Page 116 of Ghost

She leaned forward and glanced at the sign that sat in the center of the table. “But, I’m not Abby.”

With a shaking hand, I waved toward the open seat across from me. “Have a seat, she won’t mind.”

My heart was racing. It was more than likely a coincidence, but I liked thinking it wasn’t. The thought of Abby managing to communicate with me excited me. As my skin began to tingle, the woman slid her backpack into the booth, took a seat, and let out a sigh.

“It was a long drive,” she said.

“Where’d you come from?”

“Connecticut,” she smiled. “It took me two weeks to get here. When I left, I had no idea where I was going. Isn’t that crazy? I knew I needed to move, I just didn’t know where I was going. I looked at each city I stopped in, and nothing felt like home. It’s strange, but I feel like I belong here. It looks like I’ve found my new home.”

My heart raced. “What uhhm. Where about in Connecticut?”

She smiled. “Bridgeport.”

Abby was from Bridgeport. Another coincidence, I was sure. At least I was sure for a moment. Then, I began to wonder.

Abby, if this is you. I need to be sure. I want to believe it is, but…

I looked at the women and managed a slight smile. She glanced over each shoulder, and then met my gaze.

“So, Porter, what’s this place’s best breakfast meal?”

“Pancakes,” I said, reaching for my wallet. “You’ve got to try the pancakes.”

She brushed her hair over her ear, and then scratched the bottom of her nose with her finger. “Pancakes are the F-ing best.”

Every hair on my body stood on end. My hands shook so violently I had to sit on them. While I stared back at her, in awe of what I’d seen, I recited what Abby had instructed me to.

God,

This is Porter.

I pressed my tongue against the roof of my dry mouth, swallowed heavily, and continued.

Porter Reeves.

Forgive me for my sins.

I stood, steadied my legs with my hands, and tossed a one-hundred-dollar bill on the table. I offered the woman a genuine smile. “Welcome to the SD. That’s what we call it, SD.” I nodded toward the table. “That’ll take care of the meal. Enjoy your breakfast.”

“You’re not going to stick around?”

“I uhhm. I’ve got to go see someone.”

She flashed me the peace sign. “Keep the shiny side up.”

I hadn’t even told her I was riding a motorcycle, but somehow, she knew. Claiming coincidence after coincidence was no longer possible.

I nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

She brushed her hair over her ear and did the nose scratching thing again. “Well, it was nice to meet you. I’m Ally.”

I rubbed the hairs on the back of my neck and smiled. I couldn’t help it. “Nice to meet you, Ally.”

On my way to the door, I asked Lawson to allow Ally to finish her meal at Abby’s table. Feeling an odd sense of humility, I walked to my motorcycle, paused, and lowered my head.

Thank you, Baby. I hope you were right about him forgiving me for my sins.I pushed my left hand into my pocked and squeezed the ring. If he did, and I end up at your side one day, I’ve got a surprise for you.

I love you, Baby.

I got on my motorcycle, started it, and strapped on my helmet. I glanced into the restaurant, took one last look at Ally, and then gazed up at the sky.

Thank you, Lord.