We had talked about her feelings on the issue for a few years. We were walking the blocks around the lease options and she was hell bent that I see her view on it all. I was distracted easily by the wood floors in that one property she passed up- but she brought us back to the topic.
Kay had a notebook inches thick with ideas about "The Broken Road" long before she even found a space, years before we opened it's doors. Waiting tables at a local café a few years ago, a customer offered her Stainless Prep tables and such- for when she makes that Restaurant a reality. She passed 'em up. They came up in more conversations than I can count for too many months after.
She always knew that she would have a little place of her own. The Décor, food- customers and what sort of hole the community needed filled. People were going to feel at home in our re-upholstered oversized chairs, the ample sun dancing through the large stainedglass windows, lots of reds and orange and a menu that most had sampled at her table over the years. Those who hadn't found there way to her table would be met with personal service- she'd just bring it to them. The French Onion Soup or Oatmeal Bread. It's in the love.
All up and running. The Autumn tree freshly painted on the Concrete Floor, branches running through the whole deal. A writers wall for local poets and story tellers. Freshly inked napkins pinned to branches running up the walls like leaves and Patrons staring at the souls of creative energies flooding corner to corner like paint. Rustic tables with local goods on display- Chutneys, Books of Local Poets, An Easle for whomever deems themselves artist, if only for the day. All the colors you can imagine to create and canvas behind the counter for the Instantly inspired. You needed a journal for a thought or flowers for your date- Kay had thought of everything. . . All the way down to Chef of the week where The Broken Road would feature a recipe and Menu Special right from Customers Kitchens.
She had made all of us a home away from home. It was beautiful on her. I never thought I would see her so full-filled. I wished it for her, but the day in fruition? I wondered.
A few months into our second season we were starting a quiet Tuesday morning. The Strawberries were dipped and the Iced Teas brewed. I recognized her interest being peeked in a passing glance and I had to double back. She noticed him different today than yesterday. It may have first been the Tulips he was rearranging in the Pitcher near her first publication. I think it could have had more to do with the way he said good morning and the genuine in his smile. Sure, Kay talks to everyone. She listens to all of your stories and has no problem sharing her own. She has lived an amazingly full life.. But when Kay asked him about his morning, it was different. When she responded by sitting down at the counter next to him I was sure of it. No really. Her interest was peaked.
See running from Prospect to Prospect when rolling up our sleeves to get real about this place- She said it, "My fear is that I won't know sincere when I see it. He's going to be right in front of me and I'll talk myself out of it because of this pain. I wouldn't recognize a loving man if he kissed me square on the mouth- uninvited."
She may have been wrong. I think she recognized sincere. Who cares about someones story if it makes them a person who loves like she does? Do you really care about what to them feels ugly when it means they will kick off their shoes for you in a bar fight if need be? They'd take on the world with you- one laugh, cry and pot of soup at a time.
I took a seat to roll yesterdays silverware. I was teary eyed for her. Hey, I'll not mention it till she does, but I'ma routin'! She looked him in his eye while they talked circles around the slow of the morning. After 9 on Tuesday's is traditionally quiet for us. I remember the flirt she is. I've called it an addiction, to be in a room with her. He saw it. He made it known. He was hooked to be right there with her- in conversation, laughing. The Gods were smiling for her to have the space to remember how she loves to laugh.
Have you seen her laugh? Really laugh when she knows you get her?
I loved her for most of our lives. I dreamed with her and for her. I've been her best friend and for small pieces of time, her lover. She always said No. I wondered what she was waiting for. I don't have to wonder any more. She found him. She doesn't know it yet, but that's him. Her new best friend. You do get what you give. The love that she put into her family- friends- this Café- even it's name. I had hoped for her that it would bring love to her again. I am grateful that she could trust it where she found it- in the home she made for all of us. The Broken Road.
