“If he is...”
“If he is, then we need to make sure that Jamie doesn’t mess it the hell up!”
Salzy’s grin widened.“I have an idea, but I may need your help.”
Florence leaned in even closer.“Meet me out back when dinner is done.I do love a good matchmaking scheme.”
“Flo, will you write me out a ticket for Mike, please?”Jamie had walked up right behind the waitress but didn’t hear what she and Salzy had been talking about, even though he had tried.“Just write it out as pepper steak and use the same price as the catfish diner.”
“Yes, boss.”Florence looked at Jamie and winked.“Anything for you,boss.”
Jamie having ignored Florence’s attempt to bait him, set the apple pie à la mode down in front of Mike.“Enjoy.”
Salzy had already gotten the man his coffee and Jamie went back to cutting strawberries, watching as Mike ate his pie.When he was done, he waited until Salzy had cleared the table.I never asked Sal to watch his table or to do the dishes.It definitely looks like he’s done it before.Maybe for Mamaw?
“How was the pie?”Jamie asked, having noticed there was not a crumb left on the plate.
Mike wiped his mouth with the napkin that had been covering his lap.“Where do you want to go for our date?”
* * * * *
“This is when I wishI still smoked,” Florence said as she leaned against the rear wall of the diner.“I’ve been run off my feet,” she groaned.
“Smoking is bad for you.”Salzy also leaned against the wall.“I agree with you.This has been one hell of a day.”
“Soooo...”Florence began, turning her face towards the good-looking Hispanic man.“What’s the plan?”
“Oh, I need to tell you,” Salzy was grinning like a Cheshire cat.“Mike asked Jamie where he wanted to go for their first date.”
“What?”Florence’s eyebrows flew up.“What did Jamie say?”
“He just laughed and then gave him the check.”
“Oh boy.This may be easier than I thought.”
Salzy nodded.“I hope so.”
“Do you have a plan?”Florence shifted her weight, turning more towards Salzy.
“Well, you said that Mike eats here most every night?”
“Yes.”
“But tomorrow’s lunch will be the last time the diner is going to be open for some time, right?”
“Right.”
“So, where’s Mike going to go?”
Florence shook her head.“I have no idea.”
“Mike liked eating in the kitchen too, sooo, what if we convince Jamie to continue cooking Mike’s dinner?I mean, we all will have to eat anyway.That’s part of the deal that Jamie has with me.I work and get fed, and he’s going to pay me since I’m not on the road.”
Florence’s face lit up.“You’re absolutely right!You’re a genius!”She grabbed Salzy and pulled him into a big hug.“You leave the rest to me.Hot dog!”She clapped her hands.“This may work.”
“Where have the two of you been?”Jamie asked, wiping down the counters with a wet cleaning rag.
“Smoke break,” Florence said, her hands on her hips.
