Dearest - truly flung out of space

43 - I love you

The talk with Therese happened 3 weeks ago. Carol needed around 10 days to come back to her normal self. Abby and Lisa stopped by every day. And while Abby brought flowers and chocolate for Carol to cheer her up, Lisa took care of Rindy and me. She brought chocolates and little coloring books for the little girl. For me she always brought notebooks and she even brought me a display of her favorite tea. Lisa really was a great lady, Abby really picked well.

Carol tried to forget Therese but that was easier said than done because Therese never stopped reaching out. She continued to write letters and she kept calling. We tried to ignore the calls and letters but at some point it got too much. We didn't know how to escape this always repeating situation so Harge stepped in. He called his one of his friends who happened to work at the police. He set up a communication ban and restrained Therese from reaching out to us or showing up at Rindys' school, Carols' workplace, or the apartment.

Carol and Harge also had a conversation. It really seems like he is on our side, at least he wants the bed for Rindy. Carol also realized that. Although he apologizes, she is still a little hesitant to fully trust him. But I do believe they are on a good way.

I get back to the restaurant. My boss has called everyone in because there are some serious things he wants to talk about. All the staff realized that something was up. Our boss has been a little through the weather lately, forgetting a lot of things and messing things up.

"I have called you together because I have made some very important decisions. The workload has been getting too much and my age does not help. That's why I have decided to announce someone else as the manager of this restaurant. This place has been my baby. I've been working all my life for this."

His words are a little sad. I can understand that it is getting too much for him, but the thought of him not judging my every move will certainly make me miss him.

"I have thought long and hard about this and I have decided to give Y/N this position. She's been working so hard and she deserves this job."

I can't help but cheer. It's so cool to see the person get the job. They deserve it so m- Wait. Did he say my name? I look around and everyone smiles at me.
"I.. Are you sure?" I ask with a hesitant voice. I can't believe that this is real. My boss nods.
"Yes, you deserve that job. It's talked through with everyone and they all agree," he explains with a smile on his face.
I look around again and everyone nods.
"I... I can't believe it... This.. This is such a big honor. This job... as much as I hated it when I started, you guys grew so important to me. And... my god, yes, I take it... I want to be the manager," I state with a shaky voice. Tears fill my eyes but they are happy tears.
My boss hands me the keys and now it's official - I own a restaurant.

"Y/N!" someone squeaks and I look up. It's Rindy. She's already running towards me and I spin her around after picking her up. Carol follows shortly after and kisses my cheek.
"W-We own a restaurant now," I whisper and Carol nods.
"I know, my love. I know," she replies and smiles at my boss.
I take a deep breath and look at my boss.

"I... I know this restaurant was "The Finesse" for so long... but... this place is also the place where I met the love of my life. So... if everyone is okay with this decision, I want to name this restaurant "Carols"," I state and look at the waiters and cooks. They all nod and cheer. It's official. I look at Carol who wipes a tear.
"You don't have to name a whole restaurant after me, dearest," she giggles and pulls me into a hug.
"I know, but I want to," I reply and kiss her.

☾

Another few weeks pass and Carol's birthday is getting closer. I've been thinking about what to give her for weeks but I haven't found the perfect gift. I even asked Rindy about the things her mother would like.