Page 25 of Tangled Emotions
Yes
Maybe you could ask your boss for a day off?
When she didn’t respond, I figured I pressed my luck. I checked out the news and took my turn in a word game I like to play. I was about to set my phone on the nightstand to charge when it dinged with the message.
Sorry I fell asleep
Good night, Frank.
Sweet dreams beautiful
The smell of fresh coffee pulled me from my dreams.
That wasn’t normal. As I opened my eyes, I remembered where I was.
Safe at Romeo’s mom’s home.
Being in a war zone did a number on people. After twenty years in, I needed out.
And coffee.
My stomach rumbled, and my bladder joined in, waking me up.
Time to rise and moderately shine.
I rolled from the bed, did my business, made the bed, and then slid into a clean pair of jeans and a tee. My arms were through the holes, and it was over my head when I heard the sound of another female voice.
Miss Cora had company, and it didn’t sound like Miss Jean.
Sneering a bit, I found my manners and joined them in the kitchen. There at the table is the older lady from the diner.
“Good morning, darling!” Cora gushed. “Were we too loud?”
“No ma’am. Coffee and my stomach woke me.” I held my hand out to the woman. “I’m Frank.”
My stomach rumbled and the lady across from Cora smiled.
“Breakfast is on its way.” She accepted my hand. “Hello, Frank. I’m Irene. You were at the diner yesterday.” She sighed. “I apologize for Evelyn’s behavior.”
Chuckling, I got myself a cup of coffee and sat down. “No need, ma’am. I know how kids are.”
“Do you?” Cora sat up. “You have some of your own, Francis?”
“Uh, no ma’am.” I rubbed my chest. “I used to volunteer with different clubs to be a role model for some kids when I was stateside.”
“Oh.” Irene smiled and stirred her coffee. “Are you still in?”
“No, ma’am.” I took a drink. “I stayed for twenty years and just got my walking papers.”
“Remember, Irene, I told you Wallace called and said he had a friend he was sending this way.”
“That’s right, Cora.” She pointed at her. “Are you the same age as Wallace?” Her gaze came back to me, and I saw the wheels turning in her eyes.
“No, ma’am.” I chuckled. “I’m older.”
The front door opened, and as I turned, I was greeted with the most beautiful sight.
There stood Edith, with rosy cheeks and two bags. Jumping up, I took them from her and sat them on the table. I noticed the look she gave her mom and felt the smile spreading on my face.