Forbidden Desires

Chapter Eight: Acquaintances

When I arrived at Pattys I easily found a parking spot next to the shop, looking at the clock I still had fifteen minutes to spare thanks to my new method of transportation.

Despite being upset with my mother I really couldn't thank her enough for this investment.

Once I get my finances in order I'm going to have to put money aside for her and the baby.

I felt a slight headache as soon as I began thinking of her situation with Harry and had to leave the confined space before my thoughts started racing.

When I entered the shop Patty was wiping down tables and swaying her hips to an old 60s song that I often heard her singing.

A few customers littered the shop either browsing or doing their own thing lost in their own worlds.

"Hey Patty Pat," I called out enthusiastically. Already I felt better with just her presence.

I ran over and engulfed her in a much needed hug before I even set my things down catching her by surprise as a startled gasp left her lips.

Nonetheless her warm arms wrapped around my shoulders as she returned the embrace squeezing me tight.

"Hey sugar," Patty pulled back to look into my eyes before a deep frown overtook her features.

"What's wrong? You look miserable," she stated seriously. I hummed in agreement, so I looked as bad as I felt.

"A lot Patty. A lot," I shook my head as I pulled away and walked behind the counter to clock in on the computer.

Patty followed close behind abandoning her cleaning preferring to interrogate me instead. I gave her an exasperated look setting my elbows on the desk so I could balance my head on my palms.

"Patty, pardon my french but things are royally fucked." Her eyes widened and her mouth formed a silent O as she played with her wedding bands something she always did when she was nervous.

"What happened? You know what, give me a few minutes while I get us something warm to drink. Tea or Coffee?" She was already leaving the small space and heading towards the staff lounge as her wild silver mane flowed with every step she took.

"Coffee. Of course you need coffee." She laughed nervously as she disappeared behind the wooden door that shut softly behind her tall frame.

She knew me well because a steaming cup of coffee is exactly what I needed to get me through this conversation.

I stared dejectedly out of the large window by the entrance people watching and seeing cars fly by even though it wasn't rush hour.

I must have lost track of time because before I knew it Patty was setting a hot cup of coffee in front of me that smelled amazing.

Patty watched me inhale the steam and softly blow at the rim with a smile holding her own cup with both hands.

"It's pumpkin spice season," she grinned showing teeth while taking a sip of her coffee.

"So know that our drinks are settled, tell Old Lady Patty what happened." I smiled softly at her description of herself.

Patty didn't look a day over forty even though she was in her mid fifties. She might honestly be reaching sixty soon but she looked amazing.

"My mother is pregnant." If I thought I was overreacting at the news of my mother being pregnant, now I knew that I wasn't by a long shot.

Pattys jaw literally dropped and her eyes widened further as she gaped at me.