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THIRTY-ONE

MICKEY

I was grateful for the early afternoon lull so I could escape the dining room for a few minutes to restock for the dinner crowd. Things had been tense around Dad. Most of my anger had faded, but I was still processing, and it was hard to pretend like everything was fine.

There were only two people chatting at the counter with Dad and a pair of Rocktogenarians at one of Ingrid’s tables.

After she delivered refills to the elder rockers, I approached her. “Ingrid, I’m going to restock. Grab me if you need me.”

I pushed through the saloon doors and moved to our storage shelves to grab an empty iced tea container to begin making a new batch.

She followed me back. “Okay, kid. We’ve got about two minutes until I need to get back out there. What’s going on between you and your dad? He can barely look you in the eye, and I haven’t seen you this emo since puberty.” Ingrid’s words came out in an intense whisper.

I glanced toward the dining room and heard Dad telling the customers about the morning show’s planned visit to film the diner during lunch in two days.

Ingrid’s eyebrows rose as she stared expectantly at me.

When I’d confronted Dad, I hadn’t thought to ask about whether Ingrid knew, but I wasn’t sure he would’ve told me. I needed to proceed carefully, but the secrets left me exhausted to my bones.

“Can I ask you something?”

A crease formed between her eyebrows. “Of course.”

“Are you friends with Ian and Beth?” That was the only way I could think to approach the subject without giving away Mom’s friendship with Beth and Dad’s with Ian.

If Ingrid said no, then I could be honest and say I was struggling to navigate the feud alongside my growing friendship with Amos. Or she would read between the lines.

She studied me for a long moment, which told me everything I needed to know.

Ingrid blew out a breath. “I knew this day would come. How’d you find out?”

“I asked Dad.”

“How are you feeling about it all?” Her tone was concerned.

“Shitty. I’ve spent my entire life knowing running this place was the plan for me.

Not only did I not get a say in that, but I found this out.

” A dam broke in me. I was just so tired of it all.

“I don’t even want to run this place, but now I’m expected to keep pretending there’s a feud when there isn’t one? ”

While Ingrid wordlessly stared at me, I replayed my words. Why the hell had I said that? Telling Amos was one thing, but it wasn’t fair to put Ingrid in the middle. Instead of appearing shocked, her expression held understanding.

“I had a feeling. I know you love this place, but it’s not your passion like it is for Joe and your grandpa. Kiddo, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

I scoffed. “I’m sure Dad would disagree with you.”

Her expression softened. “He means well. He loves this place and wants everyone to feel the same.” She paused and looked like she was choosing her words.

“Red’s is all he knows. It’s his greatest accomplishment, and he wants to share it with you.

I’m not saying it’s right that he never asked what you want, but our Dad didn’t give him a choice either. ”

I guessed I hadn’t considered it from Dad’s perspective.

It didn’t excuse things, but it might explain them.

Even so, I wasn’t sure what the path forward was.

Take over the diner and risk being unhappy?

Or tell him I didn’t want it and risk Red’s closing when Dad finally retired or worked until he dropped to keep it alive as long as possible?

Selling it down the road after Dad passed would be too much of a betrayal to my family and the town. I would never do that.

“I wish Matty was here.” Maybe he would’ve become a cook like Dad, and we could’ve run it together.

That might’ve changed how I felt about everything if it wasn’t all on my shoulders.

At least Ian and Beth had each other, and Sage could have Amos, if they wanted.

Once Dad and Ingrid retired, it was just me.

“I don’t know what to do.”

She squeezed my shoulder. “Talk to your dad.”

“What’s he going to do if I don’t want to take over Red’s?”

“He’ll figure it out. You deserve a choice. I made sure I had one, and I don’t regret it. I didn’t expect to work here for so many years, but I can appreciate the place without having the pressure of being responsible for it.”

Dad greeted newcomers with his friendly, booming voice.

“I’d better get back out there. Take the time you need, but give it some thought. It’s time you guys had a talk.”

I blew out a breath. “You’re right.”

Ingrid grinned. “I never get tired of hearing that.” She grabbed a box of sugar packets and moved toward the saloon doors, then paused. “What would you do instead of running Red’s?”

“Maybe keep working here part-time, but I want to focus on my cheese. Sell at the farmers’ market and maybe do some retail placements at local stores.

Sell to restaurants too. I’ve got a few connections of commercial-grade facilities I can use to create it, but it’s been a matter of not having enough time to do both more than anything. ”

“I’ll support you in whatever you want to do. I’d miss having you around here, but even more importantly, I’d love seeing you happy.”

I kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Aunt Ingrid. Now get back to work.”

“Little shit.” She laughed as she pushed through the saloon doors.

If only it were as easy to talk to my dad, but at least I felt lighter after confessing to Ingrid. With each person who knew the truth, the secrets held less power over me.