I make two lists for what I want in my ideal life, tear up one and start a third. The only two constants are Todd and Petr. I can't feel upset, not after the incredible weekend that's left me sated, sore and exhilarated about the most important part of my life.
Sitting back around midmorning, I realize I don't really need to know today, either. It's not like I'm leaving town tomorrow and have to choose a new life. I have time to figure it out.
Except … I'm anxious to catch up. I've got over four years to make up for missing time.
Preoccupied, I spend the better part of the day in pensive quiet. The business at the diner is slow enough that my journeys into my thoughts aren't a problem. I go through another five pieces of paper before resigning myself to the idea I'm not ready to figure it out yet.
Todd texts around three when he's off school and headed home. I glance at my phone to start the mental calculation about when he'll be home. With snow, it'll take a little longer for him to walk, so I'm guessing by four. I'm not too worried. By six, I'll feel relatively certain Simon's prediction of The Monster being in jail by the end of the day will be true. I'll check in with the attorney when I get home tonight then call my mom and let her know, if she doesn't already.
My evening plans are already set with Petr. The images in my head, coupled with the memories of his touch, make me sigh aloud.
It's dark by four. I text Todd to ask if he's home yet, and his response is a single word: almost. My excitement is growing about the end of the day, and I find it harder than usual to wait on people when I'm jittery, anticipating seeing Petr again.
"Hey, Claudia, you have a call," the second shift waitress calls from the phone located beneath the counter, near the entrance to the kitchen.
"Be right there!" I finish taking the order for the table where I am and then move away, checking the time. It's about four thirty. Assuming it's Petr, since I didn't think to give him my number, I accept the phone from her. "Hey, this is Claudia!" I say cheerfully.
"Hey, Claud."
I freeze. Every muscle in my body tenses, and for a moment, I can't breathe.
"Nice place. Didn't think you like the snow," Jake says.
His voice slides through me, pries open the lid of the box where my fear has gone, and places my chest in a vise.