Page 76 of Love, Second Chances and Other Nonsense
“You don’t need to make any decisions right now,” Uncle Peter says. “About forgiving him or not forgiving him or taking him back.”
“I’d hope those would be two very different decisions,” Rachel interjects.
Uncle Peter gives her a pointed look before continuing. “You can forgive him and wish him well in his future without taking him back, Caitlin. Or you can decide to forgive him and take him back if he proves himself to you. Both are valid options, and it’s entirely your choice.”
The last part seems directed as much at Rachel as at me. My cousin rolls her eyes but keeps any further comments to herself.
“What about the job?” I ask. “Did you tell him yes?”
“I told him I’d think about it and talk to you,” Uncle Peter replies. “Normally, I wouldn’t have even considered it, but…” He hesitates.
“But we’re desperate,” I finish for him.
“We lost too many servers,” he confirms. “I suspect Jenny’s planning to quit too. And Adam’s the only applicant we’ve had.”
“The universe has a sick sense of humor,” I mutter.
“We can figure something else out,” Uncle Peter assures me. “If having him around would make you uncomfortable—”
“Would it?” Aunt Charlene interrupts, looking at me intently. “Make you uncomfortable, I mean?”
I consider this. Would seeing Adam every day be painful? Yes. Would it be unbearable? I’m not sure. Part of me is curious about whether he’s really changed and why he’s doing all this.
“Maybe it’s a good thing,” Aunt Charlene suggests when I don’t answer immediately. “Having him around means you can see if he’s really changed without having to date him again.”
“Or it’s a perfect opportunity to make him suffer,” Rachel adds, her expression brightening. “Give him the worst tables.Like Mr Sullivan. Or Mrs. Bryant. Make him clean the bathroom after Mr Mills has been in there. You could be his boss.”
“That’s not helpful, Rachel,” Uncle Peter sighs, but I can see the hint of amusement in his eyes.
“I don’t know,” I say slowly. “It might be a little satisfying.”
The table falls silent, all eyes on me again as they wait for my decision. Trepidation presses on my chest, but underneath, there’s something else, a flicker of curiosity, maybe even hope.
“Let him work at the restaurant,” I say finally. “We need the help, and honestly, I want to see if he means what he says. If he wants my forgiveness, he can work for it.”
“And if he wants more than forgiveness?” Rachel asks, arching an eyebrow.
I meet her gaze steadily. “Then he’ll have to work a whole lot harder, for a whole lot longer.” I turn to Uncle Peter. “But I’m not making any promises. About anything.”
Uncle Peter nods, satisfaction and something like pride in his eyes. “Fair enough. I’ll call him tomorrow.”
Aunt Charlene refills my water glass, her fingers briefly squeezing my shoulder as she does. “Whatever happens, we’re here for you, sweetheart.”
“I know,” I say, my throat tight with sudden emotion.
Adam wants forgiveness. Maybe even a second chance. And now he’ll have the opportunity to show me, not just tell me, whether he deserves either. The ball is in his court, but I’m the one setting the rules of the game. For once, I have all the power.
It feels good. Terrifying, but good.
26
Chapter 26
Adam
“I expect the bread for my sandwich to be properly toasted this time, young man,” Mrs. Bryant peers up at me through thick bifocals, her penciled-in eyebrows arched in challenge. “It was too dark last time. Can’t abide dark toast. I expect it to be lightly toasted. And crisp. But not too crisp.”
In the month I’ve been working at Louise’s Table, I’ve learned that Mrs. Bryant treats ordering like a battlefield negotiation, where every specification is a hill she’s willing to die on. But I’ve also learned that the best way to earn both her approval, and hopefully a tip larger than a quarter, is to mirror her intensity right back at her.
