Chapter Twenty-Four
Jamie groaned as he rolled out of bed. The new mattress was a godsend, but he still felt tired after the last few days.
It seemed never-ending. He groped around, turning off the alarm clock.
It was still dark outside. At least it’s still cool in the mornings.
I’ve got to get air-conditioning in here.
Per usual, Jamie was the first one in. He’d turned on all the lights, started the ovens preheating, and stopped to look at the old kitchen. So many memories were in here. He’d spent so many hours watching and helping his grandmother. He couldn’t help but smile.
He got the first batch of biscuits in the oven and had started on the next batch when Walter came in.
“Mornin’, Jamie. I hope you got some rest.”
“Yeah, I think I may have actually died last night. It’s been a while since I’ve been so tired after work.”
“It was a very long day for all of us.” Walter turned on the flattop grill, having donned a cooks shirt and apron. He fixed his ball cap in place.
Timmy shuffled in, yawning. He waved to Jamie as he also got a clean shirt and apron.
“Yet another day in paradise,” Dexter said as he came in. “Mornin’, all.”
Walter turned the exhaust fan and the radio on, ending the silence. They all worked, getting ready for the day ahead.
“How many biscuits do you think I need to make, Walter?” Jamie asked.
“After yesterday, I really have no idea.” Walter had stopped, turning towards Jamie.
“Okay. I’ll make extra. I can always make up more if we need them for lunch. Same with the corn bread.”
Walter nodded and went back to forming burgers.
“Morning, everyone. It’s a beautiful day.” Joesph sauntered into the kitchen with Salzy right behind him.
“Coffee. I need lots and lots of coffee,” Salzy said, stepping around Joesph. “You want some?”
“Yes, please. Loads of sugar and cream.”
“I’ll give you coffee, but you’ll have to doctor it up the way you want.” Salzy went to the coffee pots, Jamie already having made two pots, most of the first one already gone.
Joesph and then Salzy stood on the other side of where Jamie was working. Salzy was almost finished with his cup of coffee while Joesph seemed to be sipping his slowly.
“What time do the waitresses come in?” Joesph asked.
“Any minute now,” Jamie answered, stirring up the corn bread batter.
“We’d better get a move on then,” Joesph said to Salzy. “Oh, I’m borrowing your handyman to help with the photos.”
Jamie looked at Joesph, who was dressed conservatively today, but not too much. He still had on short white basketball type shorts, a white tank top, and pink Converse tennis shoes with matching socks.
“Whatever floats your boat.” He looked over at Salzy, who was getting a second cup of coffee. “You still going to the hardware store?”
“Yeah, as soon as Joesph is finished with his photoshoot. Why?”
“I made up a list of stuff to get. It’s in the office on the desk.”
“I’ll go and get my camera.” Joesph started to set his coffee on Jamie’s workbench till he saw the expression on Jamie’s face.
“Well, excu-uuse me.” He sashayed over to the table that Mike had used the night before.
He looked over his shoulder at Jamie before setting the coffee cup, saucer, and spoon on it.
He cocked his head, eyebrows slightly arched.
Salzy watched this performance and giggled. “I see you train all your employees.” He also set his cup down and walked after Joesph.
Dexter stood next to Jamie and looked at him. “There are times I swear to God Almighty that you are Ms. Mattie incarnate!”
Jamie laughed. “Why do you say that?”
“It’s just the way you look sometimes. When you expect something to be done the way you want it done. It’s almost scary.”
“Really?” Jamie stopped oiling the pans for the corn bread. “I’m not sure what you mean, but I’ll take it.”
Dexter shook his head, smiling. “You shore’nuf look and act like her when you’re in this kitchen.”
“Must have rubbed off.” Jamie smiled back at Dexter. “That’s a compliment in my book.”
“It was meant as one.” Dexter put a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “If no one’s said it, thank you for being here, and thank you for all you’re doing. I know all of us was more than a bit worried about... well, you know.”
Jamie nodded, his eyes tearing up. “I’m glad to stay.” He straightened, shaking his head. “My old boss sure wasn’t happy when I called him and told him I was resigning, effective immediately.”
Dexter nodded, “I bet not.” Just then, Joesph and Salzy came in carrying two large cases.
“Now be careful with that one,” Joesph said. “Let’s do the dining room first.”
Salzy rolled his eyes at Jamie as he passed him. “And I thought you were bossy.”
“Mornin’.” Hazel said as she came in. “I don’t know about y’all, but I’m still tired from yesterday.”
“Amen to that,” Walter said.
Hazel walked over and quietly said, “Jamie, do you think I could talk to you for a minute. In private?”
“Of course.” Jamie picked up the sheet pan that held the corn bread. “Let me get this in the oven. Meet me in the office?”
“Um, how about outside?” She looked around. “While it’s still a bit cool. I spend enough time boxed up in here.”
Jamie laughed. “Yeah, I can see that. Let’s go.”
Jamie dropped the towel he was holding and followed the middle-aged woman outside. “What’s up?”
“I was thinking on my way home last night and... I don’t know if you know it or not, but Mike Jones is kind of a big deal. Over on the base, I mean.”
“I didn’t know his last name was Jones. Hell, I didn’t even know of him until two nights ago.”
“Well, he is.” Hazel glanced around as a car pulled into the parking lot. “Anyway, if you’re going to close the diner down for a whole month, then he’ll be going somewhere else to eat.”
“Yeah, that’s just the way it is, I’m afraid.”
“I was wondering, just thinking... what if you could... like cook for him while, you know, everything is happening. He sends a lot of business our way. A lot of personnel from the base come in here, and a lot of them come because he talks about the diner.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Jamie took his ball cap off. “I plan on redoing the kitchen some too. I may have to find somewhere to go myself.”
“If you’re gonna be cooking for you and possibly Sal, you might as well cook for Mike too. Right?”
Jamie blinked a few times. I sure wouldn’t mind seeing Mike around. “I’ll think about it.”
“I’m sure that I’ve got his number somewhere. I’ll dig it out and give it to you. You can invite him if you... you know, decide to cook for him.”
Jamie thought for a few moments. “I could try out some dishes on him that I’m thinking of adding to the menu. Get some input.”
Hazel grinned. “That’s a great idea.” Then she frowned. “There are a lot of regulars that come in and will expect the same thing. Especially the weekday specials.”
“Wait... why do you have Mike’s number?”
“There have been a few times in the past when the diner had to shut down. Once, when the plumbing backed up. Another time when the grill went out and we had to change the special. Just... stuff that happens around here.” She shrugged. “He gave it to me so he could save the trip into town, is all.”
“Okay. I guess I can see that. I’ll have to think on it.” Jamie nodded. “I know. Do you know why Mamaw took the chicken livers off the menu?”
Hazel laughed. “I do.” She leaned in close to Jamie. “It’s because Timmy kept overcooking them.”
Jamie chuckled. “Okay. That makes sense. I was just curious.”
“And to be honest, not as many people like them now, not like they used to.”
“What about the pork chops?”
“Hmm,” Hazel’s face scrunched up. “They’re not the most popular of the daily specials. I think something else might be better.”
“What’s the most popular?” Jamie asked just as Florence stepped up.
“The catfish,” Florence answered. “We ran out last night.”
“That’s true,” Hazel confirmed.
“Tonight’s special is country fried steak. How well does it sell?”
“It’s okay, but to be honest, Saturday nights ain’t what they used to be,” Florence said, her face looking sad.
“Here’s what I want you gals to do: write down everything that doesn’t seem to be selling all that well and let me have a look. That will save me time going over the books. Can you do that for me?”
“Sure,” Hazel nodded. “We can come up with a list pretty quick, can’t we, Flo?”
Florence nodded. “I think you need to put that shrimp and grits on the menu. That was great!”
“I’d already decided to do that. Maybe Tuesday nights?”
Florence looked at Hazel before speaking. “Tuesday nights are our slowest night, and that might bring people out.”
Hazel nodded. “Yeah, that may work.”
“Okay, you get me a list, and I’ll use it when looking at changes for the menu.”
“You got it...boss.” Florence chirped, turning on her heel to go into the diner.
“Don’t you start that crap!” Jamie all but pushed the woman through the door.
“I think I may find that number and call Mike and see if he’s planning on coming in for lunch,” Hazel said over her shoulder. She already had her purse open, digging through it.