Total pages in book: 156
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145676 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 583(@250wpm)___ 486(@300wpm)
“You go. I’ll finish up here.”
Landon shook his head at Robert’s head shake. “You go rest for the morning. It’s only seven hours away. You need to be sharp and ready for our first day open. I’ll be along shortly, and you need to be asleep by the time I get home.” Landon left no further room for discussion. He did, though, kiss him chastely on the lips, and as he drew back, he complimented him. “You did it. I’m super proud of you. I know your father is too. Now go.”
Robert watched as Landon left him standing there. It wasn’t within him to just leave like this, but he also loved watching Landon become an active part owner of the restaurant. If something wasn’t done properly, he could make the change in the morning. He was worn out. The last six months of rebuilding this restaurant and traveling back and forth to Oklahoma had taken its toll, stressing him out more than multiple twenty-four hours rotations during his hospital days. He gave a single nod, affirming his decision to leave, and made his way to his grandmother. Mr. Kinkaid, her trusty chauffer who had been propped against the wall started her way too. This time he had a wheelchair, which Robert hadn’t noticed him bring inside.
“She won’t want to use it, but she’s unsteady on her feet when she gets tired. She gets tired faster these days.”
Robert nodded his understanding. He was so thankful he still had her in his life. And as he leaned in to wake her, he said a simple, selfish prayer to give him more time with his grandmother.
Chapter 39
Two weeks later
Soap bubbles covered Landon’s gloved hands, which were currently submerged in a tub of hot sudsy water. His last assigned task in a long multitude of miscellaneous jobs had him cleaning the dishes Robert dirtied this morning while working the prep station for the lunch rush. Over the last couple of weeks of his leave, Landon had performed just about every job the restaurant required. He played host more times than he could count. He ran food, bused tables, and tended bar. He carried glass racks, plate racks, and case after case of anything heavy that anyone needed lifted or moved. He also became the sole janitorial service, cleaning the front end of the restaurant completely by himself for three nights in a row after Robert had a rare display of aggression and fired the cleaning company on the spot.
The restaurant appeared to run best while in a fast-paced state of controlled chaos. An environment Robert flourished in; one Chef Pacino hadn’t appreciated at all. By Landon’s estimation, she’d lasted longer than he thought she might before getting heated over Robert’s perceived criticism of one of her so-called specialty dishes—her Baccala alla Livornese. In her frustration, she began yelling in Italian. Landon knew just enough to understand she compared Robert to the rodents running around the alleys of her hometown. Landon hadn’t liked that at all, but when she sent a metal spatula flying at Robert’s head, Landon had seen red and become the aggressor, firing her without a second thought.
Luckily, Helene had volunteered to be on the first flight back to Minnesota to help until Robert could find a replacement. Everything fell into place as if it were meant to be when the replacement came by way of his friend, Chef Lee from Farmers, Fishers, Bakers. Robert had offered Lee a huge salary and maybe threw in an arm and leg as incentive to get the chef to La Bella Luna. It had worked. Lee eagerly took the job and planned to arrive later this week after Landon returned to DC.
“We’re gonna miss you around here,” Sebie said as if reading his thoughts while dropping two bowls into the sudsy water.
“Hell, I need to go back to work to get a vacation,” he quipped, finding some truth in those words. Besides, he didn’t want to think about leaving. It made him miss Robert already.
“When’re you coming back?” he asked, pausing there beside Landon.
“I’m not sure. I’ve been in training and have to be back to train my squadron. I’ll come as soon as I can,” he explained, looking over his shoulder to see Robert slowing the dicing, most likely tuning in to their conversation. Little had been said about Landon’s departure tomorrow morning, but they both knew it was coming. The fear they shared that things might be different between them after such an extended time apart had been for naught. He and Robert had easily fallen back into their routines. Landon never tired of being with Robert, and it seemed Robert felt the same way. Their strong connection had persevered, maybe even strengthening. Now the pain of being apart would begin anew.
No, don’t go there.