Katie’s cell rang at 7:00 a.m. Half asleep, she answered it. “’Lo.”
“A new word in your dictionary?” Melanie asked.
“Ugh. Can’t you wait until work to talk to me?”
“You’re cranky in the morning. Were you this way when Mitch slept over?”
“What do you want?”
“If you’re up to it, we lost power in the office overnight so we’re meeting at Nettie’s café for breakfast until it’s back on. Can you be there by eight?”
“Okay. I’m getting tired of cold cereal anyway.”
Katie rolled out of bed and took a quick shower. She pulled the sides of her hair back and clipped it with a barrette. She couldn’t sleep last night. The conversation Mitch and she had was a big change. If he did have a child and they were a couple, she would have to share her time with Mitch. And if Mitch had a girl, Katie pondered how she could handle it. What if she was like Autumn?
It was a cool morning so Katie decided to walk the two blocks to Nettie’s and clear her mind. She arrived a few minutes early and noticed the lot was full of cars. Most were from her office mates. She walked into the café and was greeted by the hostess, who was expecting her. She took Katie back to a table where her coworkers sat.
“Good morning, Katie.” Fred lifted his water in cheers.
“Hi, Katie. Isn’t this great, getting a paid breakfast? Even though it isn’t a big, luxurious place, it’s still free, right, Shawna?” Brenda bumped her shoulder.
“Yep. I talked to Heidi before Katie came in and confirmed this is the first time we have done anything like this since I’ve worked here.” Shawna looked at Melanie.
“Umm, Shawna, you’ve been here eight months. You never knew what we did for fun. Right, Katie?” Melanie showed her boss face.
“Honestly, I don’t remember ever doing anything like this.” Katie gave her boss and best friend a snobby look.
“I have to confess. This is the first time, and we didn’t lose power at the office.” She clapped her hands three times. “We’re ready, guys.” Three waitresses came out carrying plates of eggs, pancakes, hash browns, biscuits with gravy, and sausage. “Your cake and ice cream is at the office for lunch.”
Katie had forgotten it was her birthday.
“One, two, three.” Brenda conducted the office workers with her hand. “Happy, happy birthday to you, Katie. May this birthday bring you lots of surprises.” They all clapped.
One of the waiters put a bag in front of Katie.
“Open it. We want to see if you like your gifts,” Heidi said.
“Gosh, people, why did you do this? You didn’t need to.” Katie shook her head.
“We did have to. Time for a before work party. Plus, there aren’t a lot of batches to do.” Melanie scooted her chair closer to Katie’s.
Brenda scooped some eggs on her plate. “I’m excited for you to see what’s in your bag.”
Katie put her hand in the bag and felt soft fabric, pulled it out, and swung it around on her finger. “What’s this?” She looked and noticed it was floral print underwear. “Oh my gosh.” She shoved it back into the bag.
Heidi laughed. “That was so damn funny. You should have seen the look on your face.” She mimicked Katie’s finger show.
Brenda commented, “Good thing Fred is used to seeing this type of garment.”
Katie looked at Fred as he smiled. The waitresses smiled and went on their way to serve other customers.
“I’m so embarrassed. I had no idea what it was. What else is in there?” She pulled out some bath salts, apricot facial scrub, and candy. “Thank you for the most interesting morning and birthday I’ve ever had.”
“I’ve noticed you haven’t been very talkative. Man problems?” Brenda asked.
“No. I’m still unpacking and organizing, along with visiting my parents.” Katie hoped the lame excuse was good enough.
Melanie looked at her and raised her eyebrows. She didn’t believe a word Katie said.
***
Later that day, Katie was back in the storage room organizing past documents. Melanie poked her head around the doorframe. “You have a visitor and he’s in uniform. Did you do anything bad last night to get into trouble?”
“Tell him I’ll be right out.”
“Nah, I’ll send him back here where it’s more private.” She grinned.
“No, you won’t. I’m coming with you.” She pushed past Melanie and speed walked to the front of the office where Mitch stood. He looked male model nice in his police uniform.
“What can I do for you, Mitch?”
He took her hand and led her outside to where his police car was parked in the alley. “I would like to take you out to dinner tonight for your birthday. Or do you have plans?”
“Will this be an official date?” She put her finger on the top button of his shirt and followed the trail where it ended at the top of his pants.
He raised his eyebrows. “Yes, my beautiful lady, yes, it is. I’ll be at your place at five-thirty.”