said.
“Sure! I like the company,” she said.
She made her way to the door.
“Wear a little perfume,” she called, just before she closed it behind her.
Chapter 6
I had followed the suggestions of my daughter and Mrs. Franklin, but Mitch was not there Saturday. Me efforts were in vain.
I made good tips anyway and the preorders on green all worked out well. The day had been a success.
Sunday the restaurant was closed. Regina and I purchased her project supplies that morning and then had hot dogs in the park. We lay on a blanket and she read to me. Then we had Sunday dinner at Mrs. Franklin’s house.
Throughout the week I continued to dress a little nicer. I wore my usual lip gloss, but added small stud earrings and perfume. Mitch came in for breakfast twice, lunch twice, and three dinners. Every visit, he tipped fifty dollars more than the last.
When he came to lunch on Thursday I finally had to find out what his deal was. We were slow, and the only other people in my section were two elderly couples. They were regulars, so I knew my timing pretty well to keep them satisfied. When they ordered their coffees and desserts, I invited myself to sit at Mitch’s table.
“So, what is your story?” I asked.
“Excuse me?” Mitch said.
“I know, this goes beyond the realm of our usual pleasantries, but I know all my regulars. You are becoming a regular and you asked me to drinks or dinner. I should get to know you in case I change my mind in the future,” I said.
I had never been good at flirting. I never really had to be. My husband and I got together as children and I hadn’t felt the same attraction to anyone since he died.
“Are you thinking about changing your mind?” he asked.
“I’m entertaining the idea,” I replied.
“Okay, well, I’m thirty-one,” he said
“Twenty-nine,” I replied.
“I have an older sister and a younger sister,” he continued.
“Only child,” I replied.
“I own my own company,” he added.
“You know I’m a waitress. Congratulations on being a small business owner. Anyplace I would know?” I asked.
“You may have heard of us. Durham Commercial Constructions, DCC. We design and build commercial properties,” he said.
“No, I haven’t, but I don’t have a lot of friends in commercial construction,” I replied jokingly.
“Basically we build commercial properties and public structures,” he said.
“Sounds lucrative,” I replied.
“Pays the bills,” he joked back.
“Lately you seem to be paying mine,” I teased, half seriously.
“Well, it wouldn’t be a problem. I would leave more, but I imagine that would look strange,” he said.
“So, you intend to just come and eat all your meals here?” I asked.
“If it means I get to see you,” he said, looking in my eyes.
A long moment passed and I excused myself to check on the rest of my diners.
When I returned, he was ready for his bill with his jacket on. He stood as I approached.
“Let me take you out,” he asked again.
“Well, I’m really only off on Sunday. That’s usually my time with Regina, my
Marc Nager, Clint Nelsen, Franck Nouyrigat