From Bully To Beloved

I’m not even a little nervous when I head to work the next morning. Kelly is stocking the counter when I arrive. She notices me and immediately drops what she’s doing to hug me. “Sera! How did it go? Have you guys made up?”

I smile and hug her back. “It went fine, Kelly. Better than fine.” I wink at her and her eyes light up. “He loved the wine and says thank you. It’s been a crazy twenty-four hours. We’ll talk later, okay? Where’s Marie?”

“She’s in the back.”

I squeeze her hands before seeking out my boss. I find her in her office, which is surprisingly organized. “Whoa, what happened here?” I ask, looking around.

“Kelly stepped in to take care of some things yesterday when you called out,” Marie says with a smile. “I’m glad to see you, sweetie.”

It’s now or never.

“Marie, we need to talk,” I say, closing her office door behind me.

“Uh-oh,” she says. “Of course, you know you can talk to me about anything.”

I sit down across from her, looking into her kind eyes. I think about the first time we sat like this when I was a nervous teenager trying to make ends meet. We’ve come a long way, and I’ll forever be grateful for the chance she took on an unexperienced younger me.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“I can’t take over for you. I’m sorry.”

Her smile doesn’t fade. “I know, honey.”

Surprised, my mouth falls open slightly. “You know?”

She nods, reaching over to take my hand. “I didn’t want to see it, but once we started training, I suspected you weren’t as enthusiastic about the idea as I was. When the lawyer asked you to sign the papers yesterday, you asked for time to think it over. I wasn’t born yesterday. It’s okay, Sera. I’m not offended in any way. I know you wanted to spare my feelings. But, quite frankly, I’m sorry you couldn’t tell me sooner.”

“I didn’t realize it sooner,” I admit. “I mean, I’ve known it in my heart for a while, but you know I love you and I love this place. But other things are happening, good things. I need to follow my heart. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

Marie stands, pulling me with her into a large hug. “Oh, sweetheart, you could neverdisappoint me. You’re very special to me, and I’m proud to see the strong independent woman you’ve grown into. If your heart lies elsewhere, I’m not going to stand in your way.”

“But what about you? What about The Diner?”

Marie pulls back. “Don’t worry about this old girl. She’ll be just fine.”

“You or the diner?”

“You brat.”

We laugh and hug again. Eventually, Marie asks, “All right, I need to know, does this have anything to do with your hot tattooed buffhusband?” She puts air quotes around the last word.

“Just regular husband now. No air quotes. Full-on, committed husband.”

She smiles. “I’m so happy for you, Sera. I really am.”

I take a deep breath, and it’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. “You know,” I say. “Kelly is a really hard worker. She took care of most of the training herself and loves this place as much as we do. If you’re looking for a replacement…”

“Don’t say a word. I’ve had my eye on her for a while,” Marie admits. “You know, in case you wised up and said something. I’ve been testing the both of you.”

Happy for Kelly, I grin. “Can we tell her together?”

“Absolutely.”