3

It was a good day for Salt as waves of people washed up on the threshold, their bodies drifting on the pleasant scents that carried them in, and each one was met with a warm smile courtesy of Ashlyn.

A loud and exaggerated groan came from behind Ashlyn as the phone was hung up none too politely.

"Sometimes Marcus really grinds my gears. Can you believe he wants to start charging double for produce?" Kass grumbled. Ashlyn rolled her eyes at her best friends' attitude as the customer next in line chuckled.

The queue quickly progressed as Ashlyn continued to take orders and make the drinks, while Kass worked on preparing their meals. Lunchtime had always been busy for them since Salts opening six years ago. The flavors that Kass captured in all the food she made, and the constant changing menu, were alluring and tasteful. Salt was undoubtedly the guilty pleasure of many.

"I saw what you did earlier. Giving that money to Abel was nice and all, but what about Venice? And Athens? You've been saving up to go there for the past year," Kass reprimanded Ashlyn as she handed a young family two turkey paninis and a serving of mushroom empanadas.

With a shrug, Ashlyn took the next person's order. His need outweighed her own. Besides, Greece and Italy could wait. It wasn't like she would be able to do much there as a tourist, not without a means for communicating. The money would be put to better use with Abel. He had been like a father to her for the past twenty years, and now he needed to be a Father again to his daughter.

"Just don't give up your dreams for everyone else, okay? You're 28, and sooner or later this ole' town is going to be too small for you," Kass commented as the next customer stepped up to the counter.

"A vanilla bean soy Latte, and a papaya salad roll." The middle-aged businesswoman spoke bluntly, her gaze never wavering from the phone in her hand. "Does the Papaya salad roll contain nuts? I'm allergic, so they'll need to be left off." She continued to type.

Ashlyn bit her lip as she tried to think up a way to gain the woman's attention so she could respond. Kass was busy slicing a piece of cake and talking to one of the regulars and hadn't heard the woman's question. The frivolous typing ceased as the woman's cold blue gaze lifted and narrowed on Ashlyn.

"Are you stupid girl? I asked you a question." The woman barked; her lips narrowed with disgust. The sounds of the café stopped as everyone's attention turned to the counter and narrowed in on the woman who spoke. Ashlyn's expression faltered as she tried to sign an explanation. The woman only scoffed.

"Of course, I got the dumb barista." Her voice rose as Kass' head snapped in her direction. "This is ridiculous. I want to speak to someone else. Where is your manager?"

Unease settled in Ashlyn's stomach as she stepped back from the cash register, signing an apology as she battled the embarrassment racing to her cheeks.

"What is your problem," snapped Kass as she stepped around the counter. "Where do you get of speaking to anyone like that, you condescending witch." The woman's expression fell momentarily before her jaw clenched, and her brows narrowed.

"I'd watch what you say. I know people in very high places that could make things very difficult for you and your little project." The woman snapped, her chin hitched towards Ashlyn.

Sinking further into her shoulders, Ashlyn felt a surge of shame at the woman's bite.

"Do your worst, hun. You're in my town now." Kass stepped closer until her canvas shoes sat toe to toe with the woman's heels. Several diners stood from their chairs ready to step in if needed, while Ashlyn watched on with fear.

Though Kass was shorter than the woman, she harbored no doubts that Kass would win. She wasn't one to back down, no matter what the cost. And that was precisely what Ashlyn was afraid of.

"I'm sorry if Salt doesn't meet your standards of service." Kass paused, weighing the sincerity in her apology. "Actually, you know what? I'm not sorry. If you've got a problem with how I choose to run my business or the people I employ, then that's your problem, and it's a waste of time justifying my choices to someone like you. There's the door. You can leave now." Kass spoke frankly, her tone daring the woman to bite back as she pointed to the front door. The woman just glared as she glanced around the café, and over to Ashlyn still behind the counter. She scoffed, her gaze moving back to Kass. She opened her mouth to speak.

"Get out of my café. Now." Kass lowered her voice and spoke slowly for the woman only, her threat clear. The woman flipped her champagne blond hair and turned to leave, making sure to shove Kass with her shoulder.

"You will pay for this," she growled as she exited the café and rounded the corner.

At the sight of her retreating back, the café came to life with a roar of cheers and applause, and Kass was all too willing to basque at the moment as she bowed before them, her mocha-colored ponytail moving with her. With a triumphant grin, she turned on her heel and stopped at the hollow look that consumed Ashlyn.

"Ash, I'm sorry." Her voice was soft as she stepped towards her friend.

I need a minute, Ashlyn signed stepping away from her friend, and moving quickly towards the restroom, retreating within herself as she fought to maintain her composure while on the inside she was breaking.

When the door was locked securely behind her, Ashlyn stood before the mirror and watched the tears that moved like a gently flowing stream, glassy eyes of hazel and honey gazing back, looking deep within to the pit of hurt and shame she kept buried within. The people of Glassmont had done their best to adapt to the changes in her, learning enough sign language to communicate with her and exhibiting enough grace and patience. But new people and people passing through could not be helped. It was in these moments when her confidence was beaten, her resolve bruised, that she longed for her Father most. She needed him to show her how to remain strong, and kind, in adversity. He'd taught her a lot about showing kindness and compassion, but none of that had prepared her to be strong enough for when everything changed.

There were moments when she wished Nicholas and Andrew hadn't followed her into the raging waters. Things would have certainly been easier. Her skin was not hardened against careless words and undisguised looks. She knew how to smile, and she knew to be polite, but there was a darkness in her heart that desired to steal even the greatest of joys from her, and the voices of others were its greatest weapon, persistent with their reminders of the heartache she had suffered. Sometimes she just wanted to be held in her Fathers arms and made to feel a little less broken, just for a moment.