Being Single

29

Meals on wheels is flourishing and several of the sites we are allowing them to use the kitchen to cook to make money for events.  We know many are on fixed incomes.
I wake up to a devastating call. Our original site next to our restaurant caught fire  but the fire was kept to that building only.  The fire investigator informed us someone didn't turn off the stove that had oil on it. We go to the site and the person responsible feels awful.  We tried to reassure we know it was not done on purpose but we are having to put a stop to all extra monies for them. This was requested by our insurance carrier for us to continue  business.  The insurance thank God will cover this one and only this time. All the other volunteers weren't happy because they are having to cancel   the contracts. We asked to see what contracts were still outstanding.  We offered to assist them with the restaurant for two weeks only which means we would have to be present.  We decided we would take turns in the two weeks to come in late and stay late. All of of customers weren't happy and we sent out a press release explaining we are sorry.  This impacted our business revenue for two months. 
The media ripped us for removing it. We explained we did thus program to help the homeless and we still plan on doing this.  Our restaurant is being used in the morning to cool for the food truck site only. Mandi is heart broken that what she started has impacted the homeless people and our business too. She has requested everyone to come to the restaurant to vote and the media got a hold of it. The outcome of the volunteers was to cut down on giving out food at the sites and only using the food trucks. We knew we would have to hire additional security for the restaurant and to the sites for next several months that was coming out  of the budget.  Katelyn was heartbroken too but this was the only way we could continue to serve the homeless population daily from 6,000 to 5,000 meals per day only.
Katelyn wanted to resign and came to discuss it.
Yilena was backing in to the garage when Katelyn drove up.

Katelyn had her head down and entered our home looking defeated.

Katelyn come in and have a seat.  I will get you some bourbon.  Thanks Maura.  You guys I have done everything possible to keep this program affordable and afloat for the community of sacraments and now it's impacting their restaurant. I want to resign.  Sis we are not quitters and you cannot quit. They still need you.  Katelyn everyone has gotten use to you all accommodating them and it's free food.  It's not right but it's it's truth.  We have given money in thousands to this program too. Yilena and I appreciate it too. I don't want to resign but don't know any way for them to keep the sites to give food out there besides the food trucks.  My salary will come close to covering the costs to continue to offer food at the sites.  Katelyn it's a huge mistakes and we won't accept your resignation.
What you asked them to come here too? Yes,Maura called us and told us what you had planned. Michele and Mandi came together when we heard what you had planned.  This is just reality. Our business took a hit but it won't last for longer.  You are giving us time to be humans again and enjoy life. We don't always have to work the same days at the same time anymore. We have lives out of work and love it. So no we won't allow you.  The Public will just have to deal with it. Jackie and Richard and the supporters they brought on board agree too. It's business and such businesses takes a hint.  Jackie and Richard have contacted us to tell us if you resign, they will pull out as well as their friends who sponsor.  If people think a thousand per day is a reduction. They won't like it when we go back to only 1,500 per day.  So you see you need to stay and turn the TV on cousin please.
Jane went to turn the TV on.
Good afternoon everyone. I am Mandi the founder of meals and wheels.  We have been informed that our only paid employees plans on resigning so each site will be able to serve food there too. I have been informed from our supporters from out  of the states if she does, they will pull their financial support. If they do, we will only be able to serve 1,500 meals per day than the reduced meals of 5,000. Is our community going to be selfish and have her resign because of 1,000 meal reduction per day.  If the community decides to do this, I and my colleagues and long time friends will pull the meals and wheels program altogether.
Thank you for coming out to hear me speak.  No questions will be answered.

Mandi walked away and than Jane turned off the TV.
Mandi you would do that.  Yes we would. We will give you until the end of the week to make your mind up. Also your rent will go up to per Avery by three thousand. You all have that much faith in me? Yes in unison. You didn't even discuss this with our mother did you? No. Esmi enjoys the brownstone. I don't need the rest of the week. If we can get more funds,  can we increase it. NO WE WON'T DO THAT.  BUT.  NO BUT KATELYN.
I will stay good. We thought you see it our way. Thanks for calling us. No problem.  Your sister would of made a decision that would of been horrible for us all. We brought food to eat. We left the restaurant with our sous chef cooking only today.
We all ate and relaxed.  Everyone was getting ready to leave.

Aye we need to go back to the restaurant so I can get my vehicle.

We all hugged and they left.

I didn't like doing that to my sister but   the ultimatum was the best move.  Thanks Jane for the idea. No problem Maur. Aye what did I miss? Kennedy not much just listen to the evening news.  Oh okay. I am off to school.  See you there kids later. Bye cousin. Bye bye ,bye  Kennedy.
Kennedy gave our children hugs and kisses.  Our children were walking a little but definitely were talkers.