Chapter Seventeen
Jamie was just putting the finishing touches on his version of shrimp and grits when Salzy came in, the door not slamming because Walter and Timmy were right behind him. Timmy didn’t let the door slam, he noticed.
“Something sure smells good,” Dexter said a few moments later, Walter already having come over to have a look into the pot Jamie was slowly stirring.
“Looks good, too,” Walter commented. “Maybe put that on the menu?”
“We can talk about that after dinner,” Jamie said, smiling. “I hope everyone likes it.”
“All I’m saying is that Ms. Mattie would be fit to be tied,” Hazel was saying as she huffed her way into the kitchen, Florence hot on her heels.
Flo was carrying in a twelve pack of Budweiser bottled beer. “If Jamie can drink beer...” Flo looked at Jamie, smiling. “Then I don’t see where it’d be an issue.”
Walter looked at the redhead. “I thought about it but didn’t know if it would be right.”
“Well, there’s another box in my truck. Go and get it before it gets hot.” Florence snapped her gum, smiling. “I think this is going to be a good night.”
“I-I’ll go.” Timmy darted around the two women and out the door. Jamie noticed that he didn’t let the door slam. He looked at Salzy, who was busy taking the beer from Florence.
“Thanks, honey,” Flo said sweetly, then looked at Jamie, one eyebrow raised.
Jamie rolled his eyes at her.
“Anyone want a beer?” Salzy asked, holding up two bottles.
“Of course I do. I brought it didn’t I?” Florence was holding out a hand. “Gimme.”
“I’ll have one,” Walter lazily walked over to Salzy. “Get one for the boss.”
Salzy walked out with six bottles, three in each hand. “Beer all around then.”
Timmy came back in with the second twelve pack, going directly to the walk-in.
Jamie waited until everyone had a beer and then got everyone’s attention by clanking a metal spoon against a pot. “I propose a toast.” Jamie cleared his throat. “May Mattie’s Diner live on for another fifty years.”
“Here, here!” was the hearty response by all.
After they all had had a drink, Jamie announced that dinner was ready and that everyone should go into the dining room and have a seat. When Salzy started towards the swinging door into the dining room, Jamie said, “Not you. You’re working.”
Salzy’s shoulders hunched exaggeratedly. “Yes, boss.”
“Put eight bowls up under the heat lamps,” Jamie instructed, pointing to the stack under the window. “Then set up eight plates, next to me.”
Salzy did as he was told then asked, “Now what?”
“Get eight ice waters and take them out to the dining room.” Jamie watched as he added more cream to the pot. “Use the tray,” he instructed, as he stirred.
“I’m not sure about the tray. Don’t know if I can keep it balanced.”
Jamie rolled his eyes. “I have faith in you. Just go slow and be careful.” Jamie got the bread out of the warmer and divided them into two baskets, with a bowl of butter pats, and set them on the serving counter, which they normally used for cold food.
“Done,” Salzy said, smiling. “I didn’t even spill any.”
“I knew you could do it.” Jamie nodded towards the bread. “Go on and take that out and then come back.”
Jamie got the shrimp dish served up in the eight bowls, sprinkled some filé gumbo powder and then fresh parsley over the top of each one. He took off his apron and tossed it into the dirty clothes hamper.
“Done.” Salzy stood in front of the counter. “Time for these?” he indicated the bowls sitting on plates.
“Yep. Take two, and I’ll follow with the rest. Serve Flo and Hazel.”
“Yes sir, Sir.” Salzy gave another salute before picking up the food.
Salzy had given the two older women their food and was in the process of sitting down when Jamie brought out the rest on a tray.
“Hope y’all enjoy.” Jamie served the remaining dishes. “It’s one of my favourites.”
“It sure smells good,” Dexter said, leaning over the steaming bowl in front of him.
Jamie was just about to sit down when there was a knock at the glass door.
“That’ll be Mike,” Florence said as she started to get up.
“Just sit down, Flo. I’ll get it.” Jamie turned towards the door, and there was a big man, no... a huge man, standing on the other side. “Y’all dig in before it gets cold.”
He unlocked the door. “You must be Mike. Come on in.”
Mike walked in and looked at the group around the two tables pushed together. “Is this a staff party?” He looked back at Jamie. “I can always go...”
“No, no.” Jamie had to look up at the man.
When he did, he couldn’t help but notice that his shoulders were nearly as wide as the doorway, and that door wasn’t small either.
“I was told in advance that you’d be here.
Take a seat anywhere and I’ll cook up your porkchops.
” Jamie stopped for a moment. “That’s what I was told you’d want. ”
Mike nodded. “I have them every Thursday. It’s the special.”
Jamie nodded. “What would you like to drink?”
Mike walked over to a two-top and pulled out a chair. That man doesn’t walk, he... like glides.
Mike sat down. “Iced tea, please.”
“Be right back.”
Jamie walked back to the kitchen and stood by the drink station. Oh my God, is that man hot.
Walter walked through the door. “I’ll cook it up.”
“No, you won’t either.” Jamie handed him a glass of water and a glass of iced tea, complete with a wedge of lemon. “But you can take these out and then sit and eat before it gets cold.”
Walter frowned but did as he was told.
Jamie had already prepped the chops and had the flattop grill on. It wouldn’t take him but five minutes to cook everything up. While the chops cooked, he got the beans in the steamer and the mashed potatoes and gravy stirred in the bain-marie. He plated up the food and took it out to Mike.
“Here ya go. Enjoy. Save room for dessert. I made bread pudding this afternoon.”
Mike nodded and turned his attention to a book he’d brought with him. He picked up his fork and knife, not even looking at the plate.
When he sat down, Hazel was telling a story about Papaw and Mamaw having what she called a tiff. It was all about a bag of flour.
“He was trying to tell Ms. Mattie that there was a cheaper bag of flour, and she was telling him that when he could make biscuits, he could choose the flour. It was when she stomped her foot that he shut his mouth. That man knew when to quit.”
They all laughed. Then it got really quiet while they were eating. Always a good sign in Jamie’s opinion.
“I think this is about the best dinner I’ve ever had,” Dexter said. “It’s amazing.”
Walter looked up. “This for sure should go on the menu. You’ve outdone yourself, Jamie.”
“Thanks, Walter. That means a lot coming from you.”
The table got quiet, their eyes looking behind Jamie.
“Um... pardon me, but...” a very deep, baritone but soft sounding voice said behind Jamie. “But... is that shrimp and grits?”
Jamie turned to see Mike towering over him. “Uh... yes.” Jamie tried to swivel in his seat, his neck craning to look towards him.
“Is there a chance I may have some?” Mike asked quietly.
“Of course.” Jamie pushed back and stood. “Are the porkchops not okay?”
“Oh, yes! I didn’t mean to imply that they weren’t, it’s just that... well, shrimp and grits are one of my all-time favourites.”
“Have a seat. I’ll bring you out a bowl.”
A minute later Jamie set the bowl in front of Mike, with a small basket of some of the bread. “Let me know what you think.”
Mike took his fork from the pushed away plate of pork chops.
Took a bite and closed his eyes. He chewed slowly and then sighed.
He looked up at Jamie. “Smooth. Creamy. Smokey, just enough spice. Not too much cheese. This is the best shrimp and grits I’ve ever had, and that’s saying something coming from a Charleston boy. ”
Jamie smiled. “I’m glad you like it. Enjoy.”
He sat back down, everyone looking at him. “What?”
Florence leaned over and whispered, “That man has never deviated from his usual... ever!”
Jamie shrugged. “Everyone wants a change every now and then.”
It wasn’t long before they had all finished eating their fill, Timmy and Dexter each having seconds.
“Who wants dessert?” Jamie asked, standing up, picking up the dishes. “Salzy, you’re helping.”
“Huh?”
“Get up off your butt and help me clear the table and see if anyone wants anything else to drink.”
Florence nodded towards Mike. “I think he’s done too.”
Jamie set the dishes in his hands onto the tray. He went over to collect the dishes. “How was everything?”
Mike shook his head. “I can’t even tell you how good that was.” He pointed to the remaining pork chop. “Think I can have a container for that?” he asked, pointing to the one pork chop left as well as the beans and potatoes. “I can have that for lunch tomorrow.”
“Of course.” He picked up the empty bowl and put it on the tray with the other dirty dishes. He went back and retrieved the plate of uneaten food. “I’ll get this wrapped up for you.”
Salzy was rinsing the used dishes before loading them onto the dishwasher tray. “Damn, that was some fine food, Jamie.”
“Thanks.” Jamie set the plate down, his hands slightly shaking.
“What’s the matter with you?” Salzy sounded a little alarmed. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” He got a plastic to-go container and scooped up the leftover food. “Just peachy.” Jamie topped up the mashed potatoes that were left in the bain-marie. He handed the container to Salzy. “Take this out to that Mike guy.”
Salzy took the container, still looking concerned.
“I’m fine. I’ll be right out.”
Holy shit, that man... I don’t even know what. But there is something... My ears are buzzing.
Jamie shook his head and spooned up nine servings of bread pudding, poured some of his special bourbon butter sauce over the top, and with tray in hand, he went into the dining room.