Last Olive Bistro ✓

Chapter 39: Grand Reopening

It was the day before the grand reopening of the Last Olive Bistro. I had been putting in long hours at the restaurant to ensure everything was perfect—much to Jacob's pleading that it was already finished.

"That's the fourth time you've folded those napkins," he said. I unraveled the cloth again and tried another folding pattern. Jacob approached and gently took it from my hands. "Chloe, the first time was perfectly okay. You're going to drive yourself crazy."

I sighed and plopped into a chair. "I'm sorry. I haven't slept much because my mind has been running in circles."

He pulled another chair close to me and sat down. He took my hands in his. "Hey," he said, touching my chin to get me to look at him. "It's going to be perfect, trust me. You've worked so hard and I'm proud of you."

I forced a little smirk and he playfully pinched my chin. "Do you think we're ready?" I asked.

"There's not much left to do," he replied. "We're way ahead of schedule."

I nodded, trying to shut up my ragged mind and simply trust his word.

Just then, Payton approached us, fidgeting with her hands, her shoulders slightly hunched forward. "Hey guys, can I talk to you?"

"Sure," Jacob said. "Sit down, please."

She sat on the opposite end of the table and kept her hands clasped on her lap. "I don't think I'll be able to continue working here."

Her announcement came as no surprise, as she had mentioned a while back that she was considering a change.

"It's okay, Payton. We understand," I told her. "Did you get another job?"

She shook her head. "I've been accepted into nursing school."

"Well, that's great!" I cheered. "Congratulations, Payton. I'm really happy for you."

She smiled. "Thanks. Classes don't start for two weeks yet, so I hope I can stay on until then."

"Of course," Jacob said. "We'll work with you, whatever is the easiest way for you to make your transition."

Payton's demeanor warmed up and her hands relaxed. "I appreciate it. I figured my mom was right about the medical field; I figured I'd at least give it a shot."

"You'll do well, Payton," I said. We all stood up, Payton and I hugged, and she went back towards the kitchen. I turned to Jacob.

"Don't worry," he said. "I have some people lined up."

I chuckled under my breath—one less thing I had to worry about.

Jacob and I hired two terrific bartenders, young people with a flair for creating unique and contemporary drinks. They had been with us for the past several weeks and concocted much of the bar menu themselves, and to no objection by us. They even made up a couple of new drink specials just for the grand reopening celebrations. Jacob helped to pair some wines with the food, which turned into another lesson for me.

Yu-jin was also off to school; he chose Columbia University to study Psychology for his undergraduate degree. He left us last week and then moved into his dorm room just days later. I was infinitely happy to see him going off to begin building his life.

I was glad for everyone around me who was moving on, and that I was too. It was like we were all making achievements at the same time, and in my mind, each one stemmed from the Bistro.

~ ~ ~

The grand reopening came fast. Hungry patrons lined up along the street, eager for us to officially open for dinner service. The interior of the Last Olive Bistro smelled of fresh wood from the new floors, but would quickly subdue from all the delectable cooking that was about to commence.