Chapter 9 [Talon—Next Afternoon]
[A/N: The staff meeting itself happened at the end of "Priorities" as you'll recall.]
Steel gray overcast hung low over Smallville. Breeze fluttered flags and garlands. People rushed from errand to errand. Preparations wound down toward the week's endeavors.
Renee rang up an order. "Here you are, Sir. Thanks! We'll have that drink right out." Routine came back to her easily enough. Instinct guided her through coffee sweeps, register work and counter presence. "Can I have a cinnamon latte for Mr. Edwards please?"
"Absolutely!" Sandra started on the drink in question. She waved to him. "Hi, Mr. Edwards! How's everyone?" Smile spread across her face. She approved of Renee's know-how. Talk about luck! Experience, great counter presence and a nice smile. Lana and Miranda are going to love her!
He nodded to her. "We're good! Kids are coming in for Christmas. It should be great. Lucy's got her turkey already planned. Everything with the Moores good?"
"Byron and his Mom are wonderful. We're doing Christmas together too. And we have a couple of new people around as well. Renee's our newest person. She's just starting today." Sandra ground espresso beans and measured them into the coffee press.
"Really? Well then! Welcome!" He looked Renee over. "I didn't think I've seen you before. You just move here?"
Renee quirked an eyebrow. Conspicuousness nearly stiffened her. "My daughter and I just came from West Virginia, Mr. Edwards. We're still getting settled. Hope there's a nice apartment or something around here."
"We've got a few places. Talk to Hank at the Realty Office. He'll be happy to help." He put his hat on his head. He accepted the drink from Sandra. "Thank you, Ladies!" He raised the to-go cup in toast. Then, he strolled out the door. "Hi, Lana!"
Lana stopped. Her eyes brightened. "Hi, Mr. Edwards! Sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you. Just got a lot going on." A shrug helped to sell that particular point. "How's Mrs. Edwards?"
"She's great. By the way, so's your new lady in there. You found a good one there. I'll give Lucy your best. Thanks, Lana. Take care!" He walked down the street.
Renee's already making a good impression. That's great! Lana looked around the eating area. Classmates and townspeople occupied most tables. Sandra worked on the coffee press. Renee fixed a mug of coffee and grabbed a danish for the next person in line. At least Miri and Sandra could switch. I still can't believe what happened! Who steals donated toys? Really? Her eyes rolled. She wove through the crowd. And the FBI's here? A grimace contorted her face. Hope Sheriff Adams and Deputy Murphy are okay! Just what we need on top of everything else! "Hey, Sandra! Renee! How's everything going?"
"So far, so good." Renee composed herself with a deep breath. Her hand wiped away Sweat's beads from her forehead. "You sure are busy here. That's good! Makes the time go faster."
"Good to hear. Like that enthusiasm!" Lana's smile broadened. Her mood picked up. "Mr. Edwards seemed to like you. Everything else okay, Sandra?"
"Great, Lana. Renee's been out doing sweeps and following up with the customers. She's doing great on the register. I showed her where to put the dirty dishes in back. I figure Miranda or you can show her the basics on the coffee press." Sandra winced. "Sorry, Renee. I'm still learning myself."
"I'm taking it all in. Meantime, I can help with the other things. Right?" Renee wiped the counter down. She surveyed the seating area. Used mugs and plates sat on a couple of them. "Lana, can I bus those tables?"
Approval prompted a nod. "Sure. I'd appreciate it." She motioned toward the back room. "Plastic tub's in the back. Maybe clear off those tables and wipe them down? That's a big help, Renee. Thanks!"
"You bet." Renee poked her head into the back room. She grabbed the plastic tub. "Be right back!" She hustled out toward the aforementioned area.
Sandra leaned back against the counter. She watched Renee bus and wipe the tables down. "She's been at it since 9 with only a fifteen. I like her."
"Between Nadia, Paul and her, we should be good. Maybe I can give you tomorrow and Wednesday off? I know Sam's going to need Thursday-Saturday for the concert. I'd like to spread everything out. You've been working a lot." Lana filled a glass from the sink. She liked what she saw of Renee. "I'll punch in. As soon as Nadia and Sam get here, Renee and you can go."
"I'd like that. I'm having dinner with Byron and his mother tonight. I'll have time to stop by Dillon's on the way. She needed me to pick up some things." Sandra watched Renee bring the dirty dishes and mugs to the counter. She also saw Clark walking in with Alicia, Nadia, Diego and Jill. Chloe and Sam followed closely behind.
Sam hustled to the counter. "Hi, Everyone! I'll punch in and let you get out of here." She ducked into the backroom. There, she set her backpack down and hung up her coat. She punched in. Then, she pulled on her apron. "Sorry to just rush past you all. Thanks for letting me be a few minutes late, Lana."
Lana arched an eyebrow at her. "Sam, you've been beyond helpful the last few weeks. Besides, you did text me about it this morning. It's only five minutes. Normally, you're early. By the way, have you met Renee Muggins? She's Jill's Mom. Renee, Samantha Cooper. She's our violin master."
"Lana." Crimson streaked Sam's cheeks. "I just play really well."
"That's like saying Byron composes well. Sam, you work hard. We all benefit. It's okay. I had a great time on Saturday night. Can't wait for this weekend," Sandra disagreed. "Renee, you should try to get tickets for Jill and you for either Friday or Saturday." She motioned toward Sam. "She's playing with the Wichita Symphony in the back theater. They're doing a special holiday concert series."
"Really?" Renee sized Sam up. "I'd have to hear you some time. I played the flute until high school. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep it up." A frown sagged her mouth down. "Maybe someday I can pick it back up again. There probably aren't any tutors here."
Sam shook her head. "Actually, Mrs. Muggins, Mr. Raymond at the middle school does lessons. I can talk to him for you if you'd like. He's really nice."
Surprise widened Renee's eyes. She considered Sam's offer. "If you could, Samantha, that'd be great. Maybe though after Jillian and I get settled. You'd do that for me?"
"I can't promise anything. It can't hurt to try. Right? We should all have something that makes us happy. So, you're working here too? Well, Jill's a great classmate and nice to talk to. I'm glad she's going to be on the Torch." Sam noted the next wave of customers approaching the counter. "We're being paged. Great to meet you!" With that, she headed toward the register.
"You're good, Renee. Hey. Thanks for stepping up today. Glad you had a great first day. You're really going to be great here." Gratitude sparkled in her eyes and through her smile. "Miranda will be back tomorrow. You and she will work together then. Any questions or anything I can help with?"
Renee shook her head. "Thanks, Lana, but I'm good." She looked around the café. "This is a really nice place. I appreciate the chance to work here."
"It's our pleasure. Just keep doing what you're doing. You have a great night." Lana watched Renee walk toward Clark and the others. After a brief exchange with Jill, Renee left the café. She noted Jill's slight frown. Now what? She filed that notion while heading for the coffee press.
Business and demand waited for no one….