“Yeah, I think we will be.”He turned to face her.“You remember how busy we were right before we closed for the renovations?”
“Oh, don’t remind me.I thought I was going to be run right off my feet.”
“I’d like you to take charge of getting Sharon and Julie trained.You’re the most senior, so it only makes sense.”
“Are they going to be doing the evening shifts?”Florence asked.
“Julie will fill in for breakfast and lunch when any of the rest of you have days off, but Sharon will only do dinner, ’cause she has small kids.Her husband works days, so that’s the only time she’s available.”
“That should work out.”Florence looked at the laughing and chatting group.“If we’re as busy as you think we will be, we might need another part-time timer on the floor.”
“Let’s see how things play out.”Jamie hugged Florence.“Thank you for everything you do.”
It was Florence’s turn to tear up.“You know you’re family.”She dabbed at her eyes.“Don’t you dare make me cry.I don’t have any mascara with me.”
When Florence, with the two new waitresses and Walter, and Timmy with the two new cooks got back to work, Jamie was able to sit down with Christine and place an order for food deliveries.He even called Jeff at the fishmonger’s and placed a standing order for catfish and shrimp for the new menu.
“Wow, Jamie,” Christine said, looking at the newly printed menus.“This is an excellent menu.Gives me some ideas about desserts.”
“Such as?”Jamie asked.
“Since this is an old-fashioned-type diner, I say we stick with that theme.”She picked up a pen and, using the pad on the desk, she started writing.“I say we pick things that will be standard and available all the time and then do seasonal-type things or some fill-in type desserts.”
“I think apple pie for sure,” Jamie said.“Everyone loves it.They also love the banana cream pie I made.”
“Okay, I agree with you, although I’ve never had your banana cream pie.I think we need a cake.”
“Mind if I barge in?”Mike asked as he filled the doorway.
Jamie smiled.“And if I said I do mind?”
“I’ll just come in, kiss you, and go elsewhere.”Mike stepped inside, bent over, and kissed Jamie, letting it linger just a little longer than a quick kiss would have been.He looked at Christine.“You must be Christine.I’ve heard plenty of nice things about you.”
Christine craned her neck to look up at Mike.“And you are?The new beau that Joesph has mentioned.”She held her hand out to shake Mike’s.
“Yes.”Mike shook the offered hand.“I’m Mike.Mike Jones.”
“Now I see why Joesph gushed when he spoke of you.”Mike turned bright red.She looked at Jamie.“And so modest too.”She looked at Mike and then back at Jamie.“This is going to work.You both have the same energy, but yours is much brighter now that he’s here.You’ve done well.”
Mike looked at Jamie.“I know I’ve done extremely well.”He smiled and kissed Jamie again, this time just a quick peck on the lips.“I see you’re both busy working, so I’ll go and pester Joesph.Nice to finally meet you,” Mike said.
Christine looked at Jamie, leaning a little closer.“You’re engaged.”
Jamie’s jaw went slack.“Who told you?”
“You!”She waved her free hand around Jamie.“It’s clear as day.From what I can see, it will be a long and happy marriage.There...is a lot of family around you.I see all the colors of a nice big opal close by.Mostly blues and greens, which are good.”
Finding his voice, Jamie said, “Sometimes you’re a little scary.”He looked down at the desktop.“You’re sure?”He asked quietly, and then shook his head.“But I’ve never known you to be wrong about people.”
Christine took his hand.“I am very sure.You’re perfect for each other.There is a nice balance between the two of you.”She tilted her head to the side, squinting, “It’s brighter when you are together.Both of you.”
“I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anything so clear as right now.”She kissed Jamie’s cheek.“Now I have a whole new family.It all feels right.”She bounced that baby slightly in her arms.She looked up at Jamie.“Right now, all is right with the world.”
