“The Day We Met” Pt. 26

It was the brunch hour so customers were encouraged to seat themselves. Ally walked in & sat on the bar next to the register & perused the menu. A woman came out, smiled & greeted Ally. It was Lou Ellen.

Lou Ellen: Hey there, welcome to Lou Ellen’s. What would you like today?

Ally: Hi there. Just a coffee please.

Lou Ellen: Not hungry?

Ally: Haven’t been in the mood really.

Lou Ellen: What’s wrong, hon’?

Ally: Someone really special to me just left today so it’s been a challenge keeping busy.

Lou Ellen: I see.

Lou Ellen poured a cup of coffee for Ally & added a plate of coffee cake.

Ally: I’m actually job hunting right now. I figured getting a job would keep me busy while he’s gone.

Lou Ellen: Well whoever this man is must be someone real important.

Ally: He is. Oh thank you for the coffee & the coffee cake. How much do I owe you?

Lou Ellen: It’s on the house. I’m Lou Ellen by the way.

Ally: The Lou Ellen?

Lou Ellen: Guilty…

Ally: Your Andy’s mom.

Lou Ellen: Guilty, again.

Ally: I’m Ally. I’m a friend of his.

Lou Ellen: Oh I know who you are, honey.

Ally: You do?

Lou Ellen: Yes! You used to work here. You used to sit right over there in that booth to do your homework on your breaks. You were so studious & such a fantastic waitress.

Ally: Seems like eons ago. I loved working here.

Lou Ellen: We sure could use another waitress if you’re interested.

Ally: Oh I don’t want any favors, please.

Lou Ellen: Not a favor. You’d be doing us a favor.

Ally: When can I start?

Lou Ellen: You can start as soon as you’d like!

Ally: Wow, how about tomorrow?

Lou Ellen: Are you looking for part time or full time work?

Ally: Part time, please.

Lou Ellen: How about Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 1:00-closing?

Ally: Sounds like a deal.

Lou Ellen: Can’t wait for you to start!

Ally: Thank you so much!

Ally rushed home to tell her mom the news. Marie was so excited for Ally. Just as Ally was telling Marie about Lou Ellen & her new job, John came home.

Ally: John, you’re home.

John: Had a turn of events & decided to come home while everything gets sorted out at one of our developments. Why does everyone look so surprised?

Marie: Well, John, can you blame us? You’re never home.

John: Excuse me, Marie. I don’t appreciate you talking to me that way in my house.

Ally: John…

John: No, Ally. I’m sick & tired of this. You’re always talking under your breath or behind my back about how I’m always working. Thanks to me, your spoiled brat go a daughter doesn’t need to work.

Ally: I actually got a job today.

John: What? Why?

Ally: I’ve been wanting to work for some time now.

John: Well, I’m already working. You don’t need to work.

Ally: I get that & I’m grateful, John. I just…

John: If you were grateful you’d just stay home.

Ally: I was saying that I think it’d be great for my mental health to work. It’s only part time.

John: You know what? Fine. Work. I don’t care. I’ll be in my office. Just let me know when we’re having dinner. I’ll be working through lunch. And can you get the kids to shut up please? I’ll be in a zoom meeting in about an hour.

Ally looked at her mom. Marie came closer to Ally to hold & comfort her.

Marie: Don’t listen to a word he says, Ally. I’m proud of you for getting that job. You’re going to do great.

Ally: Thanks, mom.

While Ally & Marie tag teamed in the kitchen preparing dinner, Sage got a hold of Ally’s phone & managed to dial Andy’s number.

Sage: Hello! Andy? Are you there?

John: Who are you calling, Sage?

Sage: I’m calling Andy.

John: Who the hell is Andy?

Marie heard Sage & John’s conversation.

Marie: Andy, is a friend of mine.

John: Then why is my daughter trying to call him.

Sage: Andy is my friend, too. He gave me a flower & gave mommy a lot of flowers.

Ally heard the tail end of the conversation.

John: Oh he did, did he?

Marie: John…

John: Is this what goes on when I’m gone? Is this the thanks I get for working hard & providing for my family? How many are there, Ally?

Ally: What are you talking about?

John: Is this the job you’re talking about? How many clients do you have? Have you been bringing them here?

Marie: John, don’t jump to conclusions.

John: Stay out of this, Marie. This is between my wife & I.

Ally: I want to talk, but it’s only out of your convenience, John. There’s so much between us I don’t even know where to start.

John: You wanna talk? Let’s talk!

Ally: Not like this, John. Not in front of the children & my mother. Let’s talk upstairs.