Page 123 of Matchmaking On The Menu

There it is. The question I thought I already knew the answer to. I lean against the counter, suddenly nervous all over again.

“I think…” I glance back toward the front where the girls are still arguing loudly about office space. “I think we want to do the diner together.”

Grandma blinks. “All of you?”

I nod slowly. “Joint ownership. Shared responsibility. Less chance of me having a stress-induced medical event before forty.”

One corner of her mouth twitches. “And the newspaper?”

My chest tightens slightly. “I still want it.”

The words come quieter this time. More honest. Grandma watches me carefully for a long moment. Then she nods once.

“Well,” she says simply, “your grandfather fixed engines six days a week and still painted every Sunday.”

I blink. “What?”

“You don’t stop being who you are just because you’ve got responsibilities. Responsibilities shouldn’t cost you yourself.”

Tears fill my eyes, and she opens her arms. “Child, you didn’t have to struggle. There is always a solution to one’s troubles.”

I cry tears of relief and maybe stupidity in my Grandma’s arms. Eventually she takes a step back and dries my eyes.

“I think a certain young man would be happy to hear your news.”

“I—” I bite back a smile that’s already trying to break free. “Can I leave early?”

She shrugs. “Ask your partners.”

Shelly, Quadri, and Mary bust into the kitchen.

Shelly waves a hand immediately. “Go.”

Mary nods. “Yes. Go.”

Quadri smirks slightly. “Tell your boyfriend your life is changing.”

I roll my eyes. “He’s not⁠—”

They all just look at me.

I roll my eyes. “Fine. I’m going.”

And just like that, I’m out the door, heart racing all over again but this time? For something entirely different.

As I step outside, the crisp air hits me, invigorating and filled with possibilities. I take a moment to breathe deeply, letting the excitement wash over me. This is a turning point. I can feel it in my bones. I’m not just moving through life anymore; I’m actively shaping it.

As I cycle toward Teddy’s house, I think about what it means to take this leap. I’ve spent so long trying to hold everything together, always afraid of what might happen if I let go. But now, with my friends rallying around me and this new opportunity on the horizon, I feel like I’m stepping into a new chapter, one where I don’t have to do it all alone.

When I reach his house, I knock on the door, my heart racing in anticipation. The door swings open, and there he is, looking relaxed and effortlessly handsome, a smile spreading across his face as he sees me.

“Hey,” he greets, his voice warm.

“Hey!” I reply, unable to keep the excitement from bubbling in my tone.

“What’s got you all lit up?” he asks, stepping aside to let me in.

I walk into the living room, feeling the familiar comfort of his space wrap around me. “You’ll never guess what just happened!” I exclaim, practically bouncing on my feet.