“I’m on it.”Salzy took the keys and went through to the dining room.
Jamie led the way up the stairs and let Joesph enter the apartment first.“You still driving that old Cadillac?”
Joesph stopped mid-stair and turned on Jamie.“ThatoldCadillac is a classic!That ‘old’”, Joesph did air quotes to make his point, “1976 Eldorado convertible is highly sought after.The insurancealoneon her is astronomical.It’s why I only drive her on special occasions!”
“That and it gets, what?Eight miles to a gallon?That must cost a fortune.”
“And sometimes, darling, it costs money to lookfabulous!” Joesph turned and continued to climb the stairs.
“Oh...My...God!”He walked around the space for a full minute, then looked at Jamie.“It’s just like my Aunt Geraldine’s!”He glanced around again.“I swear...”he said, grinning.“Please tell me I’m going to redo this apartment.Pleeease?”
“It depends on how much the diner is going to cost.”Jamie smiled.“I have to get that done first.I’m also hoping to get a central heat and air system put in as soon as possible.”
“Oh, god yes,” Jospeh said, fanning himself.
Salzy came in the door carrying a large suitcase and another large portfolio style bag.“Where would you like these?”
“Put that portfolio bag on this table,” Joesph pointed to the round table.“And that one,” pointing to the suitcase, “In wherever I’ll be sleeping.”
“In here,” Jamie said, opening the door to what had been his grandparent’s bedroom.“The mattress is brand new.”
Joesph nodded, looking around.
“The sheets are new, too.And the dresser and closet are empty, so...”Jamie looked away, and caught Salzy’s eye.“Flo and Hazel,” Jamie answered the question on Salzy’s face.
Salzy nodded.“I’d best get back to those steps.I hope to get them all painted before the hottest part of the day.”
“At least yours will be in the shade soon,” Jamie commented.
Joesph slipped out of the door.“I need to measure that dining room.After that, I’ll be out of your hair.”He turned back to Jamie.“I was able to make up some sample boards for you.I think you’re going to like what I’ve done.”
The three men descended the stairs, one behind the other; the stairs weren’t that wide.
“I can’t wait to see them.”Jamie opened the door to the kitchen.“Unfortunately, it will have to wait until after lunch, which should slow down by one o’clock.”
“That’s okay.I can work on that table till you’re done.I’ll need to try and line up some tradesmen.”
“Um...”Salzy tapped Jamie on the shoulder.“If I’m going to paint those stairs, you’ll have to stay off them till they dry.”
“Damn.”Jamie rubbed the back of his neck.“Why don’t you bring down Joesph’s work bag.I’ll set him up in the corner booth of the diner.”
Salzy nodded.“You got it, boss.”
Jamie rolled his eyes and turned back to Joesph, who had his eyebrows raised.
“Very straight?”
“Yes.Very.”Jamie shook his head.“Come on,” he motioned to the thin man.“You can work in here.”
Florence was polishing up the silverware, while Hazel wiped all the chair seats down.Minnie was busy getting the drink station situated.
“Will this work?”Jamie asked, indicating the largest booth in the dining room.
“Perfect.”Joesph sat and scooted towards the middle.
“If you get hungry, just flag down one of the girls.One of the benefits of owning a restaurant is getting fed.”
“What’s on offer?”
