Gianni was next. George paid him cash, straight from his pocket and giving him a generous tip. “We’re going to get you on my payroll, ASAP. Definitely plan on next Wednesday for the grand opening, OK?” he said.
“Yes, sir. Grazie.”
Gianni went out the door and Mikey stood, motioning to their table where Fabio and Ned were still engaged in quiet conversation and there was one chair that had remained empty all night.
“Two minutes,” George said. “Let me get Zac and May out of here. Then I’m done. I promise.”
Mikey smiled, nodding. He sat.
May was bussing the scant remains of the large table, mostly drink glasses.
“Anything you want to tell me?” George asked.
“It was a beautiful evening, George. I don’t think it could have gone any smoother.”
“Aside from getting me drunk, and parking me in the kitchen for most of it?”
May waved and began wiping the table down. “Oh, you were fine. Just nerves. Everyone had a great time. I think the good vibes will travel, both cosmically and by word-of-mouth.”
“I saw you exchange numbers with her.”
She had been avoiding eye contact, but relented. “Yes, you did... and we’re going out.”
“And you won’t be at the mercy of a blind date.”
“You’re never going to let me live that down.”
“Nope.”
“OK, you win. God, you’re such a man. You were right...blah, blah, blah.”
“I love you, May. I want to see you happy.”
“Yeah, I know. But you know I’m not good with intimacy.”
George hugged her.
“Stop it!”
“You two OK back there?”
“We’re OK, Mikey. May was just leaving.”
The front door jingled and Rachel stuck her head back in. “May, do you have a dog next door? I hear barking.”
“Oh, shit. Gertie. Let me get out of here.”
George chuckled. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She got to the door, then stopped, turned, and went back to him.
“Yes, Ma’am?” George asked.
“Gay-face,” she whispered.
“Uh, excuse me?”
“Snooty gay-face. Your date. He has it.”
