Chapter Forty-Six
Things happened likeclockwork.Jamie let Joesph take the lead in dealing with all the trades people.His experience clearly showed as he spoke with them.Joesph seemed pleased with the aircon company but not so pleased with the first painter.
“That won’t do,” Joesph said as soon as the painter drove away.“The paint he wants to use is cheap, cheap, cheap.”He shook his head as he drew a line through the name on his list.“I sure hope the last one is better.”
“Did Terry Hanson recommend anyone?”Jamie asked as he sat next to Joesph.
“The one coming at four is the one she spoke highly about.I hope she’s right.”
“What about the HVAC guy?”
“Yeah, I think they’ll work out well.They were on her list, too.I told him that all three units needed a system, but the diner had to be as soon as possible.”Joesph put a check mark next to the name.“After that, we’d work on the other two.”
Jamie looked at his watch.“Okay.”He sighed.“Now for Payton Manley.I had hoped to be able to cook for him or at least offer him a cup of coffee.”
“Well, sometimes shit just happens,” Joesph said.“It is what it is, I’m afraid.”
Jamie’s phone rang.He dug it out of his pocket.“Hello?”
“Jamie, it’s Adrian Jackson from Planters Credit Union.How are you?”
Jamie smiled, shaking his head.“I’m fine, Mr.Jackson, and yourself?”
“Oh...”Adrian chuckled.“Sorry.It’s just habit.Anyway, Mr.Manley and I are in the front parking lot of the diner, but the door is locked.”
“Walk around back, Adrian.We’re out here.”
“Okay.We’re.You’re not alone?”
“I will be.”Jamie motioned for Joesph to go upstairs.
“Be right there,” Adrian said, hanging up.
Jamie wiped his hands on his shorts.He looked down at himself and was happy that he was relatively clean.
Adrian Jackson was more than a head shorter than the former football player, Payton Manley, who was a massive man.There was no doubt that he was an athlete.He couldn’t help but compare Mike to this massive man.They were both massive men, but he thought that Mike might be a little bigger than the retired footballer.
“Hello, Jamie,” Adrian said, his hand outstretched.
Jamie took his hand.“Hi, Adrian.Glad you could make it.”
“Mr.Throneaux,” Payton Manley greeted Jamie, his hand also out.
“Mr.Payton.Nice to meet you.”Jamie noticed how small his hand was in the financial manager’s.
“Same here.”He had a nice smile, and Jamie noticed that he didn’t crush his hand with the handshake, which he could have easily.
“I have to say that Dailey’s isn’t the same without you.They tookpâtémaison par Pierreoff the menu.”
Jamie chuckled.“Sorry.That was my recipe, and it goes with me as per my contract.Intellectual property and all that.They will more than likely take some other things off, I’m afraid.I did extend the timeline for that to happen since I left without notice.”
“I was told that there will be a new menu coming soon.I have a distinct feeling that it won’t be as good,” Mr.Manley said, his head shaking.“That makes me none too happy, I confess.”
“Would you two like to have a seat?”Jamie indicated the tables.“I’m sorry, but with the renovations going on...this is the only place to have a meeting.”
