Salzy came in and began breaking up the wood into smaller pieces and cramming them into the large garbage can.“We need to get one of those bag things that they pick up.”
“That’s a good idea.”Jamie wiped his brow.“The HVAC guys will be here tomorrow...finally.”
“I think Terry Hanson said they sell those bags and can arrange for pick up.”Salzy pulled the full can towards the front door.“This is going to fill all the cans we have.”
“Can you take care of that, please?”Jamie smiled, knowing that Salzy would do just about anything to spend time with Terry.
“Sure can,” he answered, a big smile on his face.
They had just finished cleaning up the area when the company that Joesph had hired to do the refurbishment of the chairs, tables, booths, and now countertops.
“Wow, you don’t see these very often.”The large Black man said as he looked at one of the chairs.“Are they original?”
Jamie smiled and nodded.“My grandparents got them not long after they bought the diner, and that was fifty-plus years ago.”
“My boss is going to be thrilled to see these.”He ran his hands over the chrome-wrapped tables.“He loves this stuff.I guess that’s why he started the business.I have no doubt that he’ll be directly involved in restoring these.He’s really going to go nuts over the stools.”
“Speaking of,” Joesph spoke up, “We only need six of them fixed up.If he wants to buy the other six, let me know.”
The big man laughed; his co-workers were almost done loading up the truck.“I’d wager money that he’ll want them.I’m looking forward to seeing the look on his face when he sees them.”
“And here is the purchase order along with the name of the color to be used.”Joesph handed the man a legal-size manila envelope.“If he has any questions, my card is paperclipped to the purchase order.”
Jamie looked at Joesph quizzically.“Purchase order?”
Joesph rolled his eyes.“I’m using my professional account, and wealwaysuse purchase orders.”
Jamie’s phone rang in his pocket.“Hello?”
“Jamie, it’s Adrian Jackson from Planters Credit Union.How are you today?”
“Hi, Adrian.”Jamie went back to the kitchen.“Doing just fine, everything considered.You?”
“Fine, just fine.I know you’ve already started the renovation process.I hope it goes well for you.”
“Just started today.How’d you know?”
“People are watching you.I heard you have a sign on the door.I may suggest you paper over the windows otherwise you may have an audience on the sidewalk,” Adrian laughed.
“I’d not thought of that.I’ll make sure to do just that.What can I do for you, Mr.Jackson?”
“Adrian, please.”Adrian cleared his throat.“I’ve heard from Payton Manley this morning.He’d like to set up a meeting this week if you have any spare time.”
“I’m not sure I can make it up to Atlanta this week.”Jamie looked into the dining room, not seeing either Joesph or Salzy.
“No, no.He’s coming to you.”
“Huh?Coming to Columbus?”
“That’s what he said.”
Jamie hesitated.“Uh, okay.I guess so.Do you know when?”
“From the tone of his email and phone call, yes both, the sooner the better.”
“But...why the hurry?”Jamie felt like his head was spinning.It’s all too fast.Mamaw hasn’t been dead even a week.
“Jamie,” Adrian let out a sigh.“Maybe you’ve not had a chance to look over all that paperwork I gave you, and even if you did, it’s a lot to wrap your head around.”
