Chapter Sixty-Seven
Jamie was already atthe stove making the diner’s signature gravy.He had biscuits in the oven, and Salzy was cracking eggs into a large stainless-steel bowl.“How’s it going over there?”Jamie asked.
“You need to teach me how to crack these with one hand.”
“Okay, I’ll show you in a minute.Let me get this done and I’ll be over.”
“Morning, all,” Mike said as he walked in.He went directly to Jamie.“Morning, good-looking.”He kissed Jamie.
Jamie never stopped stirring the pan.“Good morning.There’s coffee.”
“Thanks.”Mike gripped Jamie’s butt in his hand before going out to the new drink station.
“Here, let me show you,” Jamie said as he took the egg from Salzy.“It does take some practice.”Jamie tapped the egg on the rim of the bowl.“Think of it like snapping your fingers.It’s almost the same movement.Or turning a key.”He showed Salzy once more.“Now you try it.”
“Good morning, gentlemen.”Joesph said, waltzing into the kitchen.“How is everyone?”
“Doing good.”Salzy cracked an egg against the side of the bowl and attempted to open it with one hand.“Well, that didn’t go to plan,” he muttered as he fished out some eggshells from the bowl.
“I did say it would take some practice.”Jamie took the pan of biscuits from the oven and put them in the bread warmer.
“Do I smell bacon?”Mike asked as he returned to the kitchen.
“Yep.”Jamie smiled.“It’s so good to be back in the kitchen.”He stirred the gravy once more and turned off the gas.“That’s the gravy done.”
Joesph re-entered the kitchen with a mug of coffee.“Will we be eating in the dining room?”
“I thought we’d just eat outside,” Jamie said.“It’s a beautiful day, and we’ve not yet stocked the dining room.We’ll get that done today, though.”
“Is everyone coming in to work today?”Salzy asked, still trying to crack eggs one-handed.
“Yes, I think so,” Jamie answered, taking the bowl away from Salzy.“Will you get the half-and-half for me, please?”
“Yep,” Salzy said, already walking towards the walk-in.
“Anything I can do?”Mike asked.
“You can get the paper plates, napkins, and cutlery,” Jamie answered.
“Sure, but I need a kiss first.”Mike leaned into Jamie, giving him a quick kiss.“Now I can survive the trip.”
Jamie rolled his eyes.“Oh brother.”
“You’re not going to say anything?”Joesph asked.He had his “I’ve got a secret and it’s good” look on his face.
“Such as?”Jamie flipped the shredded potatoes he had on the flattop, getting them nice and golden.
“Do not try and be coy with me, Jamie Pierre Throneaux.”
“What’s going on?”Salzy asked, handing the half-and-half to Jamie.
