Chapter Fifty-Eight
Joesph sat, lookingat his email, a glass of iced tea in one hand.Jamie was also looking at his computer, searching local farmers’ markets.His idea was to see about doing regional and seasonal vegetables for the diner.It was his hope that he could work directly with the farmers themselves.
“What did you get up to today?Other than getting a sound system for the diner and eventually yourself?You and Salzy were gone most of the day?”
“I told you most of it.”Jamie closed his laptop.“That pizza wasn’t as good as usual.”
Joesph looked over the top of his screen.“No.It wasn’t.”He sighed.“I have to admit, I agree with Salzy about getting the diner back open.Right now, I could really go for a piece of apple pie with some of your vanilla ice cream.I’ve gotten very spoiled.”
“Listen, I know you’ve put in a lot of work on this...project.You’ve pulled my bacon out of the fire.”
Joesph waved his hand at Jamie.“Haven’t we been over this?”He rolled his eyes before taking a sip of his tea.
“Yes, we have, but I wanted to do something special for you, so I got you a little present.”Jamie handed over a white letter-sized envelope.
“Oh, Idolike a good present.”Joesph opened the envelope and extracted a glossy cardstock piece of paper.“Oh.My.God.”Joesph jumped up, ran over to Jamie and gave him a big hug.“You are thebestestof friends!”
Jamie laughed.“Good.I’m glad you like it.Salzy and I drove over there to check it out.You know, to make sure it would be something you’d like.”
“Was it far?How was it?Will I like it?”Joesph was practically vibrating with excitement.
“It’s not very far.It was very,verynice.And yes, I think you’ll love it.”
“Was it terribly expensive?”
Jamie pointed to the card Joesph held.“That was a little pricey, but it was for the full-house treatment, as you can see.There are other ‘treatments’ you can get,” he said, using air quotes.“Or you can just get a massage, manicure, or a pedicure.They have a whole menu to pick and choose from.”
“Wonderful.”Joesph looked like he was thinking of something.“I wonder if Terry would go with me?”He looked over at Jamie.“She’s been a veritable fountain of information, and I’d like to do something nice for her.What do you think?”
“Hey, I don’t know, but you can always ask.She has been a big help.”
Joesph looked down at the card again.“I think I’ll ask her tomorrow.”
“If she says yes, let me know and I’ll pay for it.You’re right, she’s been a huge help.”
“What’s the schedule like for the next few days?”
“Well, as you know, the kitchen equipment arrives tomorrow.That will fill up your day, I think.”
“Yeah, it will.Also, Christine is coming down tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait to see her and the new baby.You’re so lucky to have convinced her to move down here.”
“I know it.I hope that she likes the house.The biggest issue for her is going to be finding a babysitter.”
