Evelyn Parker

Chapter Two

Evelyn grumbled under her breath, her fingers fumbling over the contents of her backpack for the third time. She was checking, double-checking, and triple-checking that she had everything for her ride. Despite ducking out of the dreaded summer camp, she was far from thrilled about spending her precious summer vacation grinding away at a coffee shop.

In her books, this was a lose-lose situation.

"Oh, sweetheart," Melissa said, wrapping her arms around her daughter in a squeeze that was both comforting and reaffirming. "I can hardly believe you're off to work for the summer."

Evelyn released a chuckle, half-hearted at best, as she gently wrestled free from the hug.

"Yeah, well, it wasn't exactly a part of my Super Awesome and Cool Bucket List of Summer Fun."

"I know, honey. But don't worry. I've already met the woman who will look after you while you're at Stonebrook."

Melissa extended a business card to her daughter, a lifeline of sorts, bearing the name and address of her new summer haunt.

“She was a patient of mine once,” Melissa continued, her tone reassuring. “The café has a certain charm, you’ll see. Just give it a shot, okay?”

Evelyn pocketed the card, her skepticism barely contained. “But I’ve never worked in a café before, Mom. What if I mess up?”

Melissa laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter's face.

"Oh, Evie, when have you ever let the fear of the unknown stop you? You’re a pro at taking the plunge into new experiences. Who knows, you might even find you enjoy it.”

A hesitant smile began to bloom on Evelyn’s face, pushing away the storm clouds of anxiety.

The ping of Melissa’s phone sliced through their moment.

“Ah, duty calls,” she sighed, pressing a flurry of kisses onto Evelyn’s forehead. “Your dad will drive you. Send me a message once you arrive, okay? I love you to the moon and back!”

Evelyn hugged her mother, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "I love you too, Mom."

Evelyn’s eyes lingered on the diminishing form of her mother’s car, now just a dot against the vast horizon. She turned away, her gaze catching the 1980 Ford Thunderbird, its chrome catching the sunlight and throwing it back with a defiant sparkle.

“Ready to blaze a trail?” Brian's voice sliced through her thoughts.

Evelyn exhaled a sigh that seemed to deflate her. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess.”

Brian's chuckle rumbled deep in his chest, mirroring the Thunderbird’s purring engine.

“Chin up, Evie. It’s not doomsday. You might even find some fun in there."

"I hope so." Evelyn's smile was hesitant, the words barely audible as she swung open the door and climbed into the car.

Brian glanced back at his daughter, her face a portrait of disappointment and defeat.

"Hey," he began, his hand diving into the glove compartment. "I know you have your list, well, I have a little something of my own."

Brian produced a CD, sliding it into the car's player with a flourish.

"I call it 'Brian’s Parkers Super-Cool and Awesome Mix of the Best Tunes to Cheer Up a Sad and Sulking Daughter,'" he announced.

As he popped the CD into the player, the smooth melodies of the 1980's filled the interior.

Despite herself, Evelyn’s lips twitched into a smile. “That title could use some work,” she quipped.