3D: Growing Up

Days after Aubrey and Julio’s conversation, the secret burned inside like glowing coals in her belly. A permanent smile affixed to her face piqued the family’s curiosity but made them return the joy. She longed to tell them her good news but honored Julio’s request to do things properly. Thoughts of being someone’s wife–Julio’s wife–swirled around her head like bubbles on the surface of a glass of fine wine. Was she ready? Were they mature enough? As soon as she blew out the candles on that decadent cake, her young adult life kicked off in high gear with her own restaurant and now an impending marriage. Leaving home would be hard, but she looked forward to the adventure life with Julio would bring.

At the restaurant, Keegan excelled and even earned a raise. Each day, he showed Aubrey why going out on a limb for him was an excellent idea. He came early, stayed late, and gave every patron service with a cute smile.

The other employees only tolerated him. They never mistreated him but didn’t exactly welcome him with open arms. Honestly, they weren’t a tight group to begin with, so maybe he would never fit in. Every so often, Malakai made snide remarks about Keegan being the favorite and getting special treatment. He was one to talk with the long breaks he took and all his days off. But, the way Aleah glared at Julio sometimes made Aubrey feel like they all had similar thoughts. But, why? She treated them all the same.

One day, Malakai did not show up for work. He called within an hour of his expected arrival and explained the situation saying he would be in as soon as possible. She would never relish in his misery, but the urgency in his voice comforted her. At least the excuse was legit this time. Being short one server was never fun, but it was a great opportunity to test Keegan’s abilities. Usually, when Malakai was late or off, she’d pitch in and help Keegan but not that time. If he handled the work with finesse, maybe she could trust him in a management position when she moved on to the next restaurant.

Leaving dirty plates on tables and customers waiting was so hard for the perfectionist inside to leave alone, but she had to do it. Instead of letting the mess and chaos eat at her, she checked on the patrons and chatted them up more than usual. Aleah had just seated Aunt Janessa; it was her first time at J. Pruett’s Grill.

The old woman folded her arms around Aubrey. “There’s my girl! How are you, beautiful?”

The warm hug was an awesome distraction. “It’s so good to see you, Aunt Janessa!”

No one spoke of it at home, but Janessa was well up in years and far beyond the average life expectancy. Her active lifestyle kept her healthy, but eventually death would come. The Pruetts cherished each day they were blessed to spend with her. Aubrey was still cherishing the moment and got lost in thought while Janessa enjoyed her food.

“Aubrey?”

“Aubrey?”

“Huh?”

“Are you well?”

“What?”

Keegan’s puppy dog eyes squinted when he grinned. “You’re not here.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks warmed. “I’m sorry. Did you need something?”

“No. Just making sure you are ok.”

His smile was so infectious, she couldn’t help but reciprocate. Working with a friend had more benefits than drawbacks contrary to what her dad warned against. Amid people who didn’t care about the restaurant and only collected a paycheck, it was refreshing to work with someone who would recognize if something were wrong. “Is Malakai here yet?”

“No.”

She sighed heavily. “Ok. You’re doing a great job, Keegan. I appreciate all the energy you pour into this job.”

Poor Keegan was so pale, he couldn’t hide a blush if he tried.

While still in the spirit of praise, she went to Wilson for some overdue compliments. “You know, Wilson, everyone is saying we have the best burgers in town!”

His eyes doubled in size. “Do they now?”

“They sure do. Even my dad says so.”

“Awww shucks, little lady. I think I’m ready for Grim to take me now. That’s the best compliment I could ever get!”

She chuckled. “Well, don’t go anywhere just yet. Those burgers won’t make themselves! You’re doing a great job, Wilson.”

If only she could give Aleah a genuine compliment.

Later in the evening, Aubrey stumbled upon more family and friends. Malakai was still missing, and Keegan was busy at another table. She should have allowed him get to them when he could, but she would not let these ladies wait.

Katlin, late Uncle Emerson’s wife, and Adrianna McConnell sat patiently on the patio looking just as radiant as ever. Aubrey didn’t get to see Adrianna anymore since leaving Viviana’s and needed to poke fun at her. As she approached the table, Aubrey put her finger to her lips so Katlin wouldn’t say anything. She stood right behind Adrianna and said, “So, you’re cheating on my dad now?”

“Oh!” Aubrey thought she would fall out the chair. “Is that you, child?”

“I’m glad to see you, Adrianna.”

“You know we got to spread love to all the Pruetts!”

“And we appreciate it. Katlin, I hear you’re a new grandma again! Congrats!”

Every time Aubrey thought of her cousin, Graham, she shook her head. They were close in age, went to school together, and lived across the street from each other during the last part of her high school days. They were family, but she was much closer to Keegan who did not deserve her generosity, according to the authorities on high school hierarchy. She and Graham just didn’t click. That was ok, right? There were no laws stating all family members must get a long.

“Yes, thank you! It’s hard to believe my baby is a daddy now. Are you and that fella of yours gonna have some babies soon?”

“Mmm hmm,” Adrianna chimed in. “They gonna make some beautiful babies! Too bad they won’t be Pruetts. At least Jonathan has Oliver now to keep the family name going.”

Aubrey covered her mouth to hold in laughter. Those two were a riot. She didn’t realize they even knew each other. Having older people speculate about her unborn children was a milestone signaling to the world she was a legit adult now despite still being so young. This rite of passage sent her sailing on the sea of adulthood at full speed.

Close to closing time, Malakai still had not shown up or called. Aubrey gave up on him and helped Keegan clear tables. Within minutes, she saw him in the corner of her eye working out of uniform.

A frustrated sigh rushed through her nose as she considered her next course of action. She appreciated his willingness to help; he didn’t have to come. But, he needed to care more about the job. The number of days he called out with conflicts and excuses far exceeded the days he worked. This was the perfect situation to prove to herself she was mature enough to advance to the next stages of life.

She sucked in a deep, courageous breath and confronted him. “Malakai? Can I see you?”

“What’s up, boss?”

“I’m glad you’re here, but I can’t have you out of uniform.”

“Oh. Yeah, sorry ’bout that. I saw things were backed up, so I thought I’d help clear out before I got dressed.”

“I appreciate the thought, but you can’t work in your street clothes. So, either change now, or go home. You understand, right?”

He smiled ever so slightly and said that he would change. Oddly enough, his little smirk looked like something akin to pride. Had he been goading her all that time, pushing her to see how far she’d let things go? This guy had way too many layers for her tastes.

“Can I say something else?” she asked.

“What’s up?”

She took another courageous breath. “I know you have a lot going on, and I’m really sorry. But, your absences and long breaks … Well, I don’t mind covering for you, but I won’t always be able to do that. You do a great job when you’re here, but I need you to be here, ok? I can handle it if you don’t think the job is a good fit anymore. I just need you to tell me.”

He nodded and headed for the bathroom to change. Just as he disappeared, a restaurant critic walked in grinning with excitement.

There was nothing to fear, but Aubrey’s stomach did backflips. No one ever knew when a critic would visit, but if only she could have sensed it. Good thing Malakai got dressed and cleared the tables. Otherwise he would have reflected negatively on her.

“Good evening! I’m Aubrey Pruett. Welcome to J. Pruett’s Grill.”

“Hey there,” the critic said with a warm gleam in his eyes. “I hear this place has the best burgers in town.”

---

“…I was so afraid Malakai would do something stupid,” Aubrey said, rolling her eyes. “But, the rest of the night went smoothly.”

“That’s great, kid! I remember my first critic. I didn’t even get to speak to the woman.”

“Why not?” 

“I was tending the bar. Sky handled it, and she felt the same as you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. See, by the time you started working, we had ironed out all the kinks. We were a well-oiled machine by then, but it didn’t start that way.”

“You had problems with the staff?” In all her laments about her employees, and comparisons to Viviana’s, she never considered things hadn’t always been wonderful.

“Of course. Every restaurant has its problems. Savannah was a lot like Malakai. She came to work every day but brought her problems with her. That night, her attitude wasn’t great.”

“So you spoke to her?”

“Your mom did. I know these things can be unnerving, but once you get over the initial fear, it gets easier. I’m very proud of you. Don’t worry about Malakai. Everything will work out how it’s supposed to.”