Chapter 31

"Baby, Mommy is going out. Be a good boy, okay?" I say, placing a kiss on his forehead as he sleeps in his crib. "Chole, I will be back for lunch. Call if you need anything."

"Okay, have a nice day at work," she says with a warm smile and walks into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

I pick up my bag dressed in my usual black jeans and a red T-shirt. I have no time for makeup, and my hair is tied into a high bun. I leave and walk the short distance to the bus stop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is a very busy day at the restaurant and the staff runs around trying to meet everyone’s orders.

When I check the time, it’s 11:00 am, which means my shift is over. Sighing with exhaustion, I place my apron and notepad on the counter and get ready to leave.

"Shiloh, I need you here," Jane calls from the kitchen.

"Coming," I say.

Jane is helping make the orders. I smile at her warmly as I walk over, and she returns the smile.

Jane is a lady in her mid-thirties with black hair. She helps Shane direct and manage the restaurant when he’s not around. She is a very nice and friendly lady who cares a lot about her job and family.

"Jane, you called?" I ask.

"Shiloh, could you please stay longer to help in the restaurant? We have a lot of customers at the moment," she asks with a pleading look.

If I do this, then I will miss lunch at home, but then again it won't be bad to help, at least until my meeting with Elaina.

I sigh. "Okay, but I have to leave by 12:30," I say, taking the apron from her.

"Thanks! Take the order for table 11," she says, handing me a notepad before turning away with a grin.

I walk back to the staff office, place my bag on the table and pull out my phone. I call Chole. She picks up at once.

"Hello, Shiloh. Is everything alright? Are you on your way to the house right now for lunch?" she asks.

"That’s actually why I’m calling. I won't be able to make it for lunch because I have an extra shift and a coffee break with Elaina," I explain, freeing my hair from the bun.

"Okay. Everything is okay here. Wilmer is fast asleep."

"Has he taken his bath and eaten?" I ask, placing the phone between my shoulder and ear to put my hair back into a neat bun.

"Yes, I did all that before putting him to sleep."

"Shiloh, a customer is waiting for his order!" someone yells.

"Thanks. Call me if you need anything, okay? Bye," I say.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Jane, I’m leaving," I yell.

"Bye Shiloh. See you tomorrow! And don't forget to give Summer my message," she calls from the kitchen.

"I won't forget." I walk out through the back door and to the cafe where I’m meeting Elaina.

After having that talk yesterday with Sam, I need answers to my dilemma from Elaina.

The cafe is less crowded since it is afternoon. There are a few people chatting or relaxing with a cup of coffee or snacks.

I chose a booth on the left side of the café closer to the window where I can see the view of the busy road with people going about their daily routine.

"Would you like to order something?" a voice says.

"No, not now. I am actually waiting for someone," I say with a smile.

The waiter replies with a grin and a nod.

When I see Elaina’s car driving into the parking lot, I can’t help but smile. Her driver steps out and helps her out of the car.

As she makes her way into the cafe, I wave my hand to get her attention. "Over here."

"How are you doing?" she says, taking a seat in front of me before waving a waiter over.

"My life is not a bed of roses right now, but I am coping," I say sincerely.

She gives me a weak smile and then turns to the waiter. "Can I have a cafe noisette?"

"And any snacks?" he asks, writing down her order.

"Surprise me with something nice."

He nods and turns to me.

"I would like a vanilla latte and chocolate chip cookies," I say. He writes down my order and leaves.

I squirm in my seat nervously, contemplating the best way to bring up my discussion with Sam.

I push myself closer to the table before meeting her questioning look.

"Sam was at my place yesterday.”

The waiter comes back with our order. I thank him.

"Enjoy," he says before leaving.

"What was the reason for her visit?" she asks before taking a sip from her cafe noisette.

"She told me everything about the business deal about her and Chance’s relationship." I stir my vanilla latte to keep my hand busy. "But why didn't you tell me about all this? You kept it hidden even though you knew it concerned me and my baby," I say. She stares at me.

"Chance only just told me all this on the day you went to the hospital, but I kept it from you because it wasn't my story to tell."

I place my hands on my lap.

"Shiloh, stop overthinking everything. Just follow your happiness," she advises with an encouraging smile.

I keep my eyes down and stare at my fingers on my lap.

"I am trying to do that," I say softly. "I am trying to sort out my true happiness," I say locking eyes with her.

"And I know you will find your way through all this."

I take a sip of my coffee and bite into a chocolate chip cookie.

We eat in comfortable silence. Elaina places her fork on her empty plate, wipes her mouth with a napkin, and then breaks the long silence.

"I spoke with your mum last week," she says, studying my facial expression.

I take in a deep breath, calming my nerves. "Why? I know you two don't really get along," I say forcing a smile.

"I know. But we are trying to put our differences aside since we are family now." She shrugs. "Your mum is worried about you, dear. Don't you think it’s time you speak with her?" she suggests.

"I don't think I am ready to speak with her yet," I say sincerely.

"I won't force you to speak with your mum, but it is the only way to understand the whole truth." Questions bubble in my mind.

"What truth?" I ask.

"I can't tell you, but I need you to think about speaking with your mum or Sylvia." She pays the bill before getting up to leave.

I trail after her out of the restaurant. She has her driver take me to the pizzeria shop where I work.

"Call me after your shift today, okay?" she says before waving goodbye.

I watch as she drives away and then I walk into the shop.

"Welcome to Lizza" is boldly written on the sign with “Home of Pizza” written just below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I tuck the last pizza box for delivery on the bicycle. I decide to take the bicycle instead of the delivery truck because it’s just one delivery. Besides the address isn't very far from here.

I pull my phone from my back pocket. 8:25 p.m. I should be at home right now, but someone had to make a late last-minute order.

I scroll through my contact for Chole's number. "Hello," she says when she answers.

"Chole, I’m coming home a few minutes from now. I just have one last delivery," I explain in a hurry.

"Okay, just be safe," she says softly.

"Thanks, bye.”

I get on the bicycle and ride off.

The streetlights shine brightly. I ride the bicycle slowly and make a left turn onto the road. Suddenly, I feel a napkin press firmly against my nose, cutting off my fresh air.

I grab the hand that’s wrapping the napkin around my mouth and nose and desperately try to pull it off.

The bicycle falls with a thud on the floor, but the hand holds me up firmly.

My eyelids are heavy and black dots appear in my vision. My breath is heavy and everything goes black.