I pulled up to the restaurant early to get a jump start on opening it up. I was still forgetting a few things in the process, so I wanted to write out a checklist of all the things that needed to happen. I slid my key into the lock and opened up the double doors. I walked through and headed straight to my office, thinking about everything that needed to be done. The register had to be fired up. The ovens and stoves needed to be checked. Tables and chairs needed to be wiped down.

“Clay?”

I didn’t even get to my office before her voice hit my ears.

“Ira?”

I walked back out into the main dining room and found her standing there, a bright smile on her face.

“Hey there. I figured I’d come by and help you open up. You keep forgetting some things,” she said.

“I was actually headed back to my office to make a list of everything,” I said.

“Then I’ll help you with your list. We don’t need you forgetting anything else.”

“Is it getting that bad?”

“It’s just different things every time. It’s not bad. It’s just enough to show that you’re in a little over your head,” she said, grinning.

“I really appreciate this. You know that, right?”

She walked up to me, her smile bright and her eyes sparkling.

“I just want to help. That’s all,” Ira said.

“And I’m telling you that I wouldn’t have been able to throw all of this together so quickly without you here. You know, walking me through the files and where to find them. Helping me update the systems. Showing me where the order forms were and contact information for food and cleaning supply vendors.”

“It’s really not a problem, Clay. It’s kind of helping me grieve, too. In a way,” she said.

“You’ve been an invaluable asset. I’d really like you to consider filling the position of manager.”

“What?”

“My mother’s position. I’d like you to consider fulfilling it,” I said.

“Clay, you don’t have to—”

“You deserve it, Ira. You know this restaurant better than anyone. Including myself. This place needs you.”

I need you.

“Is that an official offer or something?” she asked.

“It is. Think it over. I’ll give you until the end of the week,” I said.

“Then, I appreciate it, Clay. I really do.”

I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.

The two of us went back into my office to compile a list of things that needed to happen when the place opened up for the day. Things I needed to be in charge of and not the opening shift. I jotted them down, thankful for Ira’s guidance. Her presence.

Her smile.

I felt the nape of my neck beginning to warm, and I knew it was because of her.

“How is your father feeling?” I asked.

I looked up from my notepad at her and watched her face cloud over with darkness.

“I mean, it’s cancer, Clay. He’s feeling how he should,” she said.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insinua—”

“There’s no him getting better. Though, that’s usually the answer given in these scenarios. But it just isn’t going to happen. He’s not going to get anything but worse.”

Her tone was clipped, her eyes distraught. Something told me she needed to get that off her chest. Say it. Speak it into the world so she could hear it for herself. I wanted to say something to comfort her, but I didn’t know what.

I wanted to help, though.

“Listen, could we talk after the—”

“Knock knock.”

Jason’s voice slithered through the doorway, and I panned my gaze over to him.

“Figured you two were back here. When’s the meeting starting?” he asked.

“It starts at eight in the morning. Every Wednesday,” I said.

“Well, then you better get out here. Almost eight now,” he said coyly.

Jason walked away, and I sighed.

“I really don’t like him,” I murmured.

“Trust me, not many do,” Ira said.

“Come on. We should get out there.”

“You going to be okay through this meeting?” she asked.

I looked into her eyes and found her worried for me. Which shot more heat down my spine. Ira was worried about me. A trait that wouldn’t have appeared if she didn’t care.

Right?

“I’ll be fine. He’s just a boy,” I said, grinning.

The two of us walked out into the main dining room, and everyone’s eyes fell to Ira. I wasn’t sure why, but I kept a cool face as the kitchen door closed behind me. Ira took a seat at the end of a row of chairs that had been gathered, and I wasn’t shocked that I didn’t see Jason’s face at all.

Even though he’d just poked his head into my office minutes before.

“Okay, everyone. Weekly meeting. Though, this one begins with an apology from me. I know I’ve been forgetting some things with regard to opening this place up every day. So, I’m compiling a list I’m going to use until I can memorize the pattern. For those of you who’ve worked the morning shifts this past week and had to pick up my slack, there’s a small bonus on your paycheck this week for the inconvenience,” I said.

Everyone smiled and laughed and high-fived one another.

“I also want to address some insecurities I know you guys have regarding whether or not layoffs and other changes are going to be made now that I’m in charge. I can tell you that none of that is true. No one is getting fired unless they present issues within the restaurant. The watching I’m doing is only to establish raises, not who keeps their job,” I said.

I heard some sighs of relief echo across the room.

And then, Jason came busting in. Fifteen minutes late to a damn meeting he showed up five minutes early for.

“And where have you been?” I asked.

Everyone turned around and looked at him, watching as Jason shrugged.

“My father’s sick. Had to make sure he was okay. You know, like Ira. Had to run home and come back,” he said.

The entire floor fell silent as my teeth gnashed together.

“Now you listen here—”

“I’ve got this,” Ira said.

Then, everyone’s attention fell to her as she stood.