Chapter twelve: Rubberband Girl
"Ok!" Kate claps her hands. "Is everybody ready?" everyone nods, his or her eyes wide. "Any final questions?"
The last 4 days had been insane. Kate hadn't had time to get into an argument with Thomas once, she'd barely seen him. Well, he'd walk by the restaurant on occasion and peer in the window. That made her go out and buy some lace curtains, which looked fabulous. The staff had gone through a week of training and everyone had matching uniforms, which they all loved. Since her staff was local, news about the restaurant had spread fast, especially with the return of Christopher.
"No Miss!" they chime.
"Good." Kate inhales and moves towards the front door. "Everyone, to your posts." Three of her waitresses hurry towards the windows, hands on the blinds. Kate nods. "Open!" as the girls pull open the blinds, Kate opens the front doors. She can hear her staff gasping in surprise at the crowd outside. Kate wasn't surprised, she had the only restaurant within a 15-mile radius and people were curious. Advertising in the newspaper had been a brilliant idea and she'd put a table aside for several reporters to convene at. She offered them a free meal, in exchange for a glowing review.
Things got off to a great start. Kate and the staff kept things running smoothly. The crowd of people wore mixed attire and the place was a bustle of activity. Kate mingled with the customers and checked on the kitchen staff. Christopher had been a godsend. His trial had run well and he'd quit working for Kimber. He was great with cooking on a budget and helping her collect a tidy enough profit. He had two helpers in the kitchen and all was running well.
"Ms. Kate." Betsy says with a smile. "The Shelby family is here."
Kate swallows. "All of them?"
"Yes. Mr. John even brought his children."
Kate nods. "Thank you for telling me."
She checks her appearance in the hall mirror and steps out into the dining room. She spots the Shelby family right away, a large group of eight people. John and Arthur wave at her as she nears them. Thomas…well, he's Thomas, he just looks away from her as he's been doing this week. Ever since throwing her to Kimber, neither of them can look at each other. There's a woman there, that she doesn't recognize. She has a harsh look on her face, but Kate can see that's from years of disappointment.
"Hello there." Kate smiles as she picks up a few menus from the hostess stand. "I'm so glad you all could make it. I put a large table aside for all of you just in case you turned up."
"Who's this?" the woman inquires.
"My name is Kate." She states as she extends her hand to her. "And you are?"
"Polly Gray. Their aunt" She looks Kate up and down. "So this is the Kate I've been hearing so much about."
Kate smiles uneasily. "Good things, I trust?"
"Mostly." She says, glancing sideways at Thomas. "You're more ladylike, than what I've heard."
"Ah," Kate nods. "Mr. Shelby and I've been having frequent spats. I assure you, I'm not as bad as he makes out."
"Kate's an angel." Arthur says. "She and Tom just mix the wrong way."
"Follow me please." Everyone follows her in a line. It doesn't escape Kate's notice that all eyes follow them as she moves towards the largest table she has. "Now, how about I get you all started with some drinks? Harry and I worked out a drink runner, so all alcoholic drinks come from the Garrison Pub. So, Arthur, you'll find the pub will be getting an increase in profit."
Polly's brow arches. "Impressive."
"Harry has a runner on his side of the window. You'll be surprised at how many men want food when they're drinking. So, it works well for both of us." She clears her throat, again, avoiding Thomas's gaze. "Now, obviously, there are the normal pub drinks. However, I did order in a few bottles of red, white or pink wine and champagne, should that peak anyone's interest. I think, Ms. Gray that you'd like the pink."
Polly nods. "Not much a wine drinker, but I'll try your recommendation."
Kate nods and writes it down. "And for you gents? Let me guess, dark rum or Irish whiskey?"
"Irish," Thomas states and she focuses on her notepad. "and we'll have a bottle."
Kate nods and raises her hand. A teen boy standing by the adjoining doors hurries over to her. She hands him the order and hurries off. "Alright, I'll be back as I give you a chance to peruse to menu."
"These prices are very reasonable Kate." Arthur asks. "Are you sure you're making a profit at all?"
Kate nods. "Yes. The vendors give me a discount so they can treat their families. I also know what foods don't spoil right away and Christopher is a genius when it comes to budget cooking."
"Do you need someone to help you balance the books?" Polly inquired. "From what I hear, Grace is good with numbers."
Kate smiles. "I'm good with books, I assure you all, I'm actually making a tidy profit, even though it doesn't look like it."
"How," Polly inquires. "with the remodel and all? It must have cost you a fortune. You've even got candles on the table for people!"
"I used a little money from my father that I've wanted to get rid of. How he got it… it wasn't good. So, this way, I feel like the money is going back into the community's pocket."
"Well, got to hand it to you Kate," Thomas states as he reaches into his pocket for a cigarette. "it looks great."
"Thank you, but no smoking allowed." He frowns at her as she points to a sign by the door. "Sorry, family restaurant."
"Yet, you're serving alcohol." He points out.
"One glass per customer." She taps on the print on the menu. "But for you all, I'll allow two glasses."
"Ms. Kate?" She glances up to see Anne, a waitress beside her. "We've got a problem."
"What is it?"
"Lizzie stark," the girl hisses. "wants a table. Betsy wants to seat her."
Kate frowns. "And, this is a problem why?"
"She's a whore."
"No. In my restaurant, she is a customer." Kate bites out each word. "If I hear another complaint about a customer because of their chosen profession in life. I will fire you. Are we clear?"
The girl bites her lip. "I quit, I won't serve her."
Thomas turns towards her. "Who do you-
Kate snaps her fingers in his face, without even looking at him. "My establishment and my staff Mr. Shelby." Kate smiles at Anne. "That's fine with me. Leave your uniform in the kitchen and get out."
"You won't last long, letting in her type." She scowls at her. "It's an affront against God."
"In case it escaped your notice while you were reading the Bible, Jesus spent his company amongst unsavory characters, including prostitutes." Arthur and John snort loudly. "If the Lord can endure being amongst those people, I can be polite to whoever comes my way." Kate turns to them. "Pardon me; I have customers to see to. I'll be back in a few minutes to take your order."
"Take your time." Thomas assures her. Again, she avoids his gaze. She doesn't know what's the matter with her. Why can't she just look him in the eye and say everything's alright? But it's not. She's not angry with him anymore. They haven't talked or argued for almost four days and against her will, Kate found herself missing the moments of quiet conversation they'd had.
However, she can't go through it again. She can't let herself get mixed up with him anymore. It'll result in her and him being hurt. He, as a man can handle a degree of hurt. Kate feels as if she's a stained glass window, pretty to look at and hardy, until someone throws a rock at it.
She'd been fine until he walked in the room. Now, she realized that she was effectively torn in her emotions regarding Mr. Thomas Shelby. She could not have him in her life, but his absence in her life hurt.
Idcam: He is lucky, maybe he'll figure it out in the next chapter?
