6. No Rush
6
NO RUSH
CHELSEA
As if obsessed by the speed date with Rex, every day I looked for him, hoping he’d stop by for a sandwich. Silly, really, when as CEO he probably had better things to do than eat lunch at a deli. Besides, he had rushed out for a date, and certainly hadn’t bothered to come see me here again. I needed to forget him and move on.
“There’s our Chelsea-Sunshine,” a man’s voice called out from the front of the deli. I paused, rolling out the perfect pie crust, and glanced up. Very few people used the nickname my mother started long ago.
“Uncle Doug? Aunt Louisa? Hi! Come to check up on me? How are you feeling?” I came around the counter and barraged him with questions as I hugged his body, noting his frame felt smaller in my arms.
He leaned heavily on a glossy wooden cane of redwood with a brass holder, and it pained me to see him like this—almost like Dad before he passed away. Although there was a rose hue to Doug’s cheeks, more white hair, and less dark circles under his eyes than when I first saw him in the hospital. Here’s hoping he was on the mend.
“I’m doing swell. Don’t fret over me. And since I have you here running things, I don’t worry so much.” The gravel in his old voice was probably about as cheerful as he could make it.
“Don’t let him fool you,” said Aunt Louisa. “He asks about you night and day, worried about this old place, but his blood pressure has improved.”
“Hm. You can take the man out of the deli, but not the deli out of the man.” I chuckled and put his hand through my elbow, and led him over to a nearby table to sit. At almost three on a Friday afternoon, the employees were busy closing for the day, so hardly anyone was around. And what a day it’d been. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? A muffin?”
“No, thanks. Sit, sit. Louisa showed me the website and new menu online with pies and more. Outstanding. I never cared for baking, but I know you have your mother’s knack for it.” The pride showing on his face did my heart good. “New Yorkers must like it because sales are way up. You might just be better at this than I was.”
“Oh gosh, thanks, Uncle Doug.” My hand flew to my heart. “That means so much to me. It’s been a whirlwind of a month, for sure, but…I love it here. I think—” I glanced quickly around the shop that I’d already poured my heart and soul into, and gushed. “I think I’m ready to talk about renewing the lease.”
“Whoa, whoa, hang on. While nothing would make me happier, this is just the honeymoon phase.” He chuckled, shared a knowing look with Louisa, and squeezed her hand. My brows stitched together.
“What do you mean?”
“When we first opened this place, it was a dream for Doug, too. He loved it. But soon, as with anything in life or love, the bloom wears off a little, sweetie,” Louisa explained, and I knew the look in her gray eyes was only one of concern. Plus, she likely had been talking to my mother, who would worry about me until she had no more breath left in her.
All things considered, it was going better than I expected. Monday through Friday, I woke up at the crack of dawn, caught the subway from the apartment to the deli, worked all day, and by the time we closed at 3 in the afternoon, I was exhausted. Over the weekends, I caught up on my sleep, but practically leapt out of bed Monday mornings for a repeat, and perfectly happy for it.
Then there was the city itself, with something to see or do daily. I don’t know how she did it, but Sophie scored cheap to free tickets to things left and right. Why, later tonight, we’d be attending the opera for free thanks to some tickets she got from a professor. All in all, I loved every minute of this adventure so far.
“What we’re saying is, don’t rush. You just got here. Enjoy the city and do your best. Trust me, you’ll have some challenging days ahead that might make you question things,” Doug advised, with a voice so much like Dad it was uncanny.
I missed my father. I could always count on him to be a guiding voice, until the saddest day of my life when he passed away. All prepared, I’d been ready to move the summer after high school to attend a culinary institute in New York City, but after news of his diagnosis of stage four cancer, I couldn’t leave town.
I couldn’t see leaving Holly Creek and my family behind at a time like that. Mom was a mess and Maisy and Colt, being years younger than me, needed help through it all. Dad needed his family around him. So I remained and put off my dreams in order to be there for everyone.
Now, I had an incredible second chance fall into my lap, and so far, it’d been what I always dreamed of. But I’d take the time as they asked, even though I already knew my heart. I also made a note to be a better niece and check on Doug and Louisa more often.
“Well, we did have a little difficulty today, but not to worry, nothing I couldn’t overcome,” I admitted, but quickly covered it with a smile.
“Trust me, I’ve seen and done it all over twenty years. Tell me what happened,” Doug leaned forward.
“Really, I don’t want to bother you.”
“Now look, Chelsea, you’ve got him all riled up. He won’t be able to sleep tonight unless you spill the beans,” Louisa lamented, glaring over the top of her gold-rimmed glasses.
“Fine. It was no big deal, but our food delivery from Delaney’s didn’t arrive, and they claimed I never sent the order in, even though I am certain I did. They said they couldn’t do anything about it and I’d have to wait until next week to place an order.”
“What? Delaney’s has never been difficult before. Me and old Delaney go way back; must be his nephews being such pricks taking over the business. Want I should give them a call?” Doug got bent out of shape about it, and there was Louisa’s arm, holding him back.
“No, I handled it. Thankfully, between Sophie and Maisy, they gathered a bunch of their college mates and hit as many grocery stores as they could to help make up for it. Now I’m all stocked up until the next scheduled delivery, and I’ll make double sure the orders go in the next time,” I finished strongly, again covering up the challenge with a grin that split my face.
I still didn’t understand how that happened. I knew I hit the submit button, but they claimed they never received the order. No matter. Things worked out, and I wouldn’t dwell on it.
“Well, honey, one thing for sure is that you’ll have a lot of ups and a few downs along the way. But I think you’ve got a good head on your shoulders for this. Keep enjoying the process.” He leaned in with lips puckered, and I offered my cheek for the kiss.
“So, about the lease?—”
He stopped me with his hands up. “We have until New Year’s Eve. No rush. Just keep doing the amazing job you’re doing and we’ll check in with you next month.”
He was right, but that didn’t stop my shoulders from drooping. We had time to think about things. No sense rushing. Besides, he didn’t ask me about Mom or Colt or Holly Creek. If he had, I wouldn’t have been able to cover up the fact that I missed them all terribly.
After they left, I finished baking up two peach pies, ready for the next day’s lunch rush, and checked myself in the mirror. Ever since Sophie helped me get started with a new social media page for the deli, I attempted to go live at least once daily with the special of the day or other news.
A quick glance assured me I had no flour on my cheek like the first time. And I undid an extra button on my blouse because sex sells, Sophie told me.
“Hello friends of the city. It’s me, Chelsea, at the Sun-Up Deli, back again with some yummy treats.” I hovered the camera, showing me plus the pies on the old marble countertop, one of my favorite things here. Admittedly, the deli could use a remodel, and someday I hoped I could afford it, but some things would remain, like this marble slab, perfect for baking.
I zoomed in on the peach pies and took a whiff. “Mm. Fresh peaches ripe from the market today, and now ready to serve in pies by the slice. Let’s try one, shall we?”
I already had a small slice on a delicate white china plate with frilly edges. I zoomed in again. “Look at that beautiful, flaky crust, dusted with sugar. I’m not even going to ruin this slice with whipped cream or ice cream, although you can if you order a slice tomorrow. Nope, today, I’m going straight to the flavor of peach pie in my bite.”
Using my fork, I cut into the slice and put it in my mouth, closing my eyes and moaning for full effect. “Oh God. So good. You really must try this. My mouth is having an orgasm. Stop on by for lunch tomorrow and yours can, too.”
My cheeks must be burning, but I continued on. “Buy any sandwich and add on a slice of pie for three dollars. But hurry, only two pies, so only sixteen slices—well, fifteen now. Mm.” I stuffed another bite into my mouth, moaned and logged off.
I cringed, but marketing was necessary, and hopefully that would entice more customers to stop by, although I was getting to know our regulars and enjoyed each one. Yes, some had snarky New York attitudes, but I didn’t let that stop me from putting a little love into each menu item we made.
I put the pies in the case, ready for tomorrow. My workers had all left for the day, and it was time to head home. At the door, with one last look around the deli, I nodded, satisfied with another day done.
I locked up and crossed the concourse of the Buchanan building, heading for the subway. Each afternoon since the speed date, I had peered up to the top of the building, wondering if Rex was up there somewhere looking down at me. But not this time. I was too proud of myself and full of hope for my future with the deli.