As I Sit and Wait

by RosalindB

Part 3- death of a very minor character is mentioned.

Man, it feels good "breaking bread" with my friends. It's interesting watching them. That sounds weird I know, but now that I'm a civilian (still can't quite say it), and don't see them often,I notice more little things about my former comrades.

For instance, Roy and Joanne-they lean into each other. Roy's talking to the chief about the new class of paramedics. Joanne's shoulder is real close to his, as if she's supporting him.

Chet's chatting with Dixie and Doc Morton. He's real happy, 'cause his mustache is twitching. I noticed years ago, but now it's more obvious. Wonder if Cynthia's picked up on that?

Cynthia's moved next to Johnny and Mike. Never seen someone sit so straight. Mama always said posture is important, a straight back commands a room. Cynthia commands a room and Chet-but I'd never say that to his face-well, he probably figured that out.

Lisa's working the room. I should be too, but I'm taking a moment to watch my wife move. Her fiery red hair floats around her face. Like Cynthia, her posture commands a room. She is the head chef, and everyone knows it. Not everyone knows how nervous she was when we first opened. Moving from head pastry chef, to head chef was a challenge for her. I knew the recipes and how to create the "home version", but making them for a commercial establishment, that's a different animal.

"Hey Marco. Great place you two have," Dr. Morton shook my hand.

"Thanks Doc. Glad you and Dixie could make it."

"Yes Kel and Joe had to work today, otherwise they would have at least stopped in." Dr. Morton and I never really talked much. Guess today was a special day, 'cause he pulled up a seat next to me.

"So Marco, how did you and Lisa meet?"

"We first met at Cynthia and Chet's wedding. Lisa was the pastry chef. She and Pete Roselli created their wedding cake. When they delivered it, I saw she was having trouble lifting it, so I jumped in and lent a hand."

"So, love at first slice," Morton joked.

I had to laugh, "Something like that. We chatted during the reception. I didn't have a date so we kept each other company. After I blew out my knee, Cynthia suggested I team up with the Roselli's to open a place. She also advised me to date Lisa."

"Knowing Cynthia, that advice was an order," Morton smiled.

"Yep. And the best order I ever got. Lisa's a gift. My mama loved her."

"Loved? Your mother passed? I'm so sorry."

I sighed. That's been the hardest part of the past few months.

"Yes, she passed shortly after our wedding. Had a stroke in her sleep. No pain thank goodness. She was so happy at the wedding. It makes it just a little easier to handle."

Morton looked into his glass for a moment.

"Yeah, losing a mother is rough. Lost mine while in med school. She didn't see me become a doctor."

I hesitated. Not sure if Morton was a god-fearing man or not.

"Well, she probably saw you from Heaven. Not that it's the same but..."

Morton smiled again. "I gotcha Marco. I tell myself that too."

Kelly M and the crew brought us our main course as people moved back to their original seats. Just then, Johnny's voice rang out.

"Well look who's here!"

"Oh my goodness, what a surprise!" Cynthia smiled.

I didn't expect this either. It was almost like a ghost walked in.