Crossing Paths

Nine

Walking to work, I felt the exhaustion from the previous night, combined with my early wake-up call settling in. As promised mom called first thing this morning. Sitting with my poor-throbbing-hung-over head resting in my palm, I listened to her hour lecture on good choices and bad influences. When I tried to argue that I was making good choices, she flipped out informing me of her plan to visit.

"Hey," bumping me gently, "So your mom's really pissed?" Ry's worried eyes watched me while we waited for the light to change.

Rolling my eyes, "Pissed doesn't even begin to describe it." Sighing heavily, "She's coming to visit in two weeks."

"Really? Because of last night?" His eyes bugged in disbelief.

"Yes!" Whining as we started walking again. "She wants to meet, (using my fingers as air quotes) the people I'm spending time with. I swear, the woman gives new meaning to over protective parenting."

Both of us fell silent. I could tell he wanted to say something but chose not to. Of course, to an outsider it probably seemed stranger that she would react the way she did. Lecturing a twenty-one year old about drinking and staying out all night. I mean, that's what most college kids do. But, given my past, the shit I'd gone through, my 'break', as she called it. Yeah, she had every reason to worry, lecture, and come check on me. Unfortunately, my past wasn't something I was ready to share. Which meant, Ry, stayed in the dark, unable to understand the severity of her visit.

Pulling me from my thoughts when we reached the coffee shop, "So, does this mean I get to meet your mom?" Wiggling his brows playfully.

With his worry gone, I could tell he was trying to lighten my mood. And, of course, his adorable face had me smiling. "Trust me. You'll think differently once you meet the crazy lady. Hell, you might even regret running into me on the street that day." I shrugged weakly.

His face fell void of all playfulness, "That will never happen." I'd never seen him more serious. And at that moment, I wished for the courage to explain to him my past. To let him see me for real.

Blinking away the cloud surrounding my brain, "Sorry?"

Chuckling at my confusion, "I said..."

"Dinner after your shift?" His bright eyes bouncing between mine.

And just that easily he pulled me back to reality. Pulling the door open, "Let me think about it. I'm pretty tired." The little bell jingling as we entered.

"Text me when you're getting ready to close," He said sternly. "Even if you're too tired to eat. I'll walk you home. Or, I can come get you if you're too tired to walk."

Walking backwards towards the counter, "I'll text you," Flashing a smile before turning to go clock in.

Noticing I had a few minutes until my shift started, I decided to take my stuff to the break room. After clocking in, I made my way to the front. Grabbing an apron, I watched Gretchen wipe down the counter as I tied it around my waist. A bit of sadness stirred in the pit of my stomach at seeing her, instead of Chloe.

"Afternoon, Rylan." The lady's warm voice drifted from the opposite end of the counter.

"Hello." Forcing my voice to stay even, I didn't want to start our first shift off together rude, by allowing her to hear my discomfort.

"It's been pretty slow today." Smiling as she moved closer to me, "I've only had about a dozen customers."

The shops hours were 12 - 6 on Sundays. Since the biggest majority of our customers are college students, Sunday's usually were slow until around two or three. So, one of us opened alone and another came in at 1 to help cover the flood once it hit.