Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
P aul slept in until a little after nine, brewed himself a cup of dark roast coffee, and settled on his sofa with Brody by his side.
He didn’t have to be at the restaurant until later that afternoon, and he was looking forward to a relaxing day.
He took a sip of the hot coffee and debated between diving into a new book he’d bought or going for a walk.
He glanced out the window. The sun was shining, and it would be a good walk to the beach and back.
He liked to walk the beach and watch the boats come and go, but he could always do that later in the afternoon.
He reached for his book, the newest Longmire mystery, and before he could open it, his phone rang. It was Jason, his lunch chef.
“Hey, Jason.”
“Paul, sorry to call so early, but I’m afraid I don’t have good news.
It’s the damndest thing. I was out walking the dog this morning and wasn’t paying attention I guess.
I fell, hard, and they say my ankle is broken.
The good news is I’m getting surgery on it tomorrow.
But I can’t put any weight on it for six weeks.
I hate to leave you in a jam, but the doctor says I won’t be cleared to work until it heals up. ”
Paul set his coffee down. “That’s rough. I’m sorry, Jason. Don’t worry about it. We’ll figure something. Keep me posted on how the surgery goes and when you’re ready to come back.”
“Will do. Thanks, Paul.”
Paul ended the call and scratched Brody under his chin.
“Well, so much for hanging with you today, buddy. I’m going to be working doubles until I find someone to pick up Jason’s shifts.”
Mandy walked into the kitchen a little after eleven and did a double take when she saw Paul. He explained about Jason’s ankle.
“What do you usually do when something like this happens?” she asked.
“We have people pick up the shifts usually, as two of the guys swap off doing lunch shifts on the weekends, and it’s not a big deal when it’s just a few days. But Jason is going to be out a good six weeks or so. So I’d love to find someone if I can.”
“We can post an ad online?” Mandy suggested.
Paul nodded. “Sure, if you want to do that, please do. I have a few calls in to guys I know to get the word out. See if anyone knows of anyone looking for work. You never know.”
Mandy nodded. “I’ll work on that now. I have some time before people start coming in. What do I need to know about the role and the pay?” They chatted for a few minutes about the responsibilities of the role and hourly salary range they could do. Mandy turned to head off to put the ad together.
“Wait. You have to try this. It’s today’s special. A lobster and scallop quesadilla.” Paul had put one in the oven before Mandy walked in. He slid it onto a plate and added a side of sliced avocado, sour cream, and pineapple salsa.
“Oh, thank you. That looks delicious. And I’m starving. I haven’t eaten a thing yet today.”
Mandy left with her plate of food, and Paul quickly made another quesadilla for his own lunch.
He used a nutty Gruyère cheese and sweet red peppers, and the pineapple salsa was perfect with it.
His cell rang as he swallowed his last bite.
It was his friend Randy, who was a chef at a seafood restaurant on the wharf.
“Hey, Paul, I got your message. I might have a lead for you. It’s just a temporary gig, right?”
“Yeah, probably about six weeks or so. Though maybe there’s a possibility for longer. I’ve been thinking it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a backup person that can float around and fill in wherever needed.”
“Hmm. Well, I know of someone who might at least be a good fill-in for you. Zach worked for me for about three months. He was in a similar role for us, filling in while my regular sous-chef was on maternity leave. I think he was hoping she wouldn’t come back.
She did though, and unfortunately, I couldn’t keep him on.
He’s a little quirky, but his food is good. ”
Zach sounded ideal. Paul and Randy chatted for a few more minutes, and as soon as they hung up, Paul gave Zach a call.
He explained the job, and Zach seemed into it.
Normally Paul would have someone come in and formally interview, but since he’d worked for Randy, that was good enough for Paul.
He offered him the job, and Zach agreed to come in the next day to work the lunch shift.
Paul would work with him for a few shifts until he was comfortable with the menu and the kitchen.
He let Mandy know when she brought her empty plate into the kitchen, and she laughed.
“That was fast. I didn’t even have a chance to post the ad.”
Paul smiled. “Hopefully we won’t need to. Zach is starting tomorrow.”