“In a few more minutes, it won’t be safe even for this big truck. Most people get in real trouble trying to cross in their regular cars. But swift water like this, even six inches deep on a tire, can lift and move a vehicle. People just won’t listen and then they’re in trouble. But don’t worry. We’ll make it. Close your eyes and that might make it easier for you. But I’ll keep mine open.” Rance tried to put her at ease with the small quip he added.
“I’ll keep them open. I trust you.”
Those simple words were great worth to him and he gave the truck more gas and across they went, slow and steady. Erin had watched the whole way across the rushing waters. “Nice job there,” she commented.
“You’ll be okay at Tillie’s and the rest of us are in and out just across the street from you at the courthouse. You have my cell, also. Your help is much appreciated. Normally, there is no way I would have you out among others but then this is not normal. People will be concentrating on getting help to others, so this is an exception. Just try to keep it low-key…stay away from too many questions, that sort of thing.”
“I believe I know what you mean,” she said, and couldn’t help adding, “It’s nice to meet you. I’m just the latest of Rance Parker’s long list of female friends. Don’t mind me. I’ll be gone soon.”
Rance didn’t respond as they turned onto a side street and there were more vehicles and flashing lights coming and going. “We’re here,” he said in a no-nonsense tone as he pulled into a parking space in front of Tillie’s Café.
Getting out of the truck was just as comical as getting in had been. Basically, she took a step and slid the rest of the way down into Rance’s waiting arms and was lifted around and placed on the sidewalk.
“Not my most graceful exit from a vehicle, but I thank you anyway,” she said, trying to get at least a hint of a smile from the man. But it didn’t work. A few steps and he pushed open the door to step into a beehive of activity.
“There she is!” Ally called out, carrying a tray of fruit cups across the room. “Cassie has a station for you in the kitchen. She’ll show you what we need to do next.”
After that, she had no idea when Rance left, but she had been commandeered by Cassie to fill a spot across from her at the end of the makeshift production line. Once the boxes were full with a sandwich, apple, chip bag and napkins, it would arrive with her where she would close it and slap a sticky label on top of it. She was on the turkey side… And Cassie had the ham side. Another volunteer would come along and load up her boxes and disappear with them. Simple enough.
Erin concentrated on her task over the next hour or so, listening to the various conversations throughout the large kitchen. She learned a lot in a short time about the community and how much they took care of each other. Erin had heard about such small towns, but this was her first real experience in seeing one in operation, and she felt even more envy for the people. They were going through a bad period now, but their spirits did not fail. Nor did their ‘can-do’ attitudes.
The smell of hot coffee was continual, and she watched large urns being carried from the kitchen to the front of the café. They were lined up on long tables along with bottles of water, canisters of tea, and coolers full of ice. People could help themselves.
Soon the white boxes of food took their places stacked upon each other along the walls on long tables in the large private dining room. There was a break in the production line and Tillie came in and Cassie introduced Erin. The woman was a powerhouse of energy. And she enthusiastically welcomed Erin into their midst, thanking her for her work so far.
“Tillie, I have looked for the stew recipe and can’t find it. If you can remember what Earl put into it, maybe I can wing it,” Cassie said. “I know we want something warm for the volunteers coming in later this evening. They will be chilled out in that rain and all for so long.”
“Oh dear, I should have paid more attention,” Tillie said shaking her head. “I don’t have time to stop and try to make chili.”
“I have a stew recipe that is usually very good. It is simple if you have the stew meat, tomato sauce, potatoes, onions, corn, peas…goes good with corn bread.” Had Erin really said that? Tillie smiled and nodded.
“You are an angel. Cassie will gather the stuff for you, and you can have at it. We should have it ready for the group at seven… Can you manage that? You can plan for at least fifty the first go-around. I know you can handle it. Just tell your helpers what to do and they’ll do it. In the meantime, I’ve got to get back over to the courthouse for a meeting of merchants.”
She was gone and Erin looked around at the eager faces ready to help her. Oh dear. She was certain that cooking for two or even three was a lot simpler than the fifty or so number Tillie had tossed out as she went out of the door into the rain.
Ally smiled and patted her arm. “We are all yours, Chef. Tell us what you need.”
And so she graduated into a kitchen apron, and the big pans she asked for appeared on the stoves. “I need onions finely chopped. I need potatoes peeled and then diced. The sweet, canned corn and peas need to be opened and ready to be added. But I need the stew meat first to season.
“After the stew is ready, then we’ll make pans of corn bread to have ready right before we serve. Can someone find all the bowls we need for say sixty people and small paper plates also?”
Her helpers scattered to their responsibilities. Erin kept busy to not allow a feeling of panic to take over. Was she out of her mind? Yes, she had learned the recipe from her housekeeper and had often cooked it for herself and friends on cold winter days. Everyone enjoyed the flavor and asked for more. But this was a lot more. No turning back, so she pushed up the sleeves of her blouse and said a quick prayer.
An hour later, the smell was on target. People were asking to try it. She had made four individual gallon pots. She had gone a little overboard but better safe than sorry. The kitchen helpers got the first taste. And they gave her the thumbs-up across the board. Tillie was the last to try it, and Erin held her breath. Tillie took a second spoonful. “Two things,” she finally said.
Here came the criticism…or so she prepared herself to hear.
“First…I want the recipe. This is better than Earl’s by a long shot. It will go on the menu for fall and winter. Second…I don’t know what you do for a living, but if you aren’t a chef, then you should be. This is the best I’ve had.”
Erin took a moment to make certain she had heard right. Then let out the breath she had been holding. But then she caught it again when Tillie spoke.
“I have something to add.”
She looked at Erin and slowly shook her head. “My final comment is a question. Care to quit your day job and work here?” Everyone broke out laughing and so did Erin.
The pans of corn bread went into the ovens. Drink canisters and all were replenished. And when Erin finally was able to sneak a peek outside, it was very dark, but she could see that the heavy rain had been replaced by a heavy misting. Maybe the creeks would calm down if the rain had left the surrounding counties above them, too.
“We need butter on the tables also,” she said as she walked back into the kitchen. “I’ll get it out of the cooler.”
