Andy’s Afternoon
As the water receded so did the flood victims from Millie’s Boarding House. The flood had been a boost to Andy’s restaurant but now he was in a quandary. The trucks that brought his food orders in had not shown up and it was nearly noon. It was Thursday and March would be on tonight and Andy figured he’d be making do with what was left in the freezers.
With the roads flooded he and Lucy had been doing the cooking. Alice and Nina both lived near Coffs Harbour and were unable to get in. But tonight they would be in to assist March. Andy was still scratching his head when Alice walked in at 1:30.
“How ya been making it Andy?” she asked donning her apron.
“Oh Lucy and I worked our tails off. Cooked up most of the perishables. I don’t know what you’re going to do tonight, the trucks haven’t arrived.”
“Is that so, oh well I guess the Chef will come up with something.” Alice seemed unconcerned and went to the cooler to bring out the vegetables to prep.”
“Where is Nina she didn’t ride in with you?” Andy asked
“Um no, her boyfriend is dropping her off, so she says.”
Andy looked at his watch, “well ah what time is he dropping her off?”
“Now that I can’t tell ya,” she looked up and smiled, “she’s not on my list of people to keep up with, sorry.”
Andy was trying to make a list of what was on hand. Usually he kept a pretty accurate tally but with the flood and all the people packed into the inn he and Lucy had lost it somewhere along the way.
They both stopped and turned toward the back door as March and Nina came in arguing.
“It’s the last time Nina; it’s not my job to bring you to work. You have taken two hours from my day.” March said
“Sor-ry,” Nina answered stowing her purse away and going to wash her hands.
“Why didn’t you ride with me, I called you?” Alice asked, “What happened to your ride?”
“Louis didn’t show okay?”
Andy sat back and listened to this exchange and wasn’t sure he liked Nina’s attitude. She was good at her job but he didn’t like discord in his kitchen.
“What happened to your car?” March asked checking the menu for the evening and seeing several things crossed off.
“There’s not any gas in it and I’m broke until payday.”
“Do you need an advance?” Andy asked.
“I’ve already lent her money Andy; she does other things with it.” March said. “Why have we crossed off these dishes?”
“Because the truck hasn’t arrived,” Andy explained. “You may have to improvise some tonight."
“Ahh yes I can do that, more pasta perhaps some vegetarian dishes, yes.” March was good at improvising.
“We have a new waitress tonight,” Andy said, “but she’s experienced.”
“Oh yes, experienced at doing what?” March said grinning.
“Waiting tables March, you may know her…Jincy Sherwan.”
“I don’t believe so I can’t know them all.”
“I don’t know March you seem to get around. So are you set for the night?”
“Yes, yes, yes, you go home and get some rest. If the truck shows up I will take care of it.”
“Thanks March I think I will; any problems call me.” Andy folded the list he had and stuck it on the bulletin board.
“Hey Luce are you about through?” Andy asked entering the back door of the bakery.
Lucy was surprised to see him this early in the day, “actually no what’s up with you?”
“Nothing, I’m through for the day and just thought, you know we might spend a little time together this afternoon.”
“Don’t eat that it has raw eggs in its not cooked yet Andy.”
“Oh sorry what is it custard?”
“Yeah it’s going to be custard tarts. Really Andy I need to work, I’m that behind since the flood what with closing the bakery and taking everything down to the boarding house.”
“I could help you?”
“No you go rest up, I’ll be along after a bit.”
“Where’s your help?”
“Didn’t show, she got washed out in the flood.”
Andy sighed and took himself upstairs to their flat. He had the whole afternoon with nothing to do. He’d wanted to spend it with Lucy. He went in and took a shower and still wrapped in the towel fell across their bed and took a nap.
