“Thanks, it’s been a long time coming.” He nods his head slowly.
“Can you tell me what it means?” I ask with a wince.
“It means he makes a shit-ton more money,” Oswald says just as the waitress bends down with a tray.
“Oh, are we celebrating?” she asks, placing the drinks on the table. Memphis rips the paper off my straw and puts it in my glass before sliding it carefully over to me.
“Thank you.” I mostly mouth the words because Oswald is excitedly talking about Bates becoming a journeyman.
“That’s amazing, and you’re so young.” She looks him up and down, even though he’s half concealed behind the table. “I’m still in school for two more years.” She sighs with a shoulder slump.
“I think we need a few more minutes,” Memphis tells her, interrupting any more chatting.
“Alrighty, I’ll be back in a minute. Any appetizers?” she questions before leaving.
Oswald dismisses her this time. “No, we’re good.”
“Do you guys know what you want?” Memphis asks once she’s gone.
“I do.” I push the plastic sheet away.
“What are you getting?” Oswald is still scanning his menu.
“Filet and shrimp.” I’m not that keen on cooking it myself either, but it might be fun to try.
“I think I’m going to do the same.” Bates places his menu on top of mine. “Being a journeyman means I’m certified and can run my own jobs. It would make it easier for me to get union work if I wanted to go that route, but the big deal is the jump in pay from being an apprentice.” I wasn’t sure he would remember to answer me.
“And you’re done with school,” Memphis points out.
“Hell yes,” Bates agrees. “I don’t know how you guys do it. I did a lot of it online, but I hated it.”
“I’m hoping to get signed early. I want out as soon as I can.” Oswald knocks his glass into Bates’ in a cheer.
“You should get your degree first,” Memphis tells him, and Oswald rolls his eyes in response.
“I won’t need a degree if I get signed.”
Memphis opens his mouth as if to say something more, but the waitress returns. “All set to order?” She looks around.
“Yes.” Memphis glances down at the menu.
I lay my hand on his thigh, and he immediately gives me his attention. “Go ahead,” he encourages.
I was going to ask if he was sure he knew what he wanted, but instead I order. “Dynamic duo with a salad and truffle fries,” I tell her while she nods and takes notes on a pad.
“For you?” She moves on to Memphis, who is still looking at the menu.
“I’ll go next,” Bates offers. “I’m going to have the same duo, but I want to add mushrooms. For sides, I’ll take the baked potato, loaded, and green beans.”
“Damn, my mouth is watering.” Oswald smacks his lips. “What’s the best?” He looks up at Michele.
“I usually get the Caesar or strawberry salad.” She leans in close to him again.
“Yeah, no.” He shakes his head quickly with his lips curled back in distaste.
“How big is the ribeye?” I interrupt.
“It’s a good size. The twelve-ounce sirloin is the biggest single steak.”
