𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐄. - 𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧

008. the wreck

THE BELLS HANGING AT THE top of the glass doors jingle as Tatum enters The Wreck. It's a little busy today, but still calm enough for Tatum to enjoy herself some time to grab a meal. Her eyes look around to find either one of Anna or Mike behind the counter. Anna is the first to spot and recognize the girl.

"Tatum, honey is that you?" She squints, in total disbelief. When Tatum smiles, hanging her a wave, that's when Anna really knows it's her. "I didn't believe it when Kie said you were back."

The woman throws off her apron, clapping her hands off the crumbs from her palms as she makes her way over to her. "Aw, you look more like your mother all grown up."

"Hi, Mrs. C. It's been a long time since I've seen you. How are things here now? Business still doing good?" Tatum is being led towards the hallway down in the back.

"After you mentioned our place in one of your interviews, more tourists have come to try our food out. All thanks to you of course." Anna gives her a big smile. "Mike, come out here!" She calls for her husband in the back, busy in the kitchen.

"What's the matter, sweetie? Tatum—my gosh, is that you?" Mike is wiping his hands with a hand towel as he tilts his head through the window frame that separates the main area from the kitchen.

"It's her, sweetie. Come on out here to say hi!" Anna grows a little more excited, impatient on watching him walk out.

Mike walks around through the door with his arms open for an embrace. "I'm a little sweaty from working my butt off all morning, but a little hug wouldn't hurt, right?" He raises his eyebrows.

"I would never miss a Mr. C hug for anything." Tatum chuckles, walking towards him to accept his embrace. She wraps her arms, swaying him side to side tightly. Mike groans at the strength of the tiny woman.

"When Kie mentioned you were visiting after all these years, it was hard for me to even believe her. But you're really here." Mike's mouth slightly drops, still accepting the fact that Tatum's standing right in front of her.

"Are you waiting on anyone else for a table?" Anna just clicks into her mind that she may be here to eat. Tatum politely says no, "it's just me today." She smiles.

"Let me guess... sitting at your old usual spot?" Mike points his fingers at her and he guesses correct. Tatum nods her head, laughing at him as he claps to himself, proudly.

"Here, I'll take and grab her order. You go on ahead and finish in the back with the other orders, sweetie." Anna instructs Mike. He is quick to agree and go back to work while Anna heads back outside with Tatum to the old table she usually sat at back then.

It's outside in a corner right next to the water. This is where most of her old dates with Rafe were. This exact corner table. All the memories come into her mind as she sits down. "Now, what would you like to drink?" Anna pulls out her notepad and pen.

"A strawberry lemonade please." Tatum adorably asks as if she's still twelve years old, ordering food.

"And your old usual? The Royal Merchant with a side of curly fries if I still remember." Anna takes a good guess, tapping the tip of her pen over her lips.

Tatum is impressed that she still remembers her regular order after all these years. "Yes, that's exactly what I want. And it's not an old usual, it's always going to be my usual, Mrs. C." She makes sure to state that fact just because she's been in New York, doesn't mean everything has changed.

"Yes, ma'am. I like this attitude of yours, Tate. I'm digging it." Anna winks, licking her tongue which makes the younger female smile. "I'll be back with your drink, don't go anywhere."