Chapter 12 #2
“Well, I can’t mooch off my niece forever.
I have to stand on my own two feet. I need to go over to our apartment and start packing.
I can’t afford that place. Thankfully, my rent is covered for the next couple months; I know Ben paid it, but he won’t admit it.
I need to make sure the place is spotless so I can get our security deposit back.
I’ll need every nickel I can get until I start earning a regular paycheck.
” Angie folded her arms across her chest.
Gina could see the dark circles under her aunt’s eyes, and she was biting her lower lip.
She reached over and put her hand on Angie’s arm.
“Just so we’re clear, you are not paying me any rent or giving me grocery money.
I ate at your place more times than I can remember.
Let me take care of you for a change. I talked to my mom today and she said she’ll help you pack up the apartment, just let her know when. ”
Angie put her hand over Gina’s hand. “You are such a sweetheart. I’m lucky to have you and your mom in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out. You’re stuck with us.”
“Let’s eat before the food gets cold. And I want to talk about your catering business; I have some ideas,” Angie said.
Over a simple dinner of pasta, garlic bread, and red wine, Gina and Angie started to list all the things they needed to do to get their catering business off the ground. Gina jotted down notes.
“You’ll have to register the business with the city. Are you going with Last Bite?” Angie asked.
“I think it’s perfect since I’m targeting funeral homes; I should add churches and temples to my outreach as well. But first, will you help me with a list of easy finger foods I can make and then market?” Gina asked.
“Absolutely. We can take some ideas from the old cookbook you found. We can also go online and see what other catering companies are offering and get a sense of what people are charging. We want to start simple at first,” Angie offered.
“I spoke with Kim, and she and I are going to block out the next couple weekends and go to as many funerals as we can. Nobody knows everyone who attends, and we want to see what people are eating,” Gina shared.
“I can ask my church if you can come to our services. Some folks are having a celebration of life; maybe you can get some good ideas there. Do you have a black outfit you can wear? That still seems to be the dress code on record.”
“Yes, Kim and I both have black outfits. I’m excited about doing the research. Uncle Vinnie’s is the first funeral I’ve been to, so I have no idea what they are all like. I forgot to ask you how your visit to City Hall went?”
Angie refilled their wineglasses and cleared the table. “I have to go online and fill out my application. I have no idea how to use a computer; Vinnie didn’t think I needed one. Honestly, you’re probably the only reason I know how to use a cell phone. Can you help me with my application?”
“No problem. Did Cookie say if she has any openings?” Gina asked.
“She said she may have some food inspector positions open. She wants a list of all the restaurants I worked at, and I’m hoping you can type that up for me.”
“I can do that super quick. When did Cookie say you’ll start getting Uncle Vinnie’s pension?” Her aunt let out a deep breath.
“She really didn’t say when, but I did everything but beg her for a job, so I can let you and Thad enjoy your apartment without an old lady hanging around. Ya never know, you might have a gentleman come calling.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that. Too busy. We have a business to start. I hope you can stay for a while. You’re a full partner and we need you. I invited Kim over tomorrow to start writing our business plan. She’s bringing some of her tried-and-true appetizers over for us to sample.”
“That sounds fun; I can’t wait to taste her treats.
From what I remember when you were both in high school, her parents came here from China before Kim was born.
I bet she’ll have some authentic, tasty morsels.
How about I write down my job information so you can type it up and then send it off to Cookie before we hit the hay. ”
There was a knock at the door early the next morning, and Gina opened the door to Kim who was carrying large shopping bags. “Come on in, looks like you cleaned out Jewel.”
“Actually, I’ve been cooking, and I want you and Aunt Angie to taste some of my new creations. I just need to heat them up.” Gina grabbed one of Kim’s bags and they both went to the kitchen to prepare a tasting platter.
Kim put various dumplings and fried appetizers on a cookie sheet and placed them in the oven just as Angie walked into the kitchen in her robe.
“Good morning, my talented chefs. What is that wonderful smell?”
Gina hugged Angie. “Good morning to you. I’ve made coffee and we are preparing samples for you to taste.”
“Let me wake up, and then my palate is at your beck and call.” Angie poured herself coffee and added her cream and sugars. “May I ask what we’ll be tasting this morning?”
“I’ve made some bite-size treats from my grandmother’s private recipes. I was baking till late last night,” Kim replied.
“Well, bring them on. I am so proud of both of you for pursuing your dreams, and I promise I will do everything in my power to help you succeed.” Angie sat down at the kitchen table, took a sip of her coffee, and put her napkin on her lap.
Kim and Gina watched as Angie tasted each bite, not saying a word. Finally, Gina broke the silence. “So, what do you think?”
“I think you don’t need my help; these are delicious. Combining ginger with chestnuts and garlic spinach in a wonton is brilliant. These will disappear in a minute; that sesame dipping sauce is delightful.”
Gina smiled at Kim and gave her a thumbs-up.
“However, if you make these all by hand, you will never recoup the cost. If you have a client where money is not an issue, then I’d go for it.”
“My great aunt and grandmother love to make these, and they don’t mind making as many as we want. We could freeze them,” Kim offered.
“Then let’s add them to our menu. I bet no other catering company has talent like that,” Angie said.
“We could have several menu options, depending on the client’s budget,” Gina said.
“Good, then let’s get started with a list of comfort foods I make, low-cost but soothing to the soul.
Those and a few of Kim’s grandma’s delights would be great.
We’re going to need to turn a profit sooner than later.
You don’t want to work at Panera the rest of your life, do you, honey? ” Angie gently touched Gina’s cheek.
“I can’t get out of there fast enough.”
“Let’s kick things off. I’ll call my friend Louie at Rago Brothers and schedule a tasting.
If he likes what we offer, then he can give us a reference.
His family has been in the funeral business forever, so his word carries a lot of weight.
When I pick up Vinnie’s ashes …” Angie paused and stared down at the floor, collecting herself.
“Anyway, I can get them when we go for the tasting. When do you think you’ll be ready? ” Angie asked.
“In one week, if we spend every hour preparing between now and then,” Gina said.
After Gina supplied their new team cheer, all three women put their right arm out in front of them—their hands touching in the middle as if they were on a sports team. “One—two—three!” they all screamed and then put their arms up in the air. “Team Last Bite!”
Angie rinsed out her dishes. “I’m going to get dressed and pop down to City Hall to check in with Cookie. If I go in person, she’ll get that I’m serious about employment ASAP.”
“I think you should call her first. She may have meetings,” Gina suggested.
“Nope. I need her to see how serious I am about working and about getting my husband’s pension. I’m not letting those fancy City Hall folks push me around.” With that, Angie headed off to get ready for the day.
Gina shrugged and glanced over at Kim. “Don’t be messing with my aunt when she means business.”
“I hear you,” Kim said.
“Let’s write up a draft of all the appetizers we have so far, and then we can create a sample menu for Rago’s,” Gina suggested.
“No problem. And, Gina, I am so excited to be launching this business with you. I have a good feeling about it and us working together.” Kim hugged her.
Gina hugged her back. “I think we’re going to make an awesome team.”
Gina’s cell rang. “Hey, Mom.”
“How’s my favorite daughter?”
“I’m your only daughter.”
“I know,” she giggled, “but you’re still my favorite. How are things going?”
Gina walked into her bedroom so she could speak to her mom privately.
“Things are ramping up with our catering company. I am so excited I can’t stand it.
I am going to need that loan you offered to get the business off the ground.
We’ll pay you back once business starts booming.
Wait till you taste Kim’s appetizers; Angie said they were delicious, and you know she’s a truth teller when it comes to food. ”
“I sure do. I remember when she sent back her entrée at Spiaggia, Vinnie’s eyes about popped out of his head; his neck and face got beet red.
Even if they comp you a meal, it should be cooked, right?
But she was right, the pork was raw, and both of them would have gotten food poisoning. How much are you thinking, honey?”
Gina paused. “Kim and I are finalizing our business plan this afternoon and presenting it to our class tomorrow night. Our best guess is between five and ten thousand dollars each. Kim has about ten thousand saved from working in her family’s store in Chinatown and all the odd jobs she’s done over the years, and her family is hopefully helping her.
I’d need to kick in my ten. As you know, I have no savings. ”
“Jeez, that’s a lot of money, honey, but I should be able to make it happen.”