Rod, again - Chapter 25, I could sure use some gum.

Debbie returned to her seat and smiled at Rico. He smiled back and she leaned over for a kiss. Rico abruptly turned away and looked forward.

“Ah, y-you may not want to do that.” Rico stammered.

“Why wouldn’t I want to kiss you?” Debbie asked, cautiously.

“Well,” Rico began. “While you were gone, I noticed Chet walking across the courtyard. I went over to say hi and stuff. Anyway, he’s getting all the food ready and he’s kind of nervous. One of his helpers messed up a recipe and made it too strong, you know, for Rod’s taste.”

“Rico, what’s this have to do with you kissing me?” Debbie asked.

“I’m getting to it.” Rico continued. “I told Chet it was probably fine but he didn’t think so. He let me try a bite so I could test it. Anyway, he was right. It was real strong. Chet decided to throw out the whole batch.”

“And?” Debbie prodded Rico.

“And I’ve got some nasty garlic breath.” Rico confessed.

Debbie sighed in relief. “Hang on.” she said, crossing her arms casually. Rico watched as Debbie fidgeted slightly and then uncrossed her arms and opened her hand. She held a single spearmint Chiclet.

“Here,” Debbie offered. “Take this. Sorry if it’s a little warm.”

Rico took the gum from Debbie and slowly put it in his mouth. Unaware of the existence of pit pockets, he attributed Debbie’s resourcefulness  to some sort of ninja-magic. He stole one last glance at her as the ceremony began.

The wedding itself was simple, tasteful and wholly uneventful. Even Miss Trudy, perched on Patsy’s lap in the front row, kept her hissing to a minimum. The couple had only recently begun regularly attending a church, yet the pastor, an amicable older woman, had gotten to know them well enough to deliver a personal, if brief, message. The entire ceremony was rather short and most guests spent more time in their chairs before the wedding than during it. Given the lingering heat in the courtyard, no one complained when things ended early.

Chef Chet did not witness the wedding. He was far too busy in the complex’s party room, preparing to receive the couple and their guests. He flitted about, checking on dishes, instructing servers, poking at floral arrangements. His nervousness was infectious and soon much of the staff was on edge. To his credit, Chet realized the affect he was having on them and tried his best to remedy the situation by calming himself. He was helped considerably with this by the appearance of an old friend.

“Rico!” Chet exclaimed. “What are you doing in here? You should be at the wedding!”

“It’s just wrapping up.” Rico explained. “It went a little more quickly than expected. Debbie thought I should give you a heads up that people will be headed this way soon.”

Chet made a mental note that Debbie was now his best friend. “Tell Debbie I can’t thank her enough.” He said, anxiously. “I thought had at least another twenty minutes. Don’t those two have any musical friends? A good solo or two always works to drag a wedding out a bit.”

Rico smiled and looked around the room. “Chet, everything looks and smells awesome! I think you’re ready now! People are gonna love this.”

Chet smiled and took a deep breath. “Thanks Rico. I sure hope so. Cindy’s dad has already agreed to help me get the restaurant going. I just don’t want to let anyone down.”

“You won’t.” Rico assured him. “You thought of everything, you’ve planned carefully and now you’re executing the plan.” Rico realized the staff was watching and listening. “And your staff looks professional and prepared. Chet, this is going to be incredible! Now, take a breath and get ready. I need to scoot out and find Debbie. We’ll be back soon.”

The mood was much more relaxed as Rico left the room. Chet watched him go and wondered when Nina’s order-boy had become so wise.