Chapter Sixty-Seven
Jamie was already at the stove making the diner’s signature gravy. He had biscuits in the oven, and Salzy was cracking eggs into a large stainless-steel bowl. “How’s it going over there?” Jamie asked.
“You need to teach me how to crack these with one hand.”
“Okay, I’ll show you in a minute. Let me get this done and I’ll be over.”
“Morning, all,” Mike said as he walked in. He went directly to Jamie. “Morning, good-looking.” He kissed Jamie.
Jamie never stopped stirring the pan. “Good morning. There’s coffee.”
“Thanks.” Mike gripped Jamie’s butt in his hand before going out to the new drink station.
“Here, let me show you,” Jamie said as he took the egg from Salzy. “It does take some practice.” Jamie tapped the egg on the rim of the bowl. “Think of it like snapping your fingers. It’s almost the same movement. Or turning a key.” He showed Salzy once more. “Now you try it.”
“Good morning, gentlemen.” Joesph said, waltzing into the kitchen. “How is everyone?”
“Doing good.” Salzy cracked an egg against the side of the bowl and attempted to open it with one hand. “Well, that didn’t go to plan,” he muttered as he fished out some eggshells from the bowl.
“I did say it would take some practice.” Jamie took the pan of biscuits from the oven and put them in the bread warmer.
“Do I smell bacon?” Mike asked as he returned to the kitchen.
“Yep.” Jamie smiled. “It’s so good to be back in the kitchen.” He stirred the gravy once more and turned off the gas. “That’s the gravy done.”
Joesph re-entered the kitchen with a mug of coffee. “Will we be eating in the dining room?”
“I thought we’d just eat outside,” Jamie said. “It’s a beautiful day, and we’ve not yet stocked the dining room. We’ll get that done today, though.”
“Is everyone coming in to work today?” Salzy asked, still trying to crack eggs one-handed.
“Yes, I think so,” Jamie answered, taking the bowl away from Salzy. “Will you get the half-and-half for me, please?”
“Yep,” Salzy said, already walking towards the walk-in.
“Anything I can do?” Mike asked.
“You can get the paper plates, napkins, and cutlery,” Jamie answered.
“Sure, but I need a kiss first.” Mike leaned into Jamie, giving him a quick kiss. “Now I can survive the trip.”
Jamie rolled his eyes. “Oh brother.”
“You’re not going to say anything?” Joesph asked. He had his “I’ve got a secret and it’s good” look on his face.
“Such as?” Jamie flipped the shredded potatoes he had on the flattop, getting them nice and golden.
“Do not try and be coy with me, Jamie Pierre Throneaux.”
“What’s going on?” Salzy asked, handing the half-and-half to Jamie.
“Well?” Joesph said, leaning on Jamie’s workbench.
“I got everything set up outside. How much longer?” Mike asked, looking at his watch.
“Just need to scramble the eggs. I’ve got everything else done.” Jamie looked at Joesph. “Why don’t you be useful and get the ketchup and salt and pepper?”
“Not until you tell.” Joesph stood up, mug in hand.
“Tell?” Mike asked as he came to stand by Jamie.
Joesph tilted his head and cocked one eyebrow. “The news, of course.”
Mike smiled broadly. “Oh, yeah.” He kissed Jamie’s cheek, then looked at Salzy. “We’re engaged.”
“Do what?” Salzy looked like he was ready to jump up and down. “Really?” He rushed to Jamie and hugged him. “Congrats, bro!” He squeezed Jamie again. “I’m happy for you.”
“Good morning, everyone,” Florence said as she came through the back door.
“It’s so nice to be home. Now, don’t go thinking I didn’t have a good time, but almost a month away from home is.
.. a little bit much.” She looked at Salzy, still hugging Jamie, Mike grinning like a fool, and a very smug look on Joesph’s face. “Okay, what did I just step into?”
“Morning.” Walter came in and stood next to Florence. “Is there something going on?”
“Yes, but they’ve not said anything yet,” Florence answered, her focus on Jamie.
Dexter was the next to arrive, greeting everyone, and then Minnie, Timmy, and Hazel came in.
Florence put her hands on her hips. “Spit it out. What in tarnation is going on?”
Mike pushed Salzy off Jamie, scowling at him. He took Jamie’s hand. “We’re engaged,” Mike stated.
Walter started to grin and nodded. Dexter also smiled. Minnie and Timmy stood there looking shocked, and Hazel rushed toward the pair.
Hazel hugged both of them and kissed Jamie’s cheek. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I hate to be the killjoy, but can we eat? I need to get a move on,” Mike asked, then hugged Jamie a little closer.
“Sure thing,” Jamie said as he put the finished scrambled eggs into a bowl.
“Everything else is already on plates, in the oven, and the biscuits are in the warmer. You can each take something out.” He looked at the rest of the staff.
“You’re welcome to join us, but Walter, you’ll have to cook y’all some more eggs. I didn’t make enough for all of you.”
Walter quickly strode over to Mike and Jamie, his hand extended towards Mike. “Congratulations, guys. I’m glad to see Jamie settled.” He hugged Jamie. “Now, if you’ll get out of the way, I’ll get to making us some breakfast.”
That seemed to break the spell on Florence. “Oh my God!” she screeched and rushed at Mike and Jamie. “Thank the Lord.” She kissed Jamie, leaving lipstick on his cheek, and then the same to Mike, after she pulled his ear down so she could reach his cheek. “This is a great day.”
After each of them had a turn at congratulating the happy couple, they let them go out to eat their breakfast. “I hope it’s not all cold,” Jamie grumbled.
“It’s fine,” Mike said as he wolfed down the food. “Damn, I’d forgotten how good your biscuits and gravy are.”
“Me too,” Salzy said, his mouth full.
“May I be allowed to ask, when are we to have apple pie and ice cream?” Joesph asked before chomping down on a piece of crisp bacon.
“For heaven's sake, can you at least give me a chance to get everything set up. Besides, Christine will be coming in this afternoon to get some things started.” Jamie shoved a fork of egg into his mouth.
“Okay,” Joesph said. “I will try and be patient.”
A few minutes later, the rest of the staff started coming out, carrying plates of food.
“I hate to eat and run, but I’ve got to go.” Mike stood up, plate, napkin, and cutlery in his hand.
“Just leave that,” Jamie said, nodding toward all the stuff Mike was holding. “I’ll get it.”
“Sure,” Mike replied, setting the stuff down. “I really am in a hurry.” He bent down and kissed Jamie. “I’ll see you later.” He kissed Jamie again, this one lasting a little longer. He stood up and pulled his keys out of his pocket. “Have a good day, everyone.” And then he was gone.
“Hey, Flo, I was wondering if you knew of a babysitter or a nanny,” Jamie asked after wiping his mouth.
“What? You getting a baby?” Flo looked like she’d just won the lottery.
“No. Whatever gave you that idea?” Jamie shook his head. “No, Christine, the new pastry chef who is starting today. She has a two-month-old, and she needs someone to watch him.”
“He is so adorable,” Joesph added.
“He’s beautiful,” Salzy said, as he stood and collected the empty plates, cups and utensils. “I’ll get this taken care of.”
“Oh, I’m not sure,” Flo said, looking thoughtful.
Minnie raised her hand. “My cousin could probably do it. She’s good with babies.”
“That’s great, Minne. Would you give me her number or to Christine when she gets here? It won’t be till after lunch.” Jamie stood. “Take your time finishing your breakfast.”
“Are you finally going to give that biscuit recipe to someone?” Walter asked, a sly grin on his face. “You’re going to have to at some point, ya know.”
Jamie smiled. “Yeah, but it’s not going to be anytime soon, so you’ll just have to wait.”
“Pfft, I’ll probably be dead before you give that up,” Walter responded.
“Besides Christine, two new cooks are coming in today. Walter, if you could give them the rundown on everything, I’d appreciate it.”
“What about waitresses?” Hazel asked. “Did you call Sharon?”
“Yes, she’ll be here after school lets out. There is another one, named Julie Cramer.”
“I kno-know, Jul-Julie,” Timmy stuttered. “She’s ni-ni-nice.”
“Thanks, Timmy. That’s good to know. I liked her. I think she’ll do well here.”
“What about those cooks?” Walter asked.
“Robert Farmer goes by Robbie, and Ian Sawyer,” Jamie answered.
“Robbie has some experience, but Ian is eager to learn. I hope you guys can show them the ropes. If it’s okay with everybody, we can sit down and hammer out a schedule once we get back open and the new staff are ready to be on their own. ”
Everyone nodded. “Sounds good,” Walter said, standing. “What do you want me to do?”
Jamie pulled out his phone. “I made a list. Let me see... Walter, I’d like you and Timmy to do an inventory and then make up an order list.” Jamie looked up.
“I think we’re going to be busy, so keep that in mind.
Dexter, I need you with Salzy. There are still some boxes that need to be unpacked; most of those will go into the dining room.
” Jamie looked at Flo. “Ladies, I need your help unpacking those boxes and putting everything where it needs to go.
There are all those new cabinets in the dining room, so put them to good use.
They were put there to keep you from having to run into the kitchen for everything you need.
“We’re on it, boss,” Dexter said, standing up. “Sure, is good to be home.”