“Yeah, I’m kind of surprised by that.I thought Flo might have a hard time with me being her boss.”
“I had wondered about that, too.I’m glad she’s okay with it.”Jamie looked at Salzy’s order list.“Um, didn’t we just order napkins?”
“Yeah, we did, and we need to order them again.Maybe order more than you did last time.I looked at the covers, and comparing the two, it adds up.I’m gonna suggest we order some new dishes and silverware.We’re running out faster than the dishwasher can get washed up.”
Jamie pointed at Salzy.“See.That right there is why I knew you were right for this job.I didn’t tell you to do that, and you knew to do it anyway.I’ll see if I can’t find out where we buy all the other stuff.”Jamie quickly made a note on the legal pad he was using for notes to himself.
Salzy blushed.“It just made sense.”
“Hey, good-looking,” Mike said, coming in and kissing Jamie.
Jamie looked at the pink kitty-cat wall clock that his grandmother had loved.“What are you doing here so early?It’s not even four o’clock.”
“You’re not glad to see me?”Mike teased.“I got off early.There wasn’t anything for me to do, which is a miracle in itself.Not even paperwork.”
“Wow, look at you go.I’m just about done here.I need to place some orders, which shouldn’t take too long.”
“Can I take you to dinner?”
“I’d like that,” Jamie answered with a big smile on his face.“I could use a night away from this place.”
“What I thought.I’m going to grab a shower.”Mike kissed Jamie again.
“I’ll see you up there.A shower is definitely in order for me.”
Salzy sat there smiling during the brief exchange.“Have you set a date yet?”
“No, we’ve only talked about it in passing.”Jamie let out a long breath.“I’m sure it is going to come up tonight.”
“Any hesitations?”Salzy asked, leaning in.
“No.It just...seems so fast.”Jamie leaned back in his chair.“I...I did have a lot of reservations, but...”Jamie slumped slightly.“I can tell he’s genuine, and I’ve really come to the realization that I’d fallen for the big lug before I even knew it.”He looked at Salzy and smiled.“I fell in love with him.”He shrugged.
“Hey, you can always do a long engagement.”
Jamie laughed.“Have you met Mike?”
“Okay, point taken.”Salzy chuckled.“But that doesn’t mean you have to agree to something you’re not ready for.”
“True.”
“Sorry, Jamie, I know you’ve been waiting for this,” Christine said as she handed Jamie a sheet of paper with things that needed to be ordered.“I got tied up with the last cake.I had to stick that buttercream into the freezer to firm it up a bit.”
“Yeah, trying to do that in a hot kitchen is a pain,” Jamie said, looking at her order.“You’ve got berries on here, from Johnson’s berry and tomato farm?”
“Yeah, they’re part of the slow food project.I thought I’d go out there and see what they have.I think they are doing heirloom tomatoes as well.I’ll have a look for you if you want.”
“Sounds good.You going out there now?”Jamie asked.“If so, I’ll get you some money out of petty cash.”
“Cool.”Christine frowned slightly at Jamie.“What's going on...there?”she asked, waving her hand around the front of Jamie.“You’ve got something on your mind.”
“He’s concerned that things were moving too fast for Mike and him.Reluctant to set a date,” Salzy answered for Jamie.
“I see,” Christine said, leaning into the room and putting her hand on Jamie’s shoulder.“Don’t do anything that you’re not comfortable with.But...you don’t have to worry, Jamie.When it’s right, it’s right.And you’re right where you need to be with who you need to be with.Don’t let fear hold you back from being your happy self.”
* * * * *
Mike took his handacross the table.“Jamie, are you having second thoughts about marrying me?”
