“The rest of it is perfect.”Jamie clasped Joesph on the shoulder.“I knew you’d get it right.It looks like the diner...only better.”
“Ready for the dining room?”Joesph folded back the large page.
Once again, it took Jamie a long moment to take in the color drawing.He shook his head and looked at Joesph.
“This is the new cabinetry that will go across the new opening into the kitchen.”Joesph ran his index finger across the paper.“There is the serving top counter with the heat lamps.Then the lower one will be for non-hot food.There are drawers for cutlery and napkins and whatnot, just like the one at the Peasant restaurant, only better, I think.It really helped me being able to see the dining room in full use.I could see what was needed.”He pointed to the section that was close to the new counter that would be for the cash register.“I’ve also moved the drink station into the dining room.It will save the time and steps for the servers to go into the kitchen.It will also free up space back there.”
“It’s like what it was always supposed to look like.I really like the feel of it.”
“And there are the bar stools and places for your regulars to sit in the mornings.”Joesph tapped where he was talking about.“Flo made sure I kept that space and I think she was right.It fits.”
Jamie could feel his eyes watering up.He tried his best to keep them back, but in the end, he couldn’t.“Mamaw would have loved this.”The tears finally fell.
Chapter Forty-Two
Salzy was on one sideof Jamie, and Joesph on the other.Jamie had erupted into hard sobs and crying.Joesph had to close the portfolio case, so the delicate drawings did not get wet.When Jamie’s crying started to slow, Joesph got him a glass of water.
“Here, honey.”He pushed the cool glass into Jamie’s hand.“Drink this down.”
Jamie took the glass, his hands visibly shaking.“What is wrong with me?”He drained the glass and handed it back to Joesph.“I’ve never...had this happen to me.Never.”
Joesph had refilled the glass and gave it back to him.“Baby, you’ve never had this much happen to you either.You’ve been under a whole lot of stress, and then the pressure of doing this renovation, it all adds up.”
“Yeah,” Salzy added.“You’ve been going nonstop for almost two weeks now.It’s got to take a toll on you.On anyone.”
“You just need some time.”Joesph rubbed Jamie’s shoulder.“Allow yourself time to grieve, Jamie.It’s okay.I’d say you’ve done remarkably well considering.”
“Go blow your nose and wash your face.”Salzy scrunched up his nose.“You got snot running down.”
Without thinking, Jamie wiped his face, and he could feel himself smearing the aforementioned snot across his cheek.
“Now, that’s just gross.”Salzy pulled him up by the collar of his shirt.“You definitely need to wash your face now!”
“Hello?Anyone home?”The three men could hear Mike’s voice from the foot of the stairs.
“Yeah, come on up,handsome.”Joesph pushed Jamie towards the bathroom.“Quick,” he whispered.“You don’t want that hunk seeing you with snot all over you.”
