“There’s some apple pie left,” Jamie said.“And a bit of vanilla ice cream.”
“Oh yes, please,” Joesph said immediately.
“Nothing for me,” Salzy said as he set a fresh bottle of beer down in front of Jamie.
“I’d like that,” Mike said, smiling at Jamie, a definite twinkle in his eye.
“Okay, then.”Jamie pushed back from the table.“Two apple pies coming up.”
“No ice cream for me,” Joesph said.
“That’s fine.You weren’t getting any anyway.There’s only enough for one serve.”
Joesph huffed.“Do youseewhat I have to put up with?It’s like I’m a second-class citizen around here.”
“You poor, poor thing,” Jamie said, putting down a plate with pie on it in front of Joesph.“Your life is so hard.”He set a bowl with pie and ice cream in front of Mike.
Mike took a big bite and closed his eyes.I bet he looks like that during sex, Jamie thought and quickly asked, “How’s the pie?”
“The crust is perfect, but there’s something...in the pie filling I can’t figure out.”He looked directly at Jamie.
“Oh?”Jamie asked innocently as he sipped his beer.
“There is, isn’t there?”Mike cocked his head slightly.“I just can’t put my finger on it.”
“There may be.”
“You’re not going to tell me either, are you?”
“Nope.”Jamie didn’t bat an eye.“I never give out my secret recipes.”
Salzy snorted.“Hell, even Walter can’t make the biscuits.It’s a family secret.If Jamie goes on vacation or dies, there’ll be a riot in this diner.”
Mike laughed.“Okay.I won’t ask again.I only hope this becomes a staple.”
Jamie nodded.“Actually, I’m going to put in a pastry station.Right where we’re sitting, to be exact.”
Mike’s eyes opened wide.“Really?That’ll be amazing.There are usually only two desert options, and it was whatever Ms.Mattie cooked up.Her banana pudding was delicious.”
Jamie laughed.“Glad you thought so.That was my recipe she used.”
“Not even slightly surprised,” Mike said, smiling.
“Ah-hem,” Joesph cleared his throat.“If no one minds, I think I’m going to call it a night.I have a couple of really busy days ahead of me, and I need my beauty sleep.”
“Wait,” Salzy said also standing.“You’re not going to help with the dishes?”
Joesph lowered his gaze at him.“I’m a drinks server,nota dishwasher.”He looked at the other two men.“Good night.Ta-ta.”And with that he sauntered to the door.Gave another look at Salzy over his shoulder and left.
“Drama much,” Salzy said.“It okay to run these few pans through the dishwasher?”He asked Jamie.
“Yeah, everything can go through.”He stood and collected the dishes, cups, and other remaining items from the table.
“I should get going too,” Mike said as he got up.“Is it okay if I leave through the back door?”
“Of course,” Jamie said.“See you tomorrow?”
“You can count on it.I’ll be here for dinner for sure.”Mike smiled.“’Night, Sal.”And then he was gone.
