Good Changes

My date (which started as a business dinner but quickly shifted) with Henry went really well. In the two days since, we've been texting as constantly as our jobs allow. He's got a great sense of humor and I feel very comfortable talking to him about everything. It's really nice!

We have another date scheduled for Friday. I was going to have it Saturday, but I decided to hold a small celebration for Everett to congratulate him for his interview and article with Charlotte Taste. I'm so proud of him!

I fully expect his article to bring a new wave of interest for Lovebird Café, which will be welcome. Our numbers haven't dropped drastically, but I feel like things are slowing down a little and I want to keep our momentum strong. This will be the next step, of course, and then our new specials for the menu in a couple months. Eventually, I'm hoping to open the restaurant earlier and have a lunch menu, but that will require planning a new menu (of course) and hiring a lot more staff.

Thursdays are usually pretty busy, so I'm not surprised when I walk out into the front and find almost all the tables filled. I smile at a few familiar faces and greet a few regulars, then head back to my office.

I've been working on some marketing ideas for a few minutes when I get a phone call. I pick up my phone and almost drop it in surprise. Jeff's contact name is on the screen and I hesitate, wondering whether I should even answer.

Two months ago, I'd have given anything to hear from him. Now I'm finally moving on in my personal and professional lives and I don't need or want anything from him.

Good manners and curiosity finally prompt me to answer.

"Hello?"

"Hey Lacy," the familiar masculine voice answers. "How's things?"

"Going really well," I answer proudly.

"I heard your little restaurant is doing alright. I'm impressed. Who did you find to replace me?"

"You'll find out in a week or two," I say. "He's being featured in Charlotte Taste."

I admit, this is an underhanded jab. Jeff tried for years to get featured in the magazine, but that was one thing his contacts couldn't get him.

"Mmmm," is all he says, but I can tell that he's frustrated.

"I'll send you a copy of the article." I decide to rub a little salt in. Honestly, talking with Jeff and realizing that he isn't even sorry for what he put me through, I feel a spark of anger. I am not an angry person. It takes a lot to stir up my temper. But when I get mad, I tend to take my feelings out on others through verbal jabs and cuts.

"You really won't tell me his name?" Jeff whines.

"No. I really won't. I don't owe you anything."

"Whatever. You're dating him, aren't you?"

"Nope."

"I bet you are. You never could resist a chef. And why else would you be so hesitant to tell me about him?"

"Because you are no longer part of my life and I don't want to share it with you. My chef is my business. My dating life is also my business. You have no say in either of those anymore."

He grunts. "Well, I guess there was no point in me calling," he said sulkily. "You used to be easier to talk to. You've changed."

I want to yell that of course I've changed! That he didn't used to be so selfish. But he did. The realization washes over me, leaving me temporarily speechless. He really was this selfish the whole time we were together! How have I not seen it before?

"Are you ignoring me?" he asks in a surprisingly shrill voice.

"You're right. I have changed," I say in a confident voice.

"Well I don't like it."

"Well I don't care." I laugh. "I'm so much better off without you! How did I not realize this sooner!"

"Hey, I can hear you!"

"Then hang up. But know this, Jefferey Reginald Hamilton: I am so over you!" It feels so good to shout those words! I don't even consider whether my coworkers are listening.

He huffs and whines for a little longer, then ends the call. I sit, basking in how okay I feel. Now that I've talked to Jeff, I have closure. I know that I am happier now than I was when we were together.

I shoot Henry a text about my little chat:

"Just got a call from my ex. I can't believe I dated such a selfish jerk for so long and didn't even notice how horrible he is! Feels good to finally have closure, though."

As soon as I send the text, a light knock on the door precedes Everett's entrance. "Hey Lace," he says, looking around. "We heard yelling. Is everything okay?"

"Yes. Better than okay," I answer happily. "I-" My words are interrupted by my phone vibrating on the desk. I pick it up and see a call coming in from Henry. "I'll tell you about it later," I promise Everett before answering the phone.

"Hey Henry!"

"Hey! Are you doing okay?"

"Yeah, actually. I feel really great."

Everett clears his throat and I look at him. He's looking at my phone with a frown.

"One sec," I tell Henry, interrupting the stream of questions he's started asking. "What's up?" I turn to Everett.

He looks at me intently for a moment, then says, "Nothing. Sorry. I'll catch you later."

"Okay. Bye! Thanks for checking on me!"

His only response is a grunt before he closes the door hard behind him.

"Sorry, I was just talking to one of my coworkers," I say to Henry.

"It's fine." He continues to question me about my conversation with Jeff.

When he's gotten a play-by-play, he laughs. "Remind me not to tick you off," he says.

"Don't tick me off," I answer, laughing.

When our laughter has died down, he asks if he can come see me at work. I decide it can't hurt and tell him to call when he arrives so I can bring him to my office through the back.

It only takes about fifteen minutes for him to drive over from his office. I have one of my favorite dishes waiting for him and a bowl of soup for myself. We sit at my desk and enjoy our food and some light conversation.

After our meal, we keep talking. I haven't been able to talk this easily with a man in ages. Henry is funny and a good listener. It's only when Alex peeks in to check on an order that I was supposed to follow up on that I realize that I'm neglecting my work.

"I really need to get back to work," I say apologetically to Henry.

He stands. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stayed so long. I only meant to check on you in person. You're just really easy to talk to and I lost track of time. I need to get home anyway. I've got a few more things to put together for our date tomorrow night. Will you be able to get away early tomorrow night?"

"Yeah. I already put it in my schedule. I'll see you tomorrow night." I stand and walk him to the door, giving him a quick hug before he heads out.

I return to my desk and dive back into the work I need to finish. When it's time to close, I sigh. I'll probably have to come in early tomorrow to catch up, especially if I want to be able to leave early with Henry. And I still need to finalize the plans for Everett's party Saturday morning.

I'm taking care of a few last little things when Everett walks in. He looks at me with a frown.

"Are you not heading out yet?"

"I just need to finish a couple more things."

He looks at me with a raised eyebrow. "Got a little behind?"

I feel my temper stirring a little. "It's none of your business."

"Actually, it is my business. I have a pretty good stake in this restaurant, and it's important to my future. I need to know that you're going to be able to keep up with everything. Do you need to hire someone to help with all of this?"

His question calms me down a little, changing his tone from accusing to concerned. "I'm fine. I just had a lot going on tonight. I'll catch up tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

Guessing at the reason for his anxious question, I say, "Don't worry. I'll still go with you to your interview."

He sighs in relief. "Thank you. I know I shouldn't need someone to hold my hand, but-"

"Stop that. I'm your friend and your boss and I'm happy to support you! This is a big deal. You don't have to apologize for wanting someone to share it with."

He smiles. "You're the best, Boss Lady. Do you need any help? I don't want to leave you here alone."

"Nah, I think I'll call it a night. Thanks though."

"Anytime."

As we walk out, I can't help thinking about Jeff's words: "You've changed."

I have changed. I feel more confident in myself. I'm dating a really sweet guy who actually cares about my feelings and my needs. I have a head chef and partner who carries his weight and then some. I have wonderful employees I can count on and awesome friends and family supporting me.

And hopefully these changes are just the beginning.