When she looked in on Amy before bed, she was curled up in a fetal position, and it melted her heart. She only wished Trish would wake up so she could experience her own daughter.
The following morning, Nikki was in high spirits. She hadn’t bothered to make breakfast since she’d been there, but Amy inspired her. She was up early, dancing to Pharrell’s “Happy”as she made a garden omelet, breakfast muffins, sausage, and toast.
“Good morning,” a still sleepy Amy said as she walked into the kitchen.
“Oh, morning. Come, have a seat,” Nikki said as she opened the cupboard and took down some plates.
“Smells great,” Amy commented as Nikki lifted an omelet onto a plate for her.
“Thank you,” Nikki replied as she joined her by the counter.
Amy took a small bite before it turned to much bigger ones. “These are really good,” she exclaimed. “You’re a really good cook.”
“Yeah, it’s one of my passions.” Nikki shrugged.
“Mine too.” Amy smiled. “I’ve always wanted to be a pastry chef.”
“I guess it runs in the family, then,” Nikki dared to add, and Amy smiled wider as she dug into her meal. “Speaking of family, I need to take you to see Trish’s lawyer.”
“Lawyer? Why? I thought you said she’s in a coma,” Amy replied and scrunched up her face.
“She is, but she made provisions just in case…” Nikki trailed off. “There are things you need to know.”
“Such as?” Amy questioned.
“You’ll know soon enough,” Nikki told her. “We’ll go to see him as soon as we’re done eating. But first, I want to take you on a tour of the Nestled Inn.”
“Why?” Amy asked again, like a child.
“I thought you were past the age of ‘whys.’” Nikki laughed. “It’s your mother’s place. I thought you’d want to see it.”
Amy shrugged. “I guess. I’m already here.”
Kaylyn, Dorothy, and the rest of the staff were elated to see her.
“Oh, this makes me so happy,” Kaylyn gushed as she pulled a frightened Amy into a bear hug.
Everyone gathered around her and commented on Trish and how happy she will be to meet Amy. Nikki could see how uncomfortable Amy was becoming, so she excused them and instead took her on a small tour.
“This is a one Michelin star restaurant?” Amy asked in surprise when she walked into the restaurant.
“It is,” Nikki told her as they stood just inside the pristine establishment. “Lot 28. It has a mother restaurant across town. Paul, our childhood friend, was kind enough to give Trish his name to get her on solid ground. Business has been great since.” Then Nikki turned to face Amy. “You know, you could learn a thing or two here.”
“Maybe,” Amy said.
“Oh, look at the time,” Nikki exclaimed. “We need to get going. Come on.”
Amy wasn’t as enthusiastic about going with Nikki, and Nikki was apprehensive about the trip. She wasn’t sure how Amy would react to Trish’s wishes, but she could only hope for the best.
“Good morning.” Frank smiled as he opened his office door. “Come in. Have a seat.”
Amy walked in tentatively, followed by Nikki. They’d barely sat down when Frank pulled out the file. “I know you don’t want to be here longer than you should,” he said and looked at Amy. “You’re a very lucky young woman.” He smiled. “I’m happy to meet you.”
Amy smiled weakly and glanced across at Nikki. “Thanks. What’s this about? I thought these things were meant for, you know, the deceased.”
“Sometimes,” Frank confirmed. “Other times, you can appoint a personal representative or give someone power of attorney while you’re still alive. In this case, your mother, Trish,” he said and glanced at her over his glasses, “has treated this like a will.”
“Okay,” Amy replied tentatively and settled into her chair.
