Chapter Three
A dull throb bloomed directly behind Toni’s eyes as she stared at the fifteen people she was now responsible for paying. Their livelihoods depended upon her ability to keep the diner afloat. Successful. If she failed, they wouldn’t be compensated. They wouldn’t be able to pay their bills. Clothe their children…
Okay, maybe that was a bit dramatic considering the diner pretty much ran itself like a well-oiled machine. Her parents hadn’t marketed in years. Just wasn’t necessary. Regulars and tourists flocked to the joint. Top it off with the fact that she still planned to sell the place, and she only had to keep it running a few weeks. Long enough to find a buyer.
Actually, not even that long. Next week she had two applicants for a general manager position coming in for interviews. So, one week. She had to keep her head above water for one week before she could hopefully pass the torch to someone better qualified and more willing.
As she looked into the faces of her parents’—her—employees, the magnitude of what had changed in her life finally hit.
Both parents gone in one terrible instant.
Never would their family have the chance to reconcile their differences and forgive each other. Wiped out in the blink of an eye. Viewing their differences from an altered position, from hindsight, made them seem less significant than they’d been all those years.
Falling into a pit of regret and shame would be easy. But Toni wouldn’t allow that. She’d atoned for the mistakes of her past. With Uncle Mark’s help, she’d pulled herself from the gutter and made something of her life. Years ago, she’d asked for forgiveness, but her parents wouldn’t grant it. They were unyielding in their disapproval. Didn’t matter that she’d worked her ass off to become a better person. Lucy and Roger weren’t fans of forgiveness.
So, she could spend the next few years questioning whether or not she did all she could to mend their relationship, or she could accept life for what it was. A series of tests and hurdles with the newest upon her. She didn’t have time to bemoan the past and wish she could fix situations that were no longer changeable. Because she was now a homeowner, a business owner, and an employer. Not to mention, all of these new roles existed states away from her real life, where she had an apartment, job, boyfriend, even a betta fish being watched by a neighbor’s kid.
Geez. One could easily collapse under the sudden weight of such heavy newly acquired responsibility.
“Everyone’s here now, Miz Jennings,” a high school senior named Danny announced in his slight southern twang. From what Toni had observed so far, he was a great kid. A hard worker who bussed tables on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Supposedly saving up for a “sweet ride.”
“Holy hell, please call me Toni,” she said, then smiled as the group chuckled. “I’m not old enough for a Miz, or a ma’am, or anything besides Toni. Except maybe Your Highness. That would be okay.” Everyone laughed again and warmth stole through Toni.
They liked her. She’d wondered how they’d feel, considering she was the daughter who had nothing to do with the place or her parents. She had to admit, part of her assumed her folks would have poisoned their employees against her. Especially the few who knew her way back when.
Michelle, the last to arrive, dropped into a vacant seat and shoved her untidy hair out of her eyes. A year or two younger than Toni, the busy mother had faint circles under her eyes, some kind of stain near the collar of her uniform top, and a messy bun with loose tendrils tumbling out in all directions.
Toni had only met the server for the first time at the funeral, but if she had to describe Michelle in one word, it’d be exhausted. Rumor had it, she lived alone with her three-year-old daughter and worked her ass off at two jobs to provide for the kiddo. Hopefully, Toni could find a few minutes to chat with Michelle at some point throughout the day. She seemed friendly, outgoing, and kind. Toni could sure use a female friend, especially if she was planning to stick around until the end of the summer.
Wait.
What?
Where the hell had that thought come from? Damn Uncle Mark and his advice. She had no plans to stay in Tennessee. None whatsoever.
“So sorry I’m late,” Michelle said in a breathless voice. “My mother had some car trouble and was late to come babysit.”
Toni waved the woman’s concern away. “Please, don’t worry about it. It’s just six now. You’re right on time.” She addressed the group seated in booths along the front windows. “Okay guys, thanks so much for getting up crazy early on a Saturday morning to indulge me. Especially those of you who don’t normally work Saturdays. But I wanted to chat with you all before we re-open at seven.”
Murmurs of “no big deal” rose up from the team.
“Let me ease your minds by first saying that you all still have jobs and I do not plan on that changing. Since I don’t live here, I’m going to be looking for a buyer for the diner with the stipulation that everyone remains on staff, barring any issues. And I don’t anticipate any issues because I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about you guys from pretty much anyone I’ve talked to since I’ve been here.”
Smiles popped up on each and every face. Huh, look at that. She was rocking her first staff meeting.
“Are we going to stay open until you find a buyer?” Ernesto, the head cook, asked. He was quite the head-turner. Time had been good to him. Fifty-something, dark hair speckled with gray, dark eyes, trim build, bit of an accent. Toni remembered customers swooning over him back in the day. She’d been thrilled to find out he still worked there.
“Yes, absolutely. I have a few interviews for a general manager to handle the day to day until it’s sold, since I have to go back to Chicago.”
You don’t have to go.
Ugh. Why the hell was her inner voice getting all sassy now?
She heard at least four sighs of relief, and a wave of guilt washed over her. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry guys. I should have met with you all earlier to ease your worries.”
Michelle’s face showed the most relief. Must be a tremendous challenge having to provide for yourself and a child without any assistance from the father. “None of us expected that, Toni. You were planning a funeral for crying out loud. We’re all just glad to still be employed.”
Toni chatted with her new team for a few minutes, getting caught up on any changes in the diner since she’d last been there, years ago. Turned out, much was exactly as she remembered, which would make slipping into her role as owner a breeze.
“Okay, last thing before those of you not working today can head out and those on schedule can get ready to open. I’m going to make a few changes around here. Changes I hope will be positive.”
Fifteen pairs of eyes blinked at her, waiting for the news.
“Does this have anything to do with the sign not being in the window this morning?” Michelle asked. After speaking, she pressed her lips together and twisted the hem of her shirt around her hands.
Interesting. Was she hoping the answer would be yes or no?
“Yes, but I’ll get to that one in a minute. First is the dress code. The khaki skirts and pants my parents had you wear are gone. The T-shirts will stay for now, maybe we’ll rework the logo or something in the future, but you guys can wear jeans or shorts if you’d like.”
“Oh my God, really?” Danny bounced in his seat. “No offense to your parents, but we all hate wearing the khakis. This town is so casual no one will ever care if we’re wearing denim.”
Nods and whispered assent had Toni grinning.
First managerial decision was a success.
“No offense taken, Danny. I hated them too, when I worked here, and I’m much more laid back, so let’s ditch the Dockers. And to address Michelle’s question, yes. The sign is gone as are any restrictions on who we will serve. It was discriminatory, and I won’t tolerate that kind of thing. So, anyone and everyone may eat here…bikers included.”
“That’s great.” A hard swallow moved through Michelle’s throat and her face blanched, in direct contrast with her agreeable statement.
Very interesting. Hopefully, Michelle didn’t have some kind of issue serving the men of the MC. Toni would hate to lose her. But her decision was final and firm. As long as no trouble was caused, anyone could patronize the diner.
“One last thing. For real this time. I’d like to open myself up to any suggestions you guys have for updates or improvements. You know this place far better than I do, and I’m sure there are some things you’d all like to see change. And I mean anything from décor, to menu ideas, to scheduling. My door and my ears are always open.”
Well that last part was straight out of a Hallmark movie, but her declaration was met with happy faces and nods, so at least they didn’t seem to mind her cheesiness.
After the meeting concluded, the staff got busy prepping the diner to open. Ernesto came over to her before making his way to the kitchen. “Proud of you, chica,” he said, using the nickname he’d called her when she was eight. “You’ve really stepped up to the plate here.”
Toni shrugged. “Not sure if they’d be so proud of me.”
“Eh, I worked with them for over twenty years. Knew how they were and what they did to you. They weren’t the type to wax on about being proud.” He patted her shoulder. “Always thought you’d be good for this place. Like that you’re letting the bikers in. My nephew’s in the MC. They’re good guys. See? You’re already rocking it, chica.”
Warmth flooded her. It was nice to have a connection to the past. A person who was able to see beyond the dumb kid she’d been and to the responsible adult she’d become. “Thanks, Ernesto,” she said, smiling to mask the lump in her throat.
At exactly seven a.m., Toni unlocked the door, and a flood of hungry townspeople piled in and filled almost every empty seat.
Time flew faster than Toni could ever remember. The wait staff were so busy, they were practically jogging between tables and behind the counter to keep up with the demands. Toni appointed herself in charge of coffee; brewing, filling, and refilling both black and a few fancier coffees. The task turned out to be perfect, because she was able to visit each table and chat with customers. People of the community couldn’t have been nicer or more welcoming. Many remembered her from her youth, but quite a few new faces were committed to memory as well. Before long, she felt like she’d never left, either the town or the diner.
Ernesto was never without a spatula in hand; flipping pancakes, scrambling eggs, and shaking his hips to music while he worked. At one point, he pulled Toni aside and asked if he could run some new, trendier menu ideas by her, but they’d grown so busy, neither had any time. She made a mental note to seek him out after closing at one.
About forty-five minutes before close, it happened. Two bikers strolled in. Each wore a Hell’s Handlers cut and a healthy layer of badassery. A woman was with them as well. One who seemed to fit right in with their motif of leather, tattoos, and intimidation.
A hush stole over the crowded diner, but it didn’t last for more than thirty seconds, because an older gentleman seated at the counter took a giant bite of Ernesto’s famous blueberry pancakes and let out an orgasmesque moan. After that, laughter ensued and chatter resumed once again.
Look at that. No one really gave a crap who ate in the diner.
Just her very narrow-minded parents.
“Which section is Shell’s?” The largest of the bikers asked. He had dark auburn hair and a beard to match. No smile, no friendly hello, just tough-guy macho-man vibes. Actually, he had a strong resemblance to Tormund Giantsbane from Toni’s favorite show, Game of Thrones.
“Shell?” she asked, the full coffee pot testing the limits of her biceps. She hadn’t worked this hard in years.
“Michelle,” the woman said. At least she smiled. As she spoke, the brown haired, blue eyed biker she was with circled her shoulders with his muscled arm. He also had a beard. Was it a requirement to join their MC?
No, it wasn’t. The biker who lived next door to her had a face as smooth as silk. A face that had appeared in more than one spicy dream the previous night. The gaze he’d ensnared her with had been intense and stuck with her for hours, heating parts of her that had no business getting hot. Especially since she had a boyfriend. A boyfriend who’d never gotten her as fired up as one smoldering stare from a man she didn’t know.
That was a problem.
“Oh, yes, sorry. I didn’t realize she went by a nickname. You can grab that empty booth right over there.” She pointed toward Michelle’s section with the coffee pot. “I’ll let her know she has another table.”
“Thanks,” the big one said. The couple had pretty much disappeared into their own world, whispering and stealing kisses. The man murmured something in the woman’s ear, probably something dirty, because her eyes heated and she wrapped her arms around his waist.
The pang of jealously that hit Toni was unexpected. Not that she wanted the biker, but their connection was so obvious, no one would miss it. Neither seemed to mind public affection. Toni’s boyfriend would barely hold her hand. He said it looked common, whatever that meant.
Uncle Mark was right about him. He was a dud. They had no chemistry. No fire. No passion. Toni had been ignoring it since…well, since he first kissed her. It was getting harder to ignore by the day.
When they’d gotten together, she’d thought she was making a smart choice in a companion. A responsible choice. Choosing a man who had a stable and lucrative job, goals for the future, one who was dependable, and reliable. Chris wasn’t a bad guy. In fact, quite the opposite.
He’d treated her well throughout their relationship. Hell, he’d even dropped everything and come to Tennessee with her for her parents’ funeral. He just wasn’t a panty-melter. And while she’d tried to tell herself it didn’t matter, it was starting to matter.
Problems for another time. Toni started to turn toward the kitchen, but a large hand on her arm stopped her.
“Like what you’re doing here, lady. Always wanted to eat at this place. Got a lot of growing boys in my club,” the copper-haired giant said with a smile she wouldn’t have thought possible until she saw it with her own eyes. A smile that made him look less fierce and more attractive. “We’ll bring you some good, steady business.”
She met his gaze and saw the unspoken words. And we won’t cause you any trouble.
With a nod she said, “Enjoy your breakfast. I’ll grab Michelle.”
Toni found Michelle in the kitchen, leaning against the walk-in refrigerator with her pad and pen in hand, her head tipped back, and her eyes closed.
“Hey, hon, you okay?” Toni asked.
Michelle’s eyes popped open and she sighed. “Just taking a minute to catch my breath. Busiest day in a while. Guess that’s what happens when people can’t get their breakfast fix for a week, huh?”
“Well don’t stab me with that pen, but you have another table. It’s, uh, three of the Hell’s Handlers.”
Half of Michelle’s mouth moved up in a chagrined smile. “Yeah, I saw them come in.”
“Ahh, might that have anything to do with your sudden need for air?”
“Could be.” She chuckled and said, “Thought I found the one place I wouldn’t have to see them.”
Toni sensed she hadn’t meant to say that last part out loud, so she let it go, though it had her very curious about Michelle’s life. “The big one called you Shell. Seems pretty familiar with you. You okay serving them?”
A very unladylike snort came from Michelle. “Trust me, you don’t want to tell those guys they can’t get what they want. I’ll be fine.”
“You sure? I won’t have anyone making you feel uncomfortable.”
Her blonde curls bounced as she shook her head. “It’s nothing to worry about. Just a lot of complicated…ness.”
“Complicatedness, huh? I may have some experience with that.” Toni flexed and straightened her right elbow a few times. She’d only been holding the coffee pot for about five minutes and the bicep was already screaming. Another few hours and she’d have a dead arm. Time for a gym membership. “Maybe we should grab a drink while I’m here and compare stories.”
Michelle smiled. “I’d love that. I’ve only been back in town a few months, and it’s been hard finding girlfriends, since I’m either working or mothering. I could really use some estrogen time. I’m trying to remember you from when you were a kid, but I’m drawing a blank.”
“Most of my time was spent here until I was in my teens, then my crowd was mostly out of town kids.” That was as much as Toni would be telling anyone about what she got up to before she left. Some things were better left unsaid.
Shell nodded. “And I was the daughter of a biker, so we weren’t exactly eating in here.”
“No offense, but I’m surprised my parents hired you.” She put the coffee pot on the counter and almost sang for joy at the relief in her arm.
“I was too, actually. My dad died about ten years ago. Lung cancer. Anyway, I applied kinda on a whim when I returned to town, and I don’t think your parents realized whose daughter I was.”
“Makes sense. Well, go give those bikers a run for their money, and we’ll plan a night out soon. I’m going to refill everyone’s coffee, then I’ll be in my office for a while if you need anything. A few staff members have given me some great ideas for some updates to the place.”
“Hmm,” Michelle said, tapping her pen against her pursed lips. “You know, you sure don’t sound like someone who is about to pass the restaurant off to an outside manager, then sell it.” She winked. “You sound more like someone who’s excited about a new opportunity.” With that parting shot, she spun on her sneaker covered heel and left the kitchen.
Well, shit. Toni blew out a breath and sagged against the walk-in, in much the same pose she’d found Michelle in. Her employee was right. She sure didn’t sound like a woman ready to turn over her business.
Didn’t feel like it, either.
Instead, she felt a renewed excitement. Ideas flowed through her head on ways to make the place even better than it already was. It was an old, dormant feeling coming to life. Remnants of a time when she was happy. Before it had all gone bad.
She’d loved working the floor that morning, chatting with customers, bustling around.
Shit.
She wasn’t going to find a manager for the diner.
She was staying.
But just for six weeks.
And now she had to spring that surprise on her boyfriend. The boyfriend she was also pretty sure she should dump.