Free Heartache and Hope by Mary Manners Page B

there, honey.” She greeted Daylin with a familiar smile. “Still hanging in there?”
    “Doing my best.” Daylin lifted her coffee cup in a welcoming gesture.
    “Good for you. I knew you would.”
    “Thanks for everything you’ve done tonight, Vera.” Patrick nodded in deference. “You’ve worked your fingers to the bone, and I hate to heap more on your plate by ordering this late.”
    “Nonsense. This is a diner, and that’s what I’m here for. You’ve worked hard, too.”
    Patrick knew that Vera saw and understood more than most gave her credit for. She and his mom were close friends.
    “Get your order together,” Vera prodded. She had an eagle-eye look about her with a mottled bush of silver-streaked hair brushing her pointed chin. Wire-framed glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. Because of her gruff exterior, many overlooked the compassionate soul beneath. Daylin had seemed to pick up on Vera’s kindness, though. She smiled as Vera slapped a pair of menus on the table. “I know you’ve probably already made up your mind, but just in case.”
    “Right.” Patrick lifted the menu and peered over the top. “I’ll take the usual—a southwest burger with a side of fries and a tall glass of sweet tea, hold the lemon.”
    “And you, honey?”
    “Just a small salad with low-fat Italian dressing, no crackers.” Daylin closed her menu and pushed it aside. “And I’ll have another cup of coffee, if you don’t mind.”
    “Now, why would I mind?” Vera yanked a pencil from behind one ear and jotted the order on a green pad. “Can I bring a slice of pie to go with that?”
    “No, thank you.” The response was emphatic. Daylin shook her head firmly. “My waistline will thank me later for refraining.”
    Vera left with a lighthearted cackle, and Patrick leaned back in his seat, spreading his arms along the length of the bench top. He watched Daylin for a moment, sizing her up and lining up a slew of questions. “What brought you here tonight?”
    “I…lots of things.” Daylin tore the top off two packets of pink no-calorie sweetener and dumped the contents of both into a steaming mug. “Do you want the War and Peace or the condensed version?”
    “Whatever works.”
    “I got dumped, I got mad and then I just got…tired of being angry and tired.” She sighed and stirred the coffee, pausing for a moment to stroke a hand through her hair. “The song says life is a highway, right? So, sometimes you have to bounce over a few pot holes to reach the Promised Land. My reasons for coming here tonight were selfish at first, I’ll admit—”
    “How so?”
    “You wouldn’t understand. You’re not…a woman.”
    “Thank God you’ve noticed.” Patrick winked. “Try me.”
    “I was feeling sorry for myself, indulging in a pity party of sorts. It’s gone on…well…much longer than I’d like to admit. This was a kick start to weight loss. But now, after hearing your speech, I’m embarrassed for my behavior. Honestly, compared to what you’ve endured, I have no right whatsoever to feel sorry for myself. How did you…how have you managed?”
    “I do what I have to, that’s all anyone can do.”
    Sandra’s words rang once again through Patrick’s mind. Begin your morning with a song and a prayer and the rest of the day will take care of itself.
    He smiled at Daylin, and then sipped his tea through a straw. “I’ll bet you sing real nice. I’d like to hear some time.”
    “Only if you buy a ticket.”
    “I just might do that.”
    Vera returned carrying a platter heaped with Southwest burger and seasoned fries. She set it on the table along with Daylin’s meager salad and a small, plastic cup filled with watery yellowish dressing. It looked anything but palatable, and Patrick was thankful to have his burger and fries.
    “You enjoy, now, and holler if you need anything.” Vera clucked her tongue.
    “Thanks.” Patrick nodded as he reached for the ketchup. “This should hit the