Page 27 of Spiritwarrior

“I need to look better than fine. I have a lot of ground to make up for. I need to knock her socks off.”

“You will.”

Jody wasn’t as certain as Ginny was.

Nervous, he opened the door to the diner and saw two customers sitting at a table. At least he was assured she was still giving the restaurant a go.

“Have a seat. I’ll be right with you.”

Ginny and he stared at each other at the female shout coming from the kitchen.

They went to a booth and sat down, Jody sitting on the side where he could see the front of the restaurant.

They didn’t have to wait long before Sophie came in from the back, carrying two plates. After she set the plates down in front of the other two customers, she approached their table. Jody noticed the smile she directed at Ginny didn’t include him.

“Hello, how are you today?”

“Good.” Ginny smiled back at her.

It was obvious Sophie was taken aback.

“You’re Silas’ sister?”

Ginny nodded.

She stared at Ginny a moment longer, it looked as if she thought Ginny was familiar but in the end she couldn’t place her.

“Silas said you used to work here.”

“I did.” Her expression turned morose. “I was also a friend of your father’s. I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Don’t be. We weren’t close.”

Ginny didn’t seem shocked at Sophie’s response. “I understand. Just because he befriended me doesn’t make him a good father to you.”

Jody saw the sadness on his sister’s face. She had been deeply hurt when she found out about the crimes Marty had committed.

Ginny gave a slight shake of her head. “Are you enjoying the restaurant?”

Sophie made a face. “It certainly is not as easy as I thought it would be. I would have listed the restaurant for sale already if your brothers hadn’t come in. Their tip allowed me enough money to stay in business for the rest of the week. You and your brother make my fifth and six customers this morning, so I guess business is picking up slowly. I had to fire George yesterday, so I’ve had to shorten the menu to a few menu items I can cook.”

“Jody said your father and mother will be able to help when they get here in a couple of weeks.”

She nodded. “If I make it that long.”

“You will. I can help. I know how to make most of the old menu. I can help you out until your parents get here.”

“I can help, too,” Jody offered.

“That’s okay. I wouldn’t be able to pay you. I hired Logan Porter to work a few hours a day in the afternoons.”

“Good, then you’re set. I’ll help you out a few hours in the morning, and Jody can come in during the lunch rush.”

“What lunch rush?” Sophie gave a lackluster laugh. “I’m only getting a couple of customers every few hours.”

“The customers will pick up. Once I teach you how to cook a couple of dishes on the menu, people will have to make reservations to come in here.”

“Which ones?”

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