Page 105 of Loving Kai

“I know. I’m sorry.”

Gentry gave her a quick hug. “Welcome to the family.”

He headed for the walk-in, and Maggie turned to Abe. “Did I miss something?”

Abe laughed. “No, but it’s something to think about.”

“We just had our second date.”

He shrugged. “And we’ve already talked about sitting on the porch when we’re old and gray. You know, like Gentry’s age.”

She handed him two orders. “But we’re going to take our time getting there, right?”

He pointed at her. “That sounds like a plan to me. You said no more plans.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when Gentry came out of the walk-in. “Customers?”

“Oh, right.” She glanced at Abe, then went out to take care of the customers.

Gentry set down the container he was holding. “Pizzas, Abe.”

“Right. Pizzas. My life’s work.”

They worked nonstop and called Luke in at two to give them breaks and help with the dinner rush. Memorial Day weekends were always busy, and closing down on Monday to man the booth at the park was a welcome relief from the hectic two days.

The restaurant was full when Maggie took her break, and she went out behind the restaurant to eat her lunch. Abe took advantage of a slight pause in the action to go see her.

“Hey.”

Maggie turned on the bucket she was sitting on. “I’d like to talk to the management about putting a table out here for employee breaks.”

“I heard they’re a couple of hard asses, so good luck with that.”

“Are you going to get a break? You must be starving.”

He patted his stomach. “I’m beyond starving. I did gobble down a mistake order of breadsticks a while ago.”

“That should keep you going. Have some soup or something. A salad. A handful of pepperonis.”

“I’ll try for some soup.”

“You better get back.”

He bent down and kissed her. “Take your full thirty.”

“Yes, boss.”

“Quick beer after work?”

“It’s a date.”

“Two in one day. That must be a record.”

It finally slowed down by seven, and they were able to start the closing process. Abe told Gentry to go home right at eight, and he, Luke, and Maggie finished closing down by eight-thirty.

Abe walked Luke to the door. “We’re going to hang out for a few minutes. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll be in at two again.”