Minnie came scampering in, not saying anything, just nodding and a slight, shy smile for Jamie.
“Hey, Walter,” Jamie said across the kitchen.“How many covers you think we’ll have today?”
Walter glanced over at Jamie.“Well...I don’t think that it’ll be all that busy, since it’s a Thursday.”He took his ball cap off and scratched his closely buzzed hair.“Breakfast will be busier than lunch, so...all up, I’d say about sixty orders—people, or as you say, covers.”He tried to grimace, but it failed.“Covers?That’s the big city talk showing on you.”
The breakfast service went smoothly.At one point, Jamile looked out into the dining room.Many of the people there Jamie knew on sight.Many older men, sitting at the counter chewing the fat with Flo as she refilled coffee cups.Hazel was speaking with a group of four older women, laughing.Minnie was settling a check with a middle-aged couple.
Jamie stepped back into the kitchen.This is bad.Really bad.Where is everyone?
Walter, Timmy, and Dexter were already cleaning and prepping for lunch.“You have enough hamburger buns, Dex?”
Dexter looked into his bread box, just under his workstation.“Yeah, I think I’ll be fine.Plenty of bread, too.”
“Remember, Timmy, we only need those two pork chops for dinner,” Walter said.
“S-s-s-sure,” Timmy responded.“I rem-mem-mem-ber.”
“And make sure everything is good and clean when we’re done.”Walter glanced over his shoulder at Jamie.“Can’t have the boss comin’ into a dirty kitchen.”
“Pfft.”Jamie said, not even looking up.“I’ve cleaned this kitchen as many times as any of you have.”
Walter laughed.“True, very true.”
“What’s for dinner,” Dexter asked smiling.“This is sure’nuf is a treat.”
“It’s a surprise,” Jamie said smiling.“I think you’ll like it though.”
“I know it’s gonna be shrimp,” Florence said as she flounced into the kitchen.“I do like shrimp.”
“And you’re nothing but a nosy busybody.”Jamie looked at her, trying his best to scowl and failing.
Florence laughed.“And you love me anyway.”She stepped up to him.“What’s the dress code for this shindig?”
“Very casual.Comfortable.”
“Now that I can do,” Florence replied.“You need any help?”
“Nope.I want all the staff to have the night off.”Jamie looked at her, his hands covered in flour.“Salzy is going to help me out some.”
Florence squinted at him.She leaned in closer and whispered, “Is there something going on between you two?”
Jamie stopped, looking at her.“What?No!He’s straight.”
“That’s what I thought, but...you never know nowadays.”
“It’s too bad he’s straight because he’s easy on the eyes, but...it’s not to be.”Jamie went back to kneading his dough.“I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll be forever single.”
“You never know, Jamie.”She leaned over and kissed his cheek.“Just when you least expect it, it’ll come and slap you silly.”She snapped her gum.“I just hope I’m there when it happens.”She smiled brightly, her bright red lipstick gleaming.
“Oh, lordy,” was Jamie’s only response.He looked at her.“Don’t you have any work to do?If not, I’m sure I can find some.”
Florence laughed.“Yes, sir, boss.I’ll just jump right on that.”
“Morning, all,” Salzy greeted everyone as he sauntered into the kitchen from the back door.“How is everyone this fine day?”
The staff in the kitchen, even Florence, greeted him, Florence looking a little closer than usual.
“Hey, you just now getting up?”Jamie asked, looking sideways at him.
