Elrich Saga Yellow Springs Book One

Chapter 15 I Shop 'Til I Drop Part B

Chapter 15 I Shop 'Til I Drop

PART B

Away from the general foot traffic was housed a small shop. A bright red banner stuck on a pole outside the door declared the place to be Bo's Pan Noodles and Ramen. Crue opened the door and the smell of soup stock and garlic hit me. My stomach gave a resounding applause at our choice based on that smell.

The place was small with only four tables that seat four people each. There was a counter where there were six more seats. Behind that counter was a tiny middle-aged lady with black and gray hair tied back in a high bun. She was squinting slightly at us as we walked through. Her glasses were perched on the top of her head. Behind her tossing noodles around in a large rounded pan was a large middle-aged bald man. He didn't bother to turn around but yelled a hearty welcome without losing a beat in his cooking.

There were two guys sitting at the counter, so Crue sat us in the far corner table. The little lady came from behind the counter and handed each of us a menu made out of thick paper.

"Special today is fried veggie noodle 3 copper. We have duck eggs, venison, and pork today for our meat selection. Do you know what you would like to drink?"

"House tea, please Miss Bo," Crue said.

"Tsk," she clicked her tongue, "and you?" She asked me.

"I'll take the tea too."

"Where are your manners!" She tsked again, "Didn't your mother teach you manners? Is a simple please and thank you so much to ask?"

Thinking this woman was a bit rude I glanced at Crue. He was trying not to laugh as the lady got up into my face and squinted at me even harder. I had just had a mild breakdown in the middle of the street I wasn't feeling up to dealing with cranky old ladies.

"My grandmother taught me to show respect where respect is given. However, she also told me that I should respect my elders if for no other reason than that they've managed to survive longer than I have. So, MA'AM," I emphasized, "I would like the tea," I paused a second, "please." Crue was hiding his grin behind his menu.

"Cheeky bastard you are. Fine, Miss Bo will get you your tea, be grateful."

"Yes, Miss Bo," Crue answered dutifully as she walked away.

I raised my eyebrows at Crue. What on Earth, or rather Elrich?

"Miss Bo used to teach manners and deportment to young ladies of status. She was of a wealthy merchant house herself and was well thought of. She did it for years until falling for Mr. Bo later in life. They were married about four years ago. She's retired from her lessons and helps her husband with this shop." Crue lowered his voice a bit and leaned it while keeping an eye on the lady to come back from the kitchen.

"About a year ago she suffered an attack of the brain. She's fine now in nearly every way except that her personality got a bit rough. It's as if most the manners she had early in life were reversed. She still expects proper manners from her patrons though.

She stopped going by her given name, I think it was Hortence, and started going by Miss Bo. They aren't noble it's not a last name. She just took her husband's name and told everyone her name was now Miss Bo. We all go with it because, if she doesn't like you she will refuse to serve you. So something you said made her like you, I thought we would end up with street food after all."

"You could have warned me," I protested feeling a little guilty for being so curt with the lady.

"That wouldn't have been as amusing." He grinned down at his menu.