Lana's POV
The bed's soft embrace pulled her in. As she fell on it trying to loosen herself from the trauma of that evening.
But the events of the day were like thorns in her brain.
Every time she settled down, she was yanked back to that coffee shop, reflecting over and over on that terrible moment with Mr. Dennison.
And if that was not enough,the picture of Mr. Garvey's face, so apathetic. His unconcerned dismissal of her pain hurt almost as much as Dennison's rough grip did.
“You deserve better than this.”
The thought bubble in her.
Restless, Lana groaned softly and reached for her phone. There's but one person she can really talk to about this without feeling judged. Mabel. She pulled up her contact and then pressed call, letting the familiar ring tone sound in her ear.
Mabel picked up rather quickly, her warm voice was already easing some of Lana's tension.
"Hey, Lana! What's up? Everything okay?
Lana took a deep breath trying not to be shaky.
"Hey, Mabel. I. I have had a really bad evening. Do you think we could get together over coffee?"
Mabel didn't hesitate. "Of course! I was just thinking of getting out of the house myself. How about we meet at Oliver's Café in about twenty minutes?
Lana let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Mabel. I'll see you there." She hung up; instantly, she felt a little lighter, knowing she was going to have someone to talk to.
She dragged herself up, freshening up quickly: splashing water on her face. She didn't want to look as defeated as she felt. Putting on a cosy sweater, Lana wrapped up with a scarf, heading out into the cool evening air.
When she had reached the café, she instantly spotted Mabel. Her friend was already seated in a corner, two cups of coffee were steaming away before her. She waved Lana over, the expression on her face lightened up.
"Lana, you look exhausted!" exclaimed Mabel, reaching out to take Lana's hand as she sat down.
Lana smiled wearily, her hands wrapping around the warm coffee mug. "That's an understatement." She took a sip, enjoying the warmth before starting to tell her story, beginning with the unwanted advances of Mr. Dennison, his horrific behaviour, and Mr. Garvey's cold response to it.
"He hit you?" she spat, her fists clenched. "And Mr. Garvey just let him get away with it?
Lana nodded "I couldn't believe it, Mabel. I thought Mr. Garvey respected me, you know? But today, it just seemed like it. like I didn't matter at all. It was just a matter of keeping Dennison happy."
Mabel shook her head,"That guy is gross. I'm so sorry you had to deal with this. Nobody has to put up with it, but especially not when your boss is allowing it to go on."
She stopped a second, her face softening as she leaned over the table to pat Lana's hand.
"You are worth so much more than that place, Lana. You've known that for quite some time now, right?
Lana looked down, the truth stinging. "Maybe. But it's hard to just leave, Mabel. I don't know what I'd even do next."
Mabel's eyes suddenly flashed with a familiar mischief. "Actually, maybe you do. Have you thought about Mr. Sinclair's offer?"
Lana bit her lip, her cheeks heating. "I… I have. But it just feels so… big. He wants me to be a full-time nanny to his kids. That's not exactly a simple commitment.
Mabel gave her a look. "Lana, if there's anyone who could do it, it's you. You're great with kids. I mean, think about it-he saw something in you, or he wouldn't have offered. And his kids would be lucky to have you."
Lana leaned back in her chair and sighed. "I don't know. I mean, I hardly know him, let alone his children. What if it doesn't work out?"
"Then at least you tried," Mabel said with a shrug. "Look, maybe it won't be perfect. Maybe you'll find things you don't like about it. But from what you've told me, Mr. Sinclair seems like a decent guy, and he certainly wouldn't leave you hanging like those people at the café did. And let's be honest… it's not just about work for you. It's about feeling respected, feeling like what you do matters."
Lana gave a soft sigh, the tips of her fingers tracing around the rim of her coffee cup as she digested Mabel's words. "You're right," she said more slowly. "But it's just so.sudden. I feel like my whole life would change in an instant if I said yes.
Mabel chuckled. "Isn't that kind of the point? You need a change. You've been working at that coffee shop for years, letting them run you ragged. This could be an opportunity to find something you actually enjoy." She paused, her eyes twinkling. "Plus, I think you'd be amazing with those kids. Imagine the stories you'd get to tell me.
Lana managed a small laugh. "You and your stories. But… you're not wrong. Maybe this is what I need."
"Exactly," Mabel said, forward, her face alight with encouragement. "And just think-you could finally say goodbye to those awful shifts and the constant stress. You could finally focus on yourself a little.
Lana took a long sip of her coffee and let the words sink in. The more she thought about it, the more sense it began to make. Mr. Sinclair's offer wasn't just an escape from the coffee shop, but he was offering her a chance to rebuild her life and find something with greater meaning attached to it.
"Alright," she said after some time, looking up at Mabel. "I think… I think I am going to call him. Maybe not tonight, but soon. I want to hear more about the job, see if it's really something I could do."
Mabel's smile spread across her face, "That's my girl! I knew you would come around. And don't you worry, I'll be right here, cheering you all the way. And if you need help with anything, you know who to call.".