Bayside Café Chap 8

Extraordinary girls

Middle Island Elementary

Parent / teacher conference

Mrs. Reynolds welcomes Ellen, Michael & Abby. The youngster heads for the book corner; it seems as though she lives there!

"We formed a task force to tackle the issue of students with asymmetrical interests and abilities. I am talking about a 2-grade difference, or more, from their expected grade placement – not 1-grade or less."

"That makes sense," Michael mutters. Ellen nods in agreement.

"Using reading for example; we envision a reading group wherein each student would be assigned progressively more advanced reading material. Hopefully there would be 2-4 students who can climb the reading curve together. A cohort, if you will. That way no one student will feel isolated. Your reaction?"

Michael looks to Ellen, motioning for her to respond 1st.

"I like that," Ellen replies. "So, each cohort, or group, would have a separate reading class time? Outside of their regular class time for all other subjects or activities?"

"Exactly, and very well framed. No one has yet said it so clearly. Thank you."

Michael smiles at his exceptionally intelligent wife. He grasps her hand and squeezes. "And math?"

"We envision that process to be much the same. We plan to have a conference with all parents of eligible students shortly. At that time we will explain the process in detail, and have the parents sign a consent form. Giving their consent for their child to participate. I assume that each student's progress will be evaluated at least yearly, and placement going forward will be discussed."

"I like this!" Michael almost jumps out of his chair. "This allows all students to excel."

"Yes, we hope that many will avail themselves of this opportunity." Mrs. Reynolds nods.

Ellen leans over and kisses her husband's cheek. "You are so smart, hon."

"Me? Naw, I'm just the dumb sailor, rowing the boat."

They all laugh.

88888888

BAYSIDE CAFÉ

Michael has asked for a meeting with the owners. He wants to talk through his prioritized list of improvements, replacements & upgrades. This meeting will go a long way, in his mind, to showing him their intent.

Are they in it for the long haul? Or a short-term buck?

Is a 1st class restaurant what they want? Or just enough spit & polish to get by?

He will find out today if he has made a mistake – or if he has stepped into something he can live with. And professionally grow with and love.

He is nervous.

He is to meet the two widows for the 1st time:

Gertrude Kingsbury of Liverpool, England. Widowed 5 years, her husband Harold (Hal) served in the BEF. The British Expeditionary Force last served in Palestine; charged with keeping the peace between Israeli's and Arabs – before Israel achieved statehood. Hal was killed in one of the frequent skirmishes.

Mabel Henderson. Lives on Long Island. She has been a widow 4 years. Her husband Melvin (Skip) risked his life running Jewish emigrants through the British blockade. He became friends with Hal when the Brit covertly assisted a launch full of Jews to come ashore and hide until Israeli forces were able to get them to a kibbutz.

Vern & Robin Williams. Robin worked for the US Dept of State. She was stationed in France. Her husband Vern (Vic) worked behind the scenes to assist European Jews as they traveled to Atlantic & Mediterranean ports – in hopes of securing passage through the blockade and home to a coming Jewish state in Palestine.

After introduction and some small talk Vic took the task of leading the meeting.

"Mike, will you tell us more about yourself, your family and your experience, please?"

"Certainly. I am married to my HS sweetheart, Ellen. Actually, we've known each other since 3rd grade. She is an ICU nurse at St. Vic's in Manhattan. Our 5 y/o daughter, Abby is in kindergarten. I served 4 years in the navy; as an assistant cook, then aa head cook. After discharge I worked as assistant head cook in a diner in Escondido, California for 3 years before coming here."

"Which part of the navy did you enjoy the most?"

"Two things. I really enjoyed serving on an aircraft carrier. That was actually fun. Meeting all the different people, learning a little about what they do. Second would be my time at Subic Bay in the Philippines. I learned a lot about the different rice grains; curries; and tropical fruits. I don't know how useful that will be; but if we can find an inexpensive forum in which to advertise specials – like a tropical fruit when it is in season, we can do things with that."

He paused for breath.

"May I ask a question?"

"Certainly," Vic offers.

"I assume you have all the records of the café, correct?"

"Yes, but I haven't had time to go over them thoroughly. Could you do that for us?" Vic admits.

Michael is surprised. 'What did these people know about Bayside before they bought it?' 'How many hats do they expect me to wear?'

"Well . . . ah, how many hats do you expect me to wear?"

"All of them. Except ownership, of course. I thought we told you that." Vic turns to the ladies. "Anyone?"

"That was never addressed directly, hon." Robin adds.

They look at each other, then at Michael.

"Does that change the deal for you," Vic asks.

"A tad yes. I thought I was the head cook. I didn't realize that I was everything. I feel that my wage needs some adjusting in that case."

"Ok, can you give us a counter offer?"

"I will need a couple of days, please."

"Sure. But remember Gertrude flies back home in, what, 5 days?"

Gertrude nods her assent.

"I will remember. Gertrude, may I ask a question?"

"Surely, dearie."

"Could you find a supplier of crumpets who is willing to ship an order to us? Say once a month?"

"Well, I can certainly ask around."

"Thank you, my dear."

"Anything else, Michael?"

He left them a copy of his priorities list.

They promised to look it over and meet in 2 days.

Michael was determined to serve them a delicious lunch.

8888888

AT HOME

Michael and Abby had spaghetti and meat balls ready when mom came home. After she changed and washed up, they sat down. Abby said grace and they began.

After his girls told of their days, daddy got a turn.

"I got a shock today!" He stabbed his meatball.

"Oh, no. What babe?"

"What happened, daddy?" Abby was attempting to twirl her spaghetti. She gave up, mom chopped it into short pieces.

"Well, I thought that I was coming to be head cook. It turns out that I am to wear all the hats."

"So, you will have control of everything. That is good, right?" Ellen saw the advantages.

"It could be. Except the salary I first agreed to doesn't cover all those hats."

"So?"

"We have a meeting in 2 days. Before Gertrude flies back to England. They expect a counter proposal."

"Have you decided on how much you want?"

"Well, that is complicated. We as a family are pretty much settled already. You have a good job and are respected. Abby has a good school. I can't very well uproot us; I need to find a number that the owners and I can live with."

"I trust you, Michael. We trust daddy, don't we baby?"

"Yup, we trust daddy."

The trust and love of his girls buoyed him up.

8888888888

ST VIC'S CARDIOLOGY – DR BRUST

"Ellen, so good to see you, have a seat." She sits down in the cardiology chief's office.

"And you. What may I do for you?" She crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap.

"The video we shot, the one of you preparing to do a CODE BLUE, turned out very well. I would like to do a series of videos. Can I entice you to star in them?" He grinned at her.

Dr. Albert Brust was a grandfatherly figure. He inspired trust and confidence. She couldn't very well turn him down. However-

"Of course there would be some compensation involved."

"Oh? How much are we talking about?" She tried hard not to appear too eager. Inside she was jumping for joy. This might help with Michael's decision.

"I am thinking $500 per video. How does that sound?" He waits with baited breath.

"Well, $750 sounds better." She smiles demurely.

He grins, and lets out a little laugh. "It does, doesn't it."

She smiles, "It does. Deal?"

"Deal."

888888888

TBC