Kentucky Home

Chapter 4

Emma

It is noon, and with there only being one restaurant in the entire town of Olive Hill, it feels like all two thousand residents decided to eat at Piggy Sue's Barbecue.

The aroma of barbecue overwhelms my senses before we even open the door. My dad holds the door open for the rest of us. I about trip over the small step into the building because Cady grabs my hand and starts dragging me quickly inside. I'm not sure if she's that hungry or if she's just really friendly. It could be both.

When I regain my balance and straighten my dress back out, I look around to see wall to wall tables completely filled with customers. It's an old building. It's like a time machine back through the decades or something. There's old road signs, license plates, and business signs plastered on every inch of the walls.

A young girl, maybe high school age, greets us in a warm, southern accent. "How're y'all doing? I've never seen y'all 'round here before. Glad to have ya." She then adjusts her attention on Cash. She smiles real big not trying to hide anything. "Hi, Cash. Always good seeing you."

Sweetheart. Ain't you a bit young for him? I think to myself. I've clearly been in this town too long. Even my thoughts are in a southern accent.

"Hello, Catherine. How are your parents?" He returns.

Smooth, Cash. Way to friend zone the poor, desperate school girl.

A blush of embarrassment sweeps across her face as she gives him a tight lipped smile. "Just fine. Follow me to your table, please."

"Table? Where? On the roof?" I whisper to my dad.

He chuckles at my sarcasm. "Actually, through that doorway is a whole other dining area. Your Aunt Karen raved about Miss Sue's cooking. They were pretty good friends, ya know?"

"Well, in that case, I can't wait to try it." I say, looking up to him with a smile as I give his hand a gentle squeeze.

I'm a daddy's girl, through and through. Of course, being the only child I don't exactly have to vie for attention. That's never been an issue, but we all have a parent we get along with better. I'm more like my dad. Most people would think that would make us clash, personality wise, but we're both hardworking and focused, yet laid back and easy going. It works well for us.

My mother on the other hand is more emotional and worrisome. I just can't handle all that mess. Maybe it's a mom thing, but she has the ability to send me into an anxiety attack with her overthinking and far fetched imagination. If I told her I had been in a fender bender, she'd immediately begin planning my funeral worried I was dying. It's just too much for me sometimes.

Catherine brings us to a table in the back where it is surprisingly empty and somewhat quiet. Cady races to sit next to me before anybody else can. It's kind of cute the way she is. I'm sure it's due to the lack of female interaction at home. Even though my mom drives me crazy sometimes, I can't imagine living life without her. It takes a lot to grow up as a girl, and it would be tough to do it alone.

My dad sits at the head of the table while my mom takes the seat next to him and Cash next to her. I have to spend the next hour or so sitting face to face to him. I'm not sure why, but I feel awkward. His eyes are on me, and I'm feeling self conscious being watched like this. I take a second to glance up, and just in time my dad calls for his attention.

"Cash, how did you know my sister?"

He clears his throat and sits up straighter making eye contact with my father. "She was my fourth grade teacher. She was always my favorite, sir."