“Yeah.”
“Have you gotten the final color purchased?”
Jamie narrowed his eyes at Joesph.“What are you thinking?”
“If you’re going to paint, you might as well start with the finished color, right?”
“And what color would that be?”Jamie had his hands on his hips, his eyebrows pinched together.“I never said I was going to paint the whole building.”
“Of course you are.”Joesph smiled brightly.“I know you, Jamie Throneaux, and I know you never do things half-assed.With you, it’s all or nothing.”
Jamie scowled.“There are times I wonder why I even like you.”
“Youloveme, darling.You truly do.”Joesph blew him a kiss and laughed.
Salzy cracked up.“You should see your face,” he laughed more pointing at Jamie.“It’s priceless.”
He turned on Salzy.“Shut the hell up.”
“Now,” Joesph said, pushing Jamie away.“Run along.Go...bake something.I have business to discuss with Sal.”
Jamie arched an eyebrow suspiciously.
“It’s business.Really,” Joesph mimed innocence, his head tilted slightly.
“It’d better be.”He looked at Salzy.“Watch this one,” he indicated Joesph.“He can charm the skin off a snake.”
* * * * *
Everyone in the kitchenhad busted their asses to get ready for dinner, having all the prep work they’d done that morning depleted during lunch.They were tired, and it showed.
Jamie watched Florence open the front door, the little sign flipped over to show open, people were waiting in their cars.Some of the first customers were old man Hanson and his great-granddaughter.
“Good evening, Florence,” Mr.Hanson greeted the redhead.“Glad to see you’re just as beautiful as I remembered.”
“Harold, you ol’ goat,” Florence laughed.“You know you shouldn’t flatter a woman without plans to follow through.”
Jamie smiled as he wiped the service window, watching and hearing everything.
“Who said I wasn’t?”Harold laughed.“You remember my great-granddaughter, Terry, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.”Florence smiled and nodded to the young woman.“You sure do take after your grandmother.She is still one of the great beauties of the county.”
Terry laughed.“Funnily enough, she says the same about you.”
Florence blushed.“Tell her I said hello, won’t you.I hope that we can catch up soon.”
“I’ll make sure to tell her,” Terry said, then looked at her great-grandfather.“Let’s set you down.”
“Yes, yes.”Mr.Hanson, with the aid of a cane, walked over to the first empty table.“What’s the special?”He asked Florence as soon as he’d sat down.“I hope it’s still catfish Friday.”
“It sure is.”Florence pulled out the small green pad from the pocket of her apron.“It’s catfish, hush puppies, and coleslaw.And then fresh apple pie.”
“I’ll have that,” Harold looked up, his blue eyes watery with old age.“I’d like a bourbon first.”
“Grandpaw, you know they don’t have liquor here, and you’re not supposed to have any anyway.”
“Never hurts to ask.”He looked up, “I’ll have iced tea then, please.”
