pad in hand. “Anything else?”
“You sure you got the time right?”
She shakes her head.
“Mind if I sit here a little longer?” I’m in the end booth, perfectly poised to hear Ceci and Ofelia talk if she shows up and takes her normal seat at the end of the counter.
“It’s fine. Wave me down if you need anything.” She plays the role perfectly.
I, on the other hand, want to wave the biggest damn flag ever made. I need something, all right. But now is not the time.
The bell over the door dings.
“Welcome to Whispering Pines Diner,” Ceci says reflexively.
It’s Ofelia.
Cecilia hurries behind the counter, looking a little stiff as she takes her place across from Ofelia’s favorite seat. Nerves are kicking in.
I take an audible breath to try to remind her to breathe.
Her hand slides into her apron where she has the note we’ve written to Ofelia. Other than the time being off, everything is as Ceci said it would be.
“You want the usual?”
I chose this booth because it’s close enough to hear, but if Ofelia answers verbally I don’t hear it. Just a nod.
Ceci enters the order then returns and slides the folded paper in front of our mark.
“What’s that?” Ofelia’s hands remain in her lap. “I understand if you hate me.”
“What?” Ceci cocks her head and pushes the paper a few inches further. “I don’t hate you. This is from the guy sitting alone in the booth.”
Ofelia doesn’t follow Ceci’s gaze. “No thanks.”
Ceci’s fingers linger on the paper. She shoots a nervous glance my way. I smile, hoping to boost her confidence. She wasn’t excited about getting involved, but suggested that Ofelia might respond better to someone she’s met.
Lennox and I made sure she knew she didn’t have to help, but that we were grateful for her courage. We understand that this isn’t the fun stuff Ceci loves, far too serious. And if Lennox or Icouldn’t be here personally to ensure her safety, I wouldn’t have gone along with her participation.
“You should at least read it,” she says to Ofelia.
“I saw him on the way in. Not interested.” She sighs. “Can I get my breakfast to go? Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were dating Henry.”
“What?” Ceci practically shrieks.
I’m with her. This is who Henry cheated on Ceci with? That took an unexpected turn. Lennox would lose it if his son was involved in the ring.
“Henry and I hooked up. Well, almost. We messed around, but we didn’t have… you know…”
Ceci might as well be a statue.
Ofelia fidgets. “I’m really sorry. You’ve been nice to me, stayed out of my business. I’m sorry I messed your relationship up.”
