“Damn, this is going to be tricky,” Jamie said as he held his hand over the charcoal grill.“This thing is so old and too small to do a decent job.I should have checked it before I started.”
“I’m sure it will be great,” Mike said, his voice low and rumbly, having stepped up behind Jamie.“Everything you’ve cooked has been nothing short of amazing.”
“Thank you,” Jamie said, glancing over his shoulder.“This will test my ability, I’m afraid.Glad I decided to replace everything.It’s all so...old and worn out.”
“Are you thinking of putting steak on the menu?”Mike asked, having stepped even closer to Jamie, watching him as he worked.
“I have been toying with the idea.”He looked at Mike.Damn, he has such nice eyes.“We’ve never had steak on the menu.Papaw said it wasn’t cost effective.”Jamie had to laugh.“But, things have changed, and beef is easier to get now, and not as expensive as it used to be.”
“I do enjoy a good steak.That steak au poivre you made was superb.”
“I like that too.”Jamie tossed the mushrooms in a large pan.“I don’t think it would go over in the diner, though.I was thinking of a simple grilled steak, but well-seasoned.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”Mike leaned in.“Smells so good.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Jamie couldn’t helpbut admire Mike as they all ate.He had nice table manners.He seemed at ease in handling the cutlery, even though his hands were huge.His smile could light up a room, and it was genuine.He also couldn’t help noticing how his biceps bulged, hardly contained by the short sleeves of his uniform.
“Hey...earth to Jamie.”Joesph poked him on the shoulder.“You done?”
“Oh.Yeah.”Jamie held his plate up to Salzy, who had gathered the others already.“Sorry.I was thinking about the kitchen.”He tried to not let anyone know he was perving over Mike.
“Would anyone like coffee?”Joesph asked, giving Jamie the all-knowing eye.The man didn’t miss much, and it was clear he knew that his friend hadnotbeen thinking about the kitchen.
“Yes, please,” Mike answered.“Cream and sugar since it’s so late.”
“That’s no for me.”Jamie casually said, “Coffee keeps me up at night if I have it too late.”
“Why I doctor it up with cream and sugar,” Mike explained.“It does help.But it’s black for me first thing in the morning.”
“I agree.I have to have black coffee first thing.”
Salzy had already rinsed the plates and got them ready for the dishwasher when he went to get another beer.“Anyone need anything to drink?The server is on a break.”
Joesph didn’t even turn around but flipped him a middle finger over his shoulder after he set down the two coffees.
