Debbie and Rico left the couch and joined the others in the kitchen. Cindy, Rod and Chet were discussing wedding catering ideas. Cindy smiled at them, noting that they were holding hands. She liked Debbie, especially if she was interested in Rico and not Rod.
“Hey, guys.” Cindy said. “Chet’s got some great ideas.”
Chet smiled sheepishly. “Well, they’re not all mine. I mean, you guys already have a pretty good idea of what you want.”
Rico looked at Chet. Ever since he’d picked Chet up that evening, Rico had noticed a change in him. Gone was the grumpy fry-cook, replaced by a pleasant and professional chef. It didn’t make sense, Chet was out of work. Rico assumed that would make him even more crabby. Instead, Chet seemed almost happy.
As the talked returned to cake and hors d’oeuvres, a low growl filled the room. “Sorry,” Debbie said, blushing. “I haven’t eaten in awhile and all this food talk is killing me.”
“Oh, my!” Cindy exclaimed. “Let me fix you something.” She opened the refrigerator and began scanning its contents. “Let’s see, we have carrots and celery, maybe some fresh spinach?”
Debbie smiled as her stomach growled in protest. She needed something more substantial than rabbit food. She glanced hopefully at Rico. “Thanks, Cindy, but I don’t want to impose anymore. I think I’ll head out and find something on my way back to the hotel. I’m beat.”
“I-I haven’t eaten yet.” Rico stammered. “I mean, if you’re looking company.”
“I would like that very much.” Debbie said, smiling.
After making certain that Chet had a ride home, Rico left with Debbie.The others moved the conversation to the living room. Rod and Cindy were pleased with Chet’s understanding of what they desired. But Rod could sense some hesitation in Chet’s demeanor.
“So, Chet.” Rod began. “Do you think you’d like to cater our wedding?”
Chet sighed. “I’d like to, but...I’ll need access to some equipment. I’ll need to talk to my boss.”
“Boss?” Cindy interjected. “I thought you were out of work?”
“No. I have a job, sort of. Even before I quit Nina’s I’d been looking for an opportunity to start my own restaurant. I finally found this little cafe and bakery downtown. The owner’s been there forever and he’s looking to retire. I’ve been working for him while I try to figure out a way to finance buying the place. He’s a pretty nice old guy and we get along well. I think he’ll let me use his stuff, I just need to check.”
Cindy smiled at Chet. “Chet, you simply must do our wedding! You need to meet my father. He invests in new businesses. He could help you start your restaurant!”
Chet looked at Cindy, astonished. He’d been struggling to figure out how to obtain funding. Restaurants are a risky investment and the bankers he’d contacted were reluctant to take such a chance. “Do you really think he’d help me?” Chet asked.
“Trust me.” Rod said, chuckling. “If his most trusted advisor recommended it, he would.” Rod looked over at Cindy and smiled.
“Sounds like I’ve got some work ahead of me then.” said Chet, grinning.
2 comments:
All good stuff!
I feel like this story is coming to an end, and that's sad! But it's a great story. :)
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