Overtime

~TALLY~

It was a bright and bustling Tuesday morning, with the sun already high in the sky and the temperature beginning to climb. As I strolled down the familiar streets of my neighborhood, I couldn't help but take note of the changes and the constants that had endured over time.

The most striking difference was the new streetlamps that had been installed along the sidewalks. Gone were the old, flickering fixtures, replaced by sleek, modern LED lamps that cast a crisp, white glow over the area. The fresh asphalt on the roads was another obvious alteration, the smooth black surface a stark contrast to the patchwork of potholes and cracks that had once scarred the pavement.

Many of the businesses had undergone renovations as well. The quaint, family-owned diner I used to frequent as a child had been transformed into a trendy, farm-to-table restaurant, its once-humble exterior now adorned with rustic wood paneling and large picture windows. The corner market, too, had received a facelift, its old-fashioned signage swapped for a bold, contemporary logo.

Yet, despite these changes, there were still many familiar sights that remained unchanged. The towering oak trees that lined the streets still cast their dappled shade over the sidewalks, their gnarled branches swaying gently in the warm breeze. The old Victorian homes, with their ornate gingerbread trim and sweeping front porches, stood steadfast, a testament to the enduring architectural style of the neighborhood.

The friendly faces of longtime residents were another constant, as I exchanged nods and waves with those I recognized from my childhood. The elderly man who tended to his meticulously manicured lawn was still there, as was the middle-aged couple who walked their beloved golden retriever every morning.

Even the sounds of the neighborhood remained largely the same – the laughter of children playing in the schoolyard, the rumble of delivery trucks, and the rhythmic thud of a neighbor's hammer as they worked on a home improvement project. These were the familiar melodies that had once been the soundtrack to my youth, and they still wove their way through the streets, a comforting reminder of the continuity that persisted amidst the changes.

As I continued my stroll, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia intermingled with the curiosity of observing my old stomping grounds through new eyes. It was as if the neighborhood had evolved, like an old friend who had grown and matured, yet still retained the essence of what had drawn me to it in the first place.

As I pushed open the door to the familiar cafe, the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee instantly enveloped me. My gaze immediately landed on the smiling face of Lucy, the manager I had known for years.

"Tally! Is that you?" she exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with delight as she hurried out from behind the counter. "It's been forever! Where have you been, you old rascal?"

I couldn't help but grin as she pulled me into a warm hug, her infectious enthusiasm immediately lifting my spirits.

"Hey there, Lucy," I replied, chuckling as I returned the embrace. "It's so good to see you. I know, it's been way too long – I'm sorry I haven't been around more often."

Pulling back, she studied me with a playful scrutiny. "Well, you certainly haven't changed a bit. Still the same ol' Tally, I see." Her smile widened as she gestured towards the counter. "Now, what can I get you? The usual?"

I nodded eagerly. "You know me too well. A large dark roast with an extra shot, please. I'm in desperate need of a caffeine boost today."

"Coming right up!" she called over her shoulder, already moving to prepare my order. "So, fill me in – what have you been up to all this time? I feel like it's been ages since you've graced us with your presence."

As she worked, I leaned against the counter, relishing the familiar feel of the place. "Well, you know, I just graduated from school," I said, a hint of pride in my voice. "Been keeping busy with job hunting and all that, but I figured it was high time I came back and checked in on my favorite coffee spot."

My answer was partially a lie, considering I knew that I was going to work under my dad’s company.

Lucy chuckled, her gaze warm and affectionate. "Ah, so you're a fancy grown-up now, huh? Well, it's about time you joined the rest of us in the real world." She paused, handing me the steaming cup. "There you go, fresh and hot, just the way you like it."

I accepted the cup gratefully, the rich aroma instantly reviving my senses. "You are the best, Lucy. I don't know how you manage to make the perfect cup every single time."

"Trade secret," she replied with a wink. "But I'm just glad to have you back. Now, you'd better stick around for a while, mister. I've got plenty of catching up to do."

Settling into one of the cozy armchairs, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. It was as if I had never left – the familiar faces, the comforting smells, the warmth of the atmosphere. This cafe had always been a haven, a place where time seemed to slow down, and I was grateful to be back.

As I settled into the cozy armchair, I couldn't help but pull out my laptop, my fingers instinctively navigating to my father's company website. Even though it was his business, I was determined to earn my place there on my own merits.

Scrolling through the open positions, I carefully scanned the listings, my brow furrowed in concentration. "You know, Lucy, I'm actually looking to apply for a job at my dad's company," I said, glancing up at the attentive manager. "They've got some really interesting opportunities, and I'm hoping to work my way up from the ground up, just like any other employee."

Lucy's eyes widened in surprise, a proud smile spreading across her face. "Well, look at you, Tally! Going the extra mile to prove yourself, I see. I always knew you had it in you to go places."

I nodded, a determined glint in my eye. "Exactly. I want to show them that I'm more than just the boss's kid. I've got the skills and the drive to make it on my own." Clicking through the application process, I let out a deep breath. "It's a competitive field, but I'm ready for the challenge."

Leaning forward, Lucy gave me an encouraging squeeze on the arm. "I have no doubt you're going to knock their socks off, sweetheart. You've always been a go-getter, and I've got a good feeling about this."

Flashing her a grateful smile, I felt a newfound sense of purpose coursing through me. "Thanks, Lucy. It means a lot to have your support. I'm just hoping I can land an interview and really showcase what I can bring to the table."

"Well, you know I'll be rooting for you every step of the way," she assured me, her eyes gleaming with pride. "And if they don't hire you, then they're a bunch of fools, as far as I'm concerned."

Chuckling, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. With Lucy's unwavering belief in me and my own determination, I was more motivated than ever to make my mark at my father's company. This was my chance to prove myself, and I was ready to seize it with both hands.

“Oh, now that you’re here. I might as well tell you. There will be a ceremonial celebration for the new alpha of a pack. I’m not sure who he is but you should come.” Lucy offered and I furrowed my brows even further.

I couldn't help but furrow my brows at Lucy's unexpected invitation. A ceremonial celebration for a new pack alpha? That was certainly not the kind of event I was eager to attend.

"A werewolf gathering, huh?" I mused, my voice laced with a touch of apprehension. "You know how I feel about those kinds of things, Lucy."

She nodded sympathetically, her eyes understanding. "I know, I know. But this is a big deal, Tally. Every member of our kind in the area will be there."

I let out a resigned sigh, already dreading the prospect. "Yeah, I figured as much. My mother's going to be all over me about it, isn't she?"

"Probably," Lucy admitted with a wry chuckle. "You know how she is – always trying to play matchmaker."

I rolled my eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Ugh, don't remind me. She just can't accept the fact that my mate is most likely dead and I might never meet him."

Reaching across the counter, Lucy gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey, you never know. At least get her off your back for a little while."

I considered her words, knowing she meant well. But the thought of being surrounded by my kind, all of them no doubt eager to play Cupid, filled me with a sense of dread.

"I'll think about it," I relented, taking a sip of my coffee. "But you know how I feel about these things. I'm not exactly the social butterfly type."

Lucy chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "That's why you've got me, darling. I'll be your designated wing-woman."

Despite my reservations, I couldn't help but laugh at the mental image. "Oh, lord. Now I'm really in trouble."

As we continued our banter, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety at the prospect of attending the werewolf celebration. But with Lucy's unwavering support and my determination to forge my own path, I knew I couldn't let my fears hold me back. Who knows, maybe this could be the start of a new chapter in my life.

“I’ll think about it, Lucy.”

I concluded, averting my eyes back to the laptop in front of me.