Post by StoryGirl83 on Jun 26, 2009 17:12:37 GMT -5
Chapter Thirteen – Dinner at The Manor
Saturday, March 6, 2027
The next evening Chris found himself in the kitchen of The Manor. Had it not been for his promise to Jody and Rose he wouldn’t have come. Piper had told him she’d have someone else work the shift, but Chris didn't want anyone implying he would receive special privilege for being the owner's son.
Callie Ranard was working as chef that night, so all Chris really had to do was wait on tables. Other than the food he was preparing in anticipation of his former co-workers arrival, Chris didn’t expect to be in the kitchen much.
Ty Addington entered the kitchen with an order. “Chris, Becky just seated your guests.”
Chris looked up. “How many people came?”
“Four.”
So David came. This should be interesting. Chris nodded. “Thanks, Ty.” He stirred the food in the skillet. “Tell them I will be out in about five minutes.”
Ty nodded and handed his order to Callie. He grinned and left the room.
Five minutes later Chris left the kitchen with four plates of steaming food on a tray. He passed The Manor’s newest waitress, Emily Colson, as he exited the kitchen. She grinned at him. It seemed everybody knew about his conversation with his former co-workers and his plan to dazzle them with food he’d cooked.
Chris entered the main room and looked around until he found them. The group consisted of Jody and Rose as expected along with David and Brian. He walked over to the table and greeted them with a smile.
“Welcome to The Manor. I am Chris and I will be your server for the evening. I’d offer you menus, but as I told Jody and Rose I fixed something special for you.” He placed the plates on the table one at a time. As he did he added, “I would take your drink order, but I see someone beat me to it.”
“So you made this?” Jody asked as she stuck her fork in and took a tentative bite.
Chris nodded. “Yep. As the new guy, I’m in the kitchen when Mom and Callie are busy, so that’s the only thing I’m cooking tonight.”
“I don’t get it,” Rose commented. “If your mom’s the owner, why are you back-up?”
“Because Callie has seniority,” Chris replied good naturedly. “I don’t mind. It gives me more flexibility.”
David looked up at this. He frowned as if considering this.
Not noticing David’s reaction, Brian commented, “Well, I think this tastes great. I’m going to try and come here more often.”
Chris laughed. “You do realize that’s not even on the menu?”
Brian shrugged. “Why should I realize that? I’ve never even seen the menu.”
“So you’re making Brian and me pay for something not on the menu?” David asked, his voice low, curious. “What are you charging us?”
“Two fifteen plus voluntary tip this time,” Chris replied without hesitation. “Mom agreed to let you pay low this time, but if you want to get it again it will cost more.” He shrugged. “She’s charging me the difference.”
David chuckled. “I hope this works out for you.” He looked a bit uncomfortable as he added, “I appreciate what you did for me.”
Chris knew he wasn’t talking about the promotion. He also knew everyone else though he was. “It was the least I could do.”
David frowned at him. Realization crossed his face as he looked around. A smile started growing on his face and then he started laughing. He nodded as if something had just made sense to him. “All right. Thank you.”
Chris smiled back. “Well, I need to get back to work. Can’t make a bad impression on my first day, now can I?”
A couple of hours later after the Centennial crew had left Genevieve entered the front hall where Becky Davis was watching the hostess booth. “Welcome to The Manor. How many in your party?”
“None,” Genevieve replied.
“Don’t you mean one?” Becky asked, confused.
“No, I’m looking for Chris.” She frowned trying to recall his last name. After a moment she gave up. “His mom owns the restaurant.”
“I know who he is,” Becky informed her.
“Is he here?”
Becky stared at her unsure what to do. Why did Chris inspire weird things to happen around her? Finally, she nodded. “Follow me.”
Genevieve followed Becky into the dining room. When she spotted Chris taking an order she smiled at Becky and said, “Thank you. I appreciate you help.”
Becky hesitated, glancing at Chris. She sighed. “Please come, again. I’m sure you’ll like our food.” And then she walked away.”
Genevieve chuckled. “I’m sure you’re right.” She walked over to where Chris was headed toward the kitchen. “Hi.”
Chris froze and turned around. “Gen!”
“Again with that name,” she laughed. “You're better at this than I am. Am I that memorable?”
You have no idea. “What brings you here?”
“I just wanted to see how your brother was doing,” she informed him.
Chris looked at her surprised.
“Lame, I know, but I kept thinking what I would do if something happened to my brother, Miles.” She shrugged. “So how is he?”
“Not good,” Chris admitted, “but he’ll make it. He woke up this morning, but he’s in so much pain they are keeping him sedated most of the time.” And he can’t move the lower half of his body. It wasn’t something you told a lot of people, not if you wanted to fix it. He shook his head. “Look, you don’t really want to hear about it.”
Genevieve gave him a look. “I don’t? Then, why did I come here? It’s not exactly on my way here.”
He smiled a bit. “I appreciate it. I’m worried about him. I know he’s going to be okay in the end and I’m thankful he’s alive, but it’s really hard to wait.” He sighed. “And there’s nothing I can do. I have to trust the doctors. That’s the hardest part, knowing I can’t do anything.”
“Keep holding on,” she recommended. “I’m glad he’s going to be okay.”
“Me, too,” Chris glanced up wondering if there wasn’t something else he could do. All he said was, “Me, too. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later, because I want my brother back.”
Sometimes waiting is the hardest thing a person can do. And Chris had never been good at waiting.
THE END