Chapter 27

Several days later Wendy entered Pirate’s Cove and saw Cindy and Rusty in deep conversation. As soon as they finished Cindy fast walked to Wendy.

“You won’t believe what Rusty wanted.”

“You look in shock.”

“I just accepted a part time job here. I’m going to prepare small appetizers. Serving time will be between five and six. I can get here around four. One of the waitresses is already doing it, so I won’t have to handle it alone. He also, are you ready for this? He asked me to put the house music on and off when Brad is on break. I couldn’t believe he asked me. He could have asked anyone, but he picked me.”

Wendy gulped some air. “He knew you were trustworthy. I’m so happy for you.”

“Maybe Brad and I will become closer, maybe I can be with him more often. I can’t believe this.”

It wasn’t that Wendy wasn’t happy for her, she was…but wasn’t prepared for the jealousy to be so strong. Oh, how Wendy wanted to be in Cindy’s shoes.

Not long after Cindy started to help, Wendy saw behavioral changes in her friend. She acted like a “big shit” with a new-found self-confidence. Sometimes when Wendy listened to her talk to people, she heard arrogance in Cindy’s tone…at least, it was Wendy’s take and she knew Cindy well. It’s silly, Wendy lamented, but she knew she’d adjust to Cindy’s being more in the loop. Besides, she had Elliott who always made her feel special like going to San Diego next weekend for a mini vacation.

The news article about the nursery appeared on Friday as expected. The writer gave the nursery high praise. Wendy wondered how it would affect business if at all. She drove to Fireplace Grill to see how things were going there. A nice lunch crowd gathered. Wendy played hostess, welcoming people as they entered, and seating them.

Wendy talked to Stan. “Business has been good, it picks up the most around four-thirty, or five for cocktails and snacks,” he told her.

“Good to hear, thanks.” Wendy felt relief that everything was going her way.

As she walked out, she knew it wasn’t just her businesses that she appreciated but also the changes she made to herself, giving her confidence she never experienced before, especially when she saw good looking men stare at her.