Signs

Untitled Part 14

Chapter 14.

They closed the cafe on Monday. The sign read "Closed for new ideas"

Sue chuckled when she saw it, elbowing Dixie. The ladies all gathered at the door. Carole Melody and Renny had been setting up all morning, the smells wafted through the cafe.

When Carole opened the door the five women tilted their heads up and sniffed the air, pleasant aromas of spices and caramelized onions hit them, fresh baking bread and strong coffee.

The ladies job today was to help narrow down the menu to three paninis, two soups, and a few rotating specials.

The women gathered around the counter and sat on the tall stools, Mary hopping up with a little jump, her tiny height at barely five foot could be a hinderance, especially in her sixties, but she managed in her own way.

"Welcome girls, thank you so much for this"

Mave, who loved to cook and equally eat, watched Melody busy herself

"This is Melody" Renny presented her to the ladies "She is a genius" she pointed at the women in a row "Dixie" who gave a very kind smile, held up her hand and her big plastic bangles jingled "Mave" Who shuffled her shoulders, with a long blink almost arrogantly "Sue" Who nodded, her grey wavy hair bounced "Betty" whos short permed hair was awfully brown for such an aged face who had the same hair, but fully greyed

"Nice to meet you dear" Mary said "smells wonderful"

Mave shifted in her seat, n ose in the air "Hello"

Renny could feel their daggers and claws, except for Dixie and Mary, who shared looks as though they were excited.

Melody was undeterred, in fact it was going to be a challenge.

Challenge accepted, and conquered! The ladies ate every morsel, stopping to swapt tastes and sample others, chatting furiously about the flavors and their favorites. Renny and Carole, arms crossed, watched with glee, if Melody could win these women over, they knew they were all set.

The ladies had warmed up to Melody, her food and her interest in their suggestions was appreciated, they loved that the new menu would have a little touch of them in it too.

"Is your brother single Melody?" Mary asked sweetly, her high pitched seventy something voice was adorable.

"Yes, although sometimes i think his girlfriends are the goats" she laughed

"Ohh" Mary drew out said and looked at Renny, as did everyone.

Melody caught on "oh yes, I didn't think of that" Melody seemed excited

Renny got up and began to clean up "Not going there" she said

"She's his type too. Says what she thinks?" She gossipped quietly to the girls "He is kind of an idiot, so he needs someone to be up front, you know?"

The ladies, all curled in to hear her, nodding in agreement

"He's a really good guy too, like really good. Wouldn't hurt a fly" She sat back as did the ladies and all took a sip of coffee, looking over the mugs at Renny

"Nope"

"Why not?" Betty asked

"Because now we will be working together, for a start" she said smartly

"Pfff" Mave snorted "bad excuse, he isn't working here"

Then Sue asked conveniently "How long since you've dated anyway?"

"I went out with Davis, remember?"

"Yes, but that wasn't a date, as you said" she smiled at Melody, making sure it was all out there

"Ok, it wasn't" she chewed her lip "I havent dated, in a while"

"Might want to get on to that" Sue pulled at her crows feet, and indicated her boobs going south

Renny scrunched her face "Really Sue?"

And Sue responded with miming wider hips, and big puffy cheeks, too.

Melody giggled at them, Renny just shook her head with affection.