Page 71 of Day Break

George smiled. “When can I go home?” he asked Lane.

Before he could answer, the door flew open and the rest of the family rushed in. Several of them glared at me sitting next to George, so I stood up and moved to the back of the room while he visited with them.

A minute later, I snuck out of the room. I wasn’t wanted, that was obvious. More than one of them had accused me of poisoning George or forcing him to exercise too much.

Thankfully, Lane jumped to my defense, but I didn’t want to listen to another fight, so I walked out to the lobby area.

There was a soda and candy machine. I’d never experienced anything like it, so I decided it was a good time to try. Besides, I’d always wanted to have a soda and a candy bar from a large vending machine.

I’d had plenty of sweets growing up, but nothing mass produced. Sodas were a sin, I’d been told repeatedly growing up. I’d had canned teas or bottled water, but never a soda.

I took some change from my purse and followed the instructions on the machine. I was pleased when my selections dropped into the bin. I took them to the waiting area and sat and enjoyed the treats.

I was disappointed in the candy bar I’d selected, though. It had a strong chemical taste. I could make a better dessert with my eyes closed.

I thought about all the ingredients and how I’d put them together to fill my time while I waited.

By the time Lane stepped out and found me, it was dark outside.

“Hungry?” he asked, looking at the wrappers.

“Yes. You?”

He nodded. “Let’s head out. They’re going to kick the rest of the family out in less than an hour. There’s no use sticking around and arguing with them. I’m too hungry and tired for it.”

I followed him out, tossing my trash in the can as we went. He helped me into his car, and we sat in silence as he drove.

It was too dark outside to see much as we traveled back towards the house. The first thing that looked familiar to me was the little gas station that I had walked to my first week on the island. That day felt so long ago. Lane pulled in and parked the car.

“I figured we could grab a burger here instead of trying to make something at the house,” Lane said, opening my car door for me.

“Thanks,” I said, feeling uneasy about returning to a place that held bad memories.

We walked right in, past the spot I’d dropped the bread while being accosted by the large man.

The place was fairly packed, but we found a table near the back wall and sat down.

Looking over the menu, I was slightly shocked at how expensive the food was. Since I’d been in charge of ordering the food in the house, I knew pretty well what things cost to purchase.

The service George used had a program on the computer screen on his refrigerator. All I had to do was scroll through the items, add it to a cart, and hit the order button. The items would be added to the next delivery. Simple.

I spent so much time scrolling through everything, I probably had the entire menu memorized.

When the waitress came, Lane ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate milkshake. I set the menu down and ordered the same thing.

I leaned forward after the waitress left and whispered, “This is my first time at a restaurant.” It sounded so foolish.

“Really?” Lane frowned, then everything about him shifted. The tired look he’d had moments before was gone, replaced by something I’d never seen before. “You should have told me.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice. “We could have done so much better than here. This is a gas station diner, not a real restaurant. When we get to Seattle tomorrow, I’ll take you to a real restaurant.”

I smiled. “I’d like that.” Then I remembered George. “Will George be, okay?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yes, they want to keep him for a few nights. He made me promise that we wouldn’t cancel our plans. I told him that we’d take Byron with us.”

“What about your family?” I asked.

Lane shrugged. “They’re heading back to the city in the morning as well.”

“Are you sure he’s going to be all right?” I asked.