Thankful Read Free Page B

couldn’t help the excitement from seeping into her voice. “I just happen to be waitressing today.”
    He chuckled. “Is that a fact? Well, good for you. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”
    Little by little, her excitement faded. He was sounding very much like a doting uncle, which was nice, but it wasn’t quite the response she’d hoped for. “I will tell you everything. When we have time to talk, that is.”
    He chuckled. “I’m sure that will be sooner rather than later. So, do you need me to pick you up today?”
    â€œI’m afraid I do.”
    â€œYou do?” She heard a couple of papers being shuffled and something clanging in the background. “All right, then,” he said around a sigh. “I better go tell Janice that I’m going to have to leave soon.”
    â€œWho is Janice?”
    â€œShe’s one of my supervisors. Look, I might be a few minutes late, but don’t worry. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
    Now she felt even more like a child. “I’m sorry for the trouble.”
    â€œIt’s no trouble, Christy. I told you, no matter what, I’ll always look out for you. Always and forever.”
    Yes, he had told her such things. And she’d always counted on his promises. But, unfortunately, today she was feeling like yet another responsibility for him. Feeling even more deflated, she said, “All right. Um, see you around four.”
    Hanging up the phone, she wondered if anything would ever change between them. If today’s conversation was any indication, it was obvious that all her hopes and dreams were destined to remain merely figments of her imagination.
    â€œHe certainly seems like a caring person,” Jana murmured from behind her shoulder. “I couldn’t help but overhear. He’s going to drop everything and come get you?”
    â€œ Jah . Well, he’s going to tell his supervisor that he needs to leave to come get me.”
    â€œWell, that’s what brothers do for their little sisters.”
    Something about that bothered her to no end. She was tired of making him into something that he wasn’t. “Aden is very caring and kind. But he is definitely not my bruder .”
    A pair of fine lines appeared between Jana’s brows. “I’m sorry. I thought he lived with you?”
    â€œAden does, but he’s not my bruder . He’s only lived with us for ten years.”
    Jana rested her hands on her hips. “Hmm. Well, all right, then. Now, you’d best go take care of table twelve. I think they’re ready to give you their order.”
    Christina pulled out the little notepad from her apron and got to work, only a little embarrassed that she’d been so curt with her boss. But there were some things she just couldn’t joke about.
    And her mixed-up relationship with Aden Reese was one of them.
    O ver at the cash register, Jana Kent scanned the last hour’s receipts with a sinking heart. It seemed that no matter what she did, she wasn’t achieving the increased bump in business she’d been so hoping for.
    She’d never imagined that her life would be so stressful at fifty-eight. Of course, she hadn’t imagined Harrison would have died suddenly twelve years ago. At forty-six, she’d become a widow and sole proprietor of an Amish restaurant that had been her husband’s dream, not hers.
    At first, she’d welcomed the business and the work. She’d been proud of herself for being independent, glad to be so busy, and so grateful for her employees. Most of the women were Amish and had taught her quite a bit about patience and faith. They’d become good friends, too.
    But now she was wishing she were one of the women she was currently serving meals to. She’d like nothing more than to hop in her car and go for a long drive.
    The fact was, she was tired. She spent too much time worrying about bills and