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She hated the questions Jo had raised, because she wasn’t ready to
face them. You have no idea what I’ve been through, she’d wanted to
say afterward, once she had time to think about it. You have no idea
what my husband is like. But even she knew that begged the
question.
Leaving her breakfast dishes in the sink, she walked through the
small cottage, thinking how much had changed in the last few
months. She owned virtually nothing, but felt like she had more
than ever. She felt loved for the first time in years. She’d never
been a parent, but she found herself thinking and worrying about
Kristen and Josh when she least expected it. She knew she
couldn’t predict the future, and yet she was struck with the
sudden certainty that leaving this new existence behind was
inconceivable.
What had Jo once said to her? I just tell people what they already
know but are afraid to admit to themselves.
Reflecting on her words, she knew exactly what she had to do.
* * *
“Sure,” Alex said to her, after she related her request. She could
tell he was surprised, but he also seemed encouraged. “When do
you want to start?”
“How about today?” she suggested. “If you have any time.”
He looked around the store. There was only one person eating in
the grill area, and Roger was leaning against the counter, chatting
with him.
“Hey, Roger? Do you think you could watch the register for an
hour?”
“No problem, boss,” Roger said. He stayed where he was; Alex
knew he wouldn’t come up front unless necessary. But on a
weekday morning, after the initial rush, he didn’t expect many