A New Life

Chapter 26

Its just after 4 and we're finally closing up for the day. "Could you guys please stay back for just a little bit longer?" I ask them both. The nod and we walk over to one of the tables and sit down. "So I know I've been a little weird and I haven't been here a whole damn lot, and I'm so sorry for that. I had some things happen to me that resulted in my mental health declining. I'm getting better now though, but as much as I would love to say I'm going to be back all the time again, I want to see what you would think about me bringing someone else in? Two someone else's actually. Logan, you once said your friend Jake was a budding chef?" he nodded. "Do you think he'd want a job here? I need someone to take over some of your duties as I want to promote you to full time manager for me." I say looking at him, his face lights up and he grins from ear to ear. "Holy shit, Katy! Yes oh my god! Are you sure?" he says trying to contain what I take as excitement. "Well I'm barely here and I need someone who knows the business inside out like I do. There's a lot more responsibility and I can go over all of that with you. But if you want the job it's yours." I smile.

"And that brings me to the next thing I wanted to say, Danielle, thank you so much for stepping in for me out front. I'm so sorry I've left you alone and I know we haven't really gotten the chance to really get to know each other. But I want to give you a little bit of a raise, maybe an extra $5? And we need to find someone to help you out front. How does that sound? " I say looking at her. She has the same reaction as Logan. "Oh my god, are you serious? Really? That would be amazing!! Thankyou so much!" 

We finish closing up and they go home. I come up with an ad for a new front of house member and print them off.

Me: Hey how are things going? X
Chris: Hey nearly done, how are you? X
Me: I'm good, all finished here. What time will you be done? X
Chris: Uhh maybe another half hour? Can you get Logan to drop you off here, or at home? X
Me: Sure x

I lied, Logan already left and I didn't want to bug anyone. I'm sure I'll be fine.
I lock up the store and head home.
After about 10 minutes I come across the place where I woke up that morning. I feel my heart tighten and tears start to build. I look around me and find no one anywhere. I decided to run home from there. I see home in the near distance. I try to go faster but the tears start to fall and blur my vision. I finally get home and unlock my door. I get in and lock it again. I slide down the door and sit on the floor.
Holy shit.
I cry for what felt like an hour. Until I hear three car doors close. I look out the window and see Chris, Ricky and Ryan walking up to the house. I quickly wipe my face and tears and take a deep breath in. I hear the door nob try to open. Then a knock. "Hey Katy, it's me, Rick and Ryan." Chris calls out. I take another breath and open the door. Without even thinking I pull Chris into a hug. He hugs me back and then asks "Are you okay?"

I let them come in and sit down, I grab them all drinks and offer some snacks. Chris follows me into the kitchen while I prepare some food. "Are you okay?" he asks again. I just hug him. "What happened?" I pull away and I look up to him. "I'll tell you, but you have to promise you won't get mad okay?" he just nods, with a concerned look on his face. "I walked home... And I walked past the place... I freaked out and I ran home. I'm sorry..." I feel the tears starting again. Knowing he'd be disappointed. "Hey, it's okay. You're okay. Why didn't you go with Logan?" he questioned. "He already left." I said. "So why didn't you call me?", "I didn't want to bug you. I'm sorry." I say going in for a hug. He hugs me back. "It's okay, you won't ever bug me. I don't want you walking home okay? Especially if this is what happens to you." I just nod.

The guys all stay for dinner, we talk about the tour, we watch a movie and then by the time the movie was done it was close to midnight.
Ricky and Ryan both leave and Chris stays.

" Chris?" I say getting ready for bed. "Hmm?" he replies back lying down. "You're here all the time, and when you're not here you're on tour right?" he slightly nods, not getting where I'm going. "Well, I know it's early, like really early... But I was wondering if maybe... I don't know..." I trail off. What am I thinking? "No what's up?" he encourages. "Well I was thinking maybe, you'd like to move in? I know you already have a place, but you're hardly ever there an-" I get interrupted by a pair of warm lips. "Okay" he says kissing me again.