As I Sit and Wait
by RosalindB
Part 2 A/N: Someone gave me some very good feedback. I'm adding a little more depth. Marco's "speaking" to me finally.
After the ceremony, we decided to go against tradition. Usually, Delancey's would be the reception spot. The old Irish pub served many a beer and burger to us hungry firemen after a ceremony or a wake. This time around I wanted to show off our place.
"This time we're doing it at L & M's everybody," I announced.
"Absolutely," Lisa agreed. "It's time you enjoyed our food. Salad instead of shepard's pie."
"Sounds like a plan," Roy said.
"We're right behind you," Johnny made a bee line for Mike's truck. Johnny first in line for chow-some things don't change.
Chet shook his head and laughed. We all did. Chief McConnike tapped me on the shoulder.
"Lopez, good to see you. Heard good things about your place. Mind if this old man joins in?"
The chief wanted to visit my restaurant. That made me so proud.
"Of course sir! Your daughter had a hand in it, you certainly are welcome."
If I didn't know better, the chief's eyes had a little water in them.
"Marco-you're one of the very few that call Cynthia my daughter even though technically she's not. I appreciate it." As I watched him head to CJ and Chet, it surprised me that more people didn't think the same way. Most folks knew the McConnike's helped CJ out since high school. Emotionally she's his daughter. It's not hard to figure out.
Lisa took my hand, and I almost jumped.
"Honey, we should get going. Have to make sure L&M's is set up."
Fortunately, just like Roselli's, we have a top notch staff. Charlie, our maitre'd already prepared the private dining room.
"Mr. Lopez, it's set up as you requested. Mindy will be the hostess for the room. Pedro, Harold, and Kelly M. will handle the service."
Today we decided to use the smaller of the two private rooms. Just before our guests arrived, I did a walkthrough.
Linens perfect? Check.
Tableware perfect? Check.
Floor spotless? Check.
Been through enough station inspections to know what I want to see.
"I'll check on the menu honey, be right back," Lisa kissed me then dashed into the kitchen. But I knew it was fine. We created the menu, tested the receipes, fed each other bites of each dish. That's the best perk, cooking together. Watching Lisa's eyes close as she savored a taste-ay mami.
"Mr. Lopez? I believe your guests are arriving," Charlie startled me. Sure enough, Gage and Stoker strolled through the door.
"Marco-wow, this is awesome," Johnny stopped in his tracks and took it in. That's another Gage mystery; how does he go from a full stride to dead stop and not miss a beat? Mike on the other hand-not a word. Anyone else would have worried. I knew he liked my place. He wasn't checking the pine tables, the bar with the tequila collection, southwest color scheme. I knew just what "Quiet Mike" Stoker was looking for.
"Amigo, I passed inspection last week. All the extinguishers are brand new."
His blush cracked me up.
"Sorry Marco, being in Arson makes you a little-."
"Paranoid," Johnny finished.
I'm amazed at how those two hang out more now than when we all worked together. I didn't have time to ponder that thought. The other guests began to arrive. Time to go to the dining room.
"Come along everyone, right this way."