“That’s not what I mean.Didn’t even cross my mind.But I do think we are going to have to make some changes around here if we’re going to be competitive, is all.”
“Okay, I’m down with that.”Dexter looked around the kitchen.“Jamie, you gotta know that this place is home to most of us.And Ms.Flo was right last night; we’re family.”
Jamie nodded.“Yep.I know that as sure as I’m standing here making biscuits that I swear I could do in my sleep.”
Dexter laughed.“I’d never have told Ms.Mattie, but yours sure are better.”
“I never told her I double-folded them with more butter, stuck them in the walk-in before the final rollout and cut.”
Dexter was laughing hard.“She sure would have had a conniption fit for certain.Adding more butter just cut into the bottom line.”
“Why do you think I never told her!”
“What’s so funny in here.”Walter had come in.His own ball cap on his head as he got a fresh shirt from the clear wrap bundle on the folding chair next to the hamper.
“Jamie’s biscuits are better because he adds more butter and then sticks’ em in the walk in.”
Walter looked at Jamie and shook his head.“You better be damn glad your Mamaw didn’t know anything about that.”He laughed.“Just keep on makin’ ’em the way you do.Everyone loves ’em.I have a feeling I may need to make extra sausage gravy today.Just about ran out yesterday as it was.I had to keep adding more milk and bacon grease to it.”
“Will do.”Jamie got all the dry ingredients measured out when Timmy walked in.
“Damn boy,” Dexter exclaimed.“You look like something the cat threw up.”
Timmy groaned.“Tha-tha-that’s exactly how I f-f-feel.”
“Get some aspirin, a cold Coke, and I’ll make you a greasy sandwich,” Jamie said as he wiped his hands on a towel nearby.
“Naw, I got it,” Walter said.“I’m right here anyway, I might as well just get it done.”He looked over at Dexter.“You okay on doing the burger prep while you’re doing yours?Maybe do a bit extra?”
“Nope, not at all.We’ll get it all done.Don’t you worry none, Timmy.As soon as I get two batches of these biscuits done, I’ll take over the grill for you.Get you something to eat, see how you feel, and if you don’t feel any better, go on home.”
“I-I-think I may h-h-have to take you up on t-t-that.”Timmy wiped his mouth.“I’m g-g-g-onna be sick.”He ran off to the staff bathroom.
Dex and Walter laughed.“I bet that kid ain’t never been that drunk in his life,” Dexter said.
“It’ll do him some good,” Walter said as he started frying up an egg in bacon fat.“That poor young man hasn’t had much of a life as far as I know.”
“Nope.I don’t think he does,” Dexter chimed in.“That was mighty nice of you, Boss, giving the man a break like that.”
Jamie shrugged.“We all need a break from time to time.”
* * * * *
“Anyone want a coffeeor something before we start?”Jamie asked.
“I can get it,” Minnie started to get up.
“My legs aren’t broke,” Jamie said, pushing her back down in her chair.“You gals have been run off your feet today, so just sit and I’ll get it.”
“I’ll have a tall Coke with lots of ice, please,” Flo said, holding her hand up.
“I’d like the same,” Dexter said.
“I’ll have a black coffee, please,” Walter chimed in.
“Minnie, you want anything?”Jamie asked.
She looked down at her hands.“I’ll have an ice water, please.”Her voice was barely a whisper.
