Chapter Two: Where It All Happened

Entering the diner, Ephram and Amy were greeted by the Browns' next-door neighbor and Mamma Joe's hardest-working waitress, Nina. "Hey, guys, it's about time you showed up Ephram, I stuck your food back in the oven because it was getting cold. If you'll give me a second, I'll get it for you."

"Ok, thanks, Nina. I'm sorry I'm so late." Ephram apologized.

"That's all right. I've just been waiting for closing time to come around so that I can run to Mrs. Hamilton's to pick up Sam." Nina called from the kitchen.

"Here we go." Nina walked out of the kitchen, carrying a large bag of food. "Now, Ephram, you better hurry up and get home. If I know your father, he's given up on you and thinks that you will never return with his food. Aren't you eager to prove him wrong?" Nina smiled as her quiet neighbor laughed.

"Hey, Nina." Amy was suddenly struck by inspiration. " Why don't you let Ephram and I watch the diner for you until closing time? That way you can pick Sam up and then come back to close the place up."

"Oh, no, I couldn't let you do that. I'm sure Mrs. Hamilton won't mind watching Sam for a few extra minutes." Nina, said doubtfully.

Ephram watched as Nina considered leaving them to look after the diner. "I think Amy's right. We can help clean up the place so that you only have to lock up after you pick up Sam." He said, wanting to help the kind woman who had assisted his family so selflessly.

"No, I can't." Nina argued.

Amy smiled and laughed as she grabbed Nina's arm and steered her toward the door. "We won't take no for an answer. You go pick up your son and by the time you get back this place will be all ready to shut down for the night."

"Ok, ok, but only if your sure." Nina said, reluctantly grabbing her jacket and opening the door.

"Of course we're sure. We wouldn't be offering if we weren't. So, goodbye. We will see you in a little bit." Amy successfully shoved Nina out the door.

Turning as she heard her raven-haired friend laugh, her eyebrows raised in question. "What do we find so funny, Mr. Brown?" she asked mischievously.

"It's just a little bizarre to see you shoving a grown woman out of her own place of employment." Ephram explained through his smile.

"I certainly don't know what you mean. I simply assisted Nina in exiting the premises." Amy batted her eyelashes innocently.

"Sure and I've decided to become best friends with your brother." Ephram stated sarcastically, earning him glare as the blonde stuck out her tongue at him.

"Alright, that's enough chit chat. Let's get to work. Clear those dishes. I expect you to report to the kitchen sink in no less than one minute." Amy said sternly, trying to subdue the smile that longed to spread across her face.

Ephram laughed, and then feigned seriousness, snapping his heels together and saluting his friend. "Yes, ma'am, sergeant, ma'am."

Ephram quickly cleared the tables in the diner as Amy went to run the dishwater. After, gathering the large pile of plates, bowls, and silverware, he slipped into the kitchen, not noticing the sudden flame of heat that shot up in one corner of the wall.