Paul’s phone buzzes.
“Hey, did your plane arrive early?”
“No. I decided to drive,” Joey says. “I’m about 20 minutes out. Where are you?”
“You drove? It’s like ten hours.”
“Well, with the layover it was about six. Besides, I wanted to see the country.”
“You scared of flying, aren’t you?”
“No. Just send me your address.”
“I’m at the shop. See you soon.”
Say-Lee’s is on Broadway half a block down from Main. The previous restaurant was opened right before Covid and couldn’t get its footing, so the owners moved on to other ventures.
Rebecca Eastman looks over the restaurant from corner to corner. “You really haven’t changed anything in here, have you?”
“Besides the sign outside,” Paul says.
“Do we need anything?”
“They left all the equipment. I put an order in for beer and liquor, but you’ll be doing that. Joey said he’s taken care of food. You need to hire some staff if we’re going to be open in two weeks.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard.”
“No? Do you know how to cook?”
“Yeah, why?”
“Sometimes we all have to cook.”
A soft knock on the front door.
“Hmm, doesn’t sound like Joey, but he’s supposed to be here soon,” Paul says.
“I’ll get it,” Rebecca dances to the door and opens it to find a teenager. “Hi Charles, how can I help you?”
“My mom said you were working here and maybe you needed help.”
“Well, your mom knows I always need help. But I’m mainly in charge of the wait staff and bartenders and if I remember correctly, you’re fifteen.”
“I turned sixteen last month.”
“Paul, this is Charles Jones. You think Romeo needs someone in the kitchen?”
The front door opens and Joey bellows, “Why’s my name coming out of a stranger’s mouth?”
“Joey Romeo. Hmm, I thought you’d be taller,” Rebecca says as she looks up at his chiseled face.
“I’m just larger than life, Becky. Do you mind me calling you Becky? Rebecca is too biblical.”
“Just don’t call me Becca. This is Charles. He’s looking for a job. I know his parents. They’re the sweetest people. His mother makes half my wardrobe.”
“Hi Charles, I’m Joey Romeo. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Charles Jones.”
They shake hands.
“You play football?
“Yes, sir. It’s almost done but I have basketball coming up.”
“Are you a good student?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What’s your favorite class?”
“I couldn’t say. I just do the work they tell me to. Maybe English because Miss Silva is really nice to me.”
“Cool. I hated all my classes. Barely graduated. Have you ever worked in a restaurant before?”
“No, but I’m a fast learner.”
“Some learn faster than others. It’s not a race. Can you be here at ten in the morning tomorrow?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Can you please not call me sir more than once a day?”
“Yes. Thank you.”
“Good luck tonight, Charles,” Becky says.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
Joey and Paul embrace.
“Well, I guess you’ve met Rebecca,” Paul says.
“It’s nice to meet you, Becky. Let’s have a drink. I need to calm my nerves after that drive.”
“I thought Paul said you were flying in.”
“I couldn’t sleep and the ticket was refundable. It only cost me $180 in gas and I was able to catch up on my podcasts. Besides, it would have been weird for me to be at home that late in the morning on a Friday. Kids are more perceptive than we think.”
“Really?” Paul asks.
“Okay, we’re fighting again. She’s not happy with you.”
“Is she ever?”
“When you’re around. You missed the boy’s birthday.”
“Don’t remind me.”
“I had to convince her you actually had to redirect your flight to Vegas.”
“Had to do that one in person. Wasn’t gonna have you do it.”
“I appreciate it, but I should have.”
“She would have hated me more if I sent you.”
“That is true.”
“You talk funny, Romeo,” Becky says.
“I enunciate and use proper grammar. It’s the Queen’s English.”
“You grow up there?”
“How dare you! Streets of North Portland.”
Becky stares at him and grins.
“You two gonna be ready to throw a small Halloween party next weekend?” Paul asks.
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