Return to Me

Eleven

It was almost six o'clock before I got done with work. One of our evening workers was running late due to an accident on her route here. So Liz and I stayed to work--putting in overtime. As fate would have it, a rush started at 4 and was going non-stop until now. All hands on deck were required and we were beginning to think it would never end.

Punching out and slipping on my winter gear for the trek back home, I felt the exhaustion run through me. Putting in practically ten hours today, and I was worn out.

Stifling a yawn, I waved goodbye to my fellow coworkers and then Liz as she was unlocking her car for her ride home.

The only thought on my mind right now was going home, eating some dinner and crawling into bed for the rest of the night. The thought was too lovely and I was now anxious to get home.

"Hey! Rosie!" at the sound of my name, I turned and saw Liz waving, trying to get my attention. When she realized I was looking at her she pointed to the building next door to the coffee shop.

Okay...what does she mean?  I thought to myself, quite confused. And then it hit me. Jack. I promised him I'd stop by after work. Crap. I completely forgot! Starting to jog back in the direction I came, I waved to Liz a silent thanks and watched as she got into her car and drove away.

I can't believe I forgot about Jack. Who am I kidding? After the day I've had, I'm not surprised. My trek back to Jack's restaurant seemed unbearably long. It didn't help that the temperature seemed to drop at least ten degrees. I could feel my nose and cheeks getting cold and I picked up my pace, urging shelter to just appear and swallow me up.

When I got to the building, all was dark, but in the distance I could see a faint light glowing. Taking a deep breath, I took hold of the door handle and pulled. I was surprised at how easily it opened--I guess I was half expecting it to be locked. What am I doing here again? I asked myself as I stepped inside.

Faint music was playing and the glowing light seemed less bright now that I was standing just inside the entrance.

"Hello? Jack?" I called, refusing to move, afraid I might run into something or fall into a hole I can't see. Moments later, I saw a bright glowing lantern and holding it was Jack. Although it was hard to see, I sensed that he was smiling.

"Rosie, hey! I was beginning to think you weren't going to come." he said as he approached me, illuminating the room.

"I almost didn't," I paused. "it  got so busy at work today, I almost went home." I finished quickly.

"Well, I'm glad you remembered." he grinned and I couldn't help but smile back. "Are you hungry?"

Letting out a sigh of relief, I nodded. The thought of food was making my mouth water. "Starving."

Jack just chuckled and motioned for me to follow. He led me to the back of the building, and the room opened up into a large and beautiful kitchen. I could hear the music clearly now, and saw there was a radio in the corner, playing Christmas music.

"Oh, wow." I said, taking in the sight in front of me.

"You like it?" Jack set down the lantern and turned on a few more lights.

"Jack, this is amazing!" I exclaimed walking around the room and examining it all.

"Thank you. I'm quite fond of it myself."

"Of course you are. Otherwise you wouldn't be expanding your business." Jack nods, his hands stuffed into his pockets, a smile stretching the corners of his mouth.

"When are you expected to open?" I ask, still looking around.

"We're aiming for late April, early May." Only five months away. The place was already magnificent and it hasn't even opened for business yet.