“Probably a cold,” Sassy said. “Everyone on the bus was coughing today. Um, Tom, I have an idea I want to run past you.”
He slid the filing cabinet drawer closed. “This sounds serious. Let’s go to lunch.”
She felt a flush of pleasure at the idea, which was a little strange. They were always together these days, either working or talking about work, and yet the idea still excited her.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
“Far out.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s eleven. Maybe in a half hour?”
After five minutes had passed, she stood in front of his desk. “I can’t find my watch. Is a half hour up yet?”
He laughed. “We can pretend it is,” he said, grabbing his coat and reaching for hers, where it hung by the front door. “Ever been to the Senator? Oldest restaurant in the city.”
“Outta sight,” she said with a smile.
It was an old two-storey building, with the restaurant on the main floor. Booths and a long counter ran down one wall, where a couple of men sat, reading newspapers.
“Tommy!” A man with dark hair and a wide smile walked toward them from the back of the restaurant.
“Cecil,” Tom replied, shaking his hand. “Sassy, this is my good friend Cecil Djambazis, the manager here. Cecil, this is Sassy Rankin—sorry, Susan Rankin.”
Cecil leaned back slightly, as if he was examining her. “No. This can’t be Jim’s little girl. The last time I saw you, you were only this high. You and your little brother.” His expression faltered as his memory returned. “I’m very sorry to hear about your dad. It’s a great loss to the community. I considered him a good friend.”
Sassy thanked him with a quiet smile.
“Yeah. You and your brother. What’s his name again?”
“Joey,” she said.
“Yeah! Joey. I remember now. Well, you sure did grow up nice. Good to meet you again, Susan.”
“You can call me Sassy.”
He grinned. “Is that right. What would your dad say about that?”
“He didn’t think much of the nickname, but he agreed that I earned it.”
Cecil threw back his head and laughed. “Come with me. Let’s find you two a booth. Something to drink?”
“Coca-Cola,” Sassy said, settling at a table, and Tom ordered the same. Keeping it simple, they ordered two club sandwiches.
“So.” Tom sat back, looking curious. “This idea of yours. Let’s hear it.”
Cecil came around the corner, tray in hand. “Coca-Cola for the lady,” he announced, “and one for the ugly guy.”
The sandwiches arrived right away, and she took a few bites, delaying the conversation. What she wanted to propose to Tom was pretty innovative, she thought, but what if he thought it was ridiculous? She didn’t want him to see her as a fool.
“Don’t keep me in suspense, Sass,” Tom prodded gently.
She nodded, but her mouth was full.
“You done any thinking on the job offer?” he tried again. “You gonna stay and work with me?”
She lifted one eyebrow. “You’re offering me the job I already have?”
“I’d offer you the moon if you wanted it, Sassy.”
Her cheeks warmed, and she was just as coy in her reply. “I will remember that.”
