When We Spirits Awaken

Chapter 14: Pearl's Diner

The gooey, cream-coloured batter tumbled from the silver mixing bowl to the stove top. The soft sizzle and instant aroma of the flapjack taunting me as I watched the edges turn a light, golden-brown. With a flick of his wrist, Joe's spatula was in the air and his flapjack upside down. Mimicking his technique I looked in amazement at my own flapjack of golden perfection.

In his excitement, shouting a bunch of Italian I didn't understand, he gave me a brawny hug.

"Joe, can't breathe," I mumbled into his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, so sorry," he smiled, releasing me, "but you did it! First try too!"

Angela walked to the kitchen window, resting her elbow on the ledge as she tucked her pen into her messy bun of black curls. "I don't think the other side of the city heard you, scream a little louder next time."

Joe, ignoring her sarcasm, continued shouting. "She did it, perfect jack on her first flip!"

I shrugged. "I didn't think it was that big a deal, but thanks."

"Not a big deal? He'll be going on about this for months!"

"Should have heard me when Emily didn't burn one! She still can't make much in here for her life, but at least I don't need the fire extinguisher anymore!" Joe paused, "Don't tell the boss I said that, still like to keep my job," he laughed.

"My lips are sealed," I whispered, running my fingers across my lips, then throwing away the imaginary key.

"Mine won't be if you don't get on this order," Angela said, handing Joe a paper with a list on it.

Joe leaned forward and kissed his wife's hand before gabbing the paper. "Yes, yes, Angel."

I watched as Angela's olive cheeks warmed. Her and Joe had both the sweetest and strangest relationship I'd ever seen.

She cleared her throat, composing herself. "Lilly, Mary wanted your opinion on some of the floral arrangements."

I nodded, walking out of the kitchen to the counter where Mary had her nose in another stack of photo samples.

"I like the pink roses but those won't work with the peonies, it's too... fluffy."

"Fluffy?" I asked, trying not to laugh.

She smiled, tapping my arm. "Oh hush, you know what I mean."

Angela came up nudged Mary's side. "Another customer just came in, your section."

I stood up and grabbed one of the extra aprons. "I've got it. Ang, you mind helping with the fluffy flower dilemma?"

Mary rolled her eyes and smiled, said, "Thanks, Lillyana," then turned to Ang, starting a discussion about red tulips.

I made my round through the section, chatting a bit with the regulars and welcoming new faces as I headed to the booth in the corner. Pulling out the paper pad from my pocket I flipped to a new page as I approached the customer. "Hey there, what can I get you tonight?"

"You even make apron's look sexy."

I looked up from the pad. "Since when do you come here?"

Jared leaned on the table. "Heard you hang around here, made it worth checking out."

"Well then what can I get you?" I asked, attempting to sound pleasant.

He closed his menu. "Something hot."

I forced a smile. "Food or drink ?"

"I'll take a coffee, black."

"Will that be for here or to go?"