Page 48 of Knowing Amelia

Her lucky silver dollar? The one she left for Dad? She never mentioned where we’d find it. Did Dad even care about the gift?

I examine the coin; it’s scratched, and its luster is gone. But she loved it, and she left it for Dad. I leave it bound to her book, stacking the hardback up with the rest just as she had them.

In the end, I box up a few of her things, but mostly just give the room a good cleaning and leave it hers.

I make a running list of things to purchase for my new home. Number one, an old caller ID machine. Would I even be able to find such a device today?

I experience two days without speaking to another soul. Sure, Amelia’s phone rang… but I refused to answer it. I knew the minute Benjamin left and composed himself, he’d call Dad to tell him about our breakup, about my decision to stay, and eventually I would get to hear how I’ve disappointed them both.

Monday morning, I wake early. Rachel told me to be at the school by eight. Since I don’t have a car, I’ll be walking. I’m grateful for two things: Amelia only lives a mile from the school and the weather is decent. I’ve never been to Rendezvous in the winter, but Dad told me about the feet of snow, wind, and bitter cold. I’m grateful I’m not walking in that. I borrow black slacks from Amelia’s closet and pair them with my turquoise blouse. I straighten my long, wavy hair, leaving it down. Though I’m tempted to throw it up into a bun in case any more Roy’s think I’m a high schooler.

I gaze at myself in Amelia’s full-length mirror, turning to the side. These high heels are giving me a little more height than my five-foot-five-inch frame. I bite my lip through a grin. I look the part. I think I can handle this new adventure.

And then, I remember the title of my new adventure—temporary, high school, secretary assistant. Wow. Exciting.

We only have four weeks of school left. I’ll be assisting Rachel in her work, and I’ll have to learn quick. Not exactly high adventure, but something new—something different. After four weeks, I suppose I’ll have more decisions to make.

At 7:15 a.m., I’m sitting down to a bowl of cereal. I’ve almost emptied the box.

I stir my barely touched bowl of chocolate puffs and run Amelia’s last journal entry through my head. Seth. Did she really cry over this man so many years later? The odds of there being two Seths feel slim.

A tap on the front door interrupts my thoughts. Logan? It has to be. I can’t see Ben missing a day of work to come back here when I sent him away with his tail between his legs. And yet, I haven’t talked to Logan since we argued. But who else do I know?

I am over solitude. It’s exhausting. Anxious, I open the door. My heart quickens at the sight of him. Logan.

“Good morning, Olivia.” His hands slip into his pockets and his eyes glisten as he studies me.

I swallow, so glad to see him. “Good morning.”

He rocks once on the balls of his feet. “I’m sorry if I was rude the other day. I never meant to be unkind to you.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry too. I may have overreacted.” I move to the side, making room for him to enter. “Would you like to come in? I’m just sitting down to breakfast. I have one bowl of chocolate puffs left in the box and you’re welcome to them. I may never eat them again.”

His lips quirk up in a half grin. “Actually, I was wondering if I could take you to breakfast and then to work.”

“Yes!” I agree readily. Not walking a mile in my high heels, something other than cereal and PB&J’s to eat, and the morning with Logan? Yes, please. “I’d love that.”

On our drive, Logan explains that Rendezvous has one sit-down restaurant, La Familia. They serve a little of everything. Other than the school cafeteria, the only other option for eating out is Mel’s, the one and only gas station in town. Like any convenience store, Mel’s sells microwavable burritos and fat hot dogs. Logan is betting on me loving the infamous “Mel Dog.”

Out front, the place looks like any other house, except for the sign above the door. But the Mata family practically gutted and transformed the inside. Walls have been torn down, creating one large dining room. A dozen booths line the teal walls with tables in the center. Almost every table is taken. I’ve never seen so many people in Rendezvous in one room before—besides Amelia’s funeral.

“Gabe and Maria have a great breakfast menu.” Logan leans against the wall, waiting for a seat.

“Loga-an!” calls an older woman with dark hair and full hips. She waves from across the room, her lips parting in a wide grin.

Logan returns her wave. “Maria Mata,” he whispers, inclining toward my ear. “You met her at the funeral.”

“I have your seat!” she says in a slight Hispanic accent. She points to a booth by a window.

We start over with every person we pass offering a ‘hello’ to Logan and a lingering glance at me. One day I will be old news. Hopefully.

“I know you’re in a hurry,” Maria says as we approach. “So, I kept a booth open for you.”

“Thank you.” Logan smiles at her. “You’re too good to me.”

Maria snatches him by the shoulders and pulls him down to her, leaving a red lipstick mark on his cheek. “Only for you!”

Logan is like everyone’s favorite nephew.