Page 13 of Perfect Three

Lucy got to her feet, rolling her head and stretching.As she and Roger walked down the hall, he pointed out the bathrooms, then they quickly descended the stairs.

A hum of voices came from inside the restaurant.Staff were setting tables and organizing for the day’s service.

“You can have lunch here if you like—on the house.Or there’s plenty of food places nearby.”

“I couldn’t take advantage like that.”Lucy shook her head.“I’ll find something outside.”

“Don’t be silly.All the staff can eat for free, boss’s orders, and you are doing us a big favor at short notice.Meals are the least we can offer.”

“Well, in that case I’ll eat here, if you’re sure.”

Roger laughed.“Come on.Normally any staff member who wants lunch or dinner puts in an order early, but the chef will be happy to fix you up.”

Roger led her through the restaurant then into the busy, crowded kitchen.

“Hey, this is Lucy.She’s rescuing the books for the boss,” he called out.

There was a chorus of ‘hi, Lucy’ and a large-framed, bald man, who looked to be in his fifties stepped in front of her, wiping his hands on a white towel.

“Hello, Lucy.I’m Brad, head chef.Good to know you’re here.He’s been yelling and screaming over the phone to anyone who would listen.”

“Who?Roger?”Lucy looked puzzled at Roger, then back to Brad.

“No, the boss.”

“Oh, sorry.”She grinned at him.

“What would you like to eat?Today’s special is a lovely shoulder of lamb, flavored with garlic and rosemary, slow cooked with fresh root vegetables.Or you can check out our menu.What would you like?”

“Actually, the lamb sounds perfect!”

“Take a seat then, Lucy.Won’t be long.”

Roger led Lucy back out to the main area of the restaurant and told her to sit at a table near the doorway to the kitchen.

“The restaurant opens at twelve so any staff member who wants something here always eats beforehand.It just makes it easier for the cooks.”

“Don’t they get annoyed having to prepare meals before service?”

“No, it’s the way it’s always been done here, so everyone’s used to it.”

Looking around, she saw a large board with the title ‘Thursday specials’ and read the list of food Brad had told her along with a couple of dessert items.Underneath, a sign read ‘Spit Roasts from Saturday lunch till Sunday dinner.’

“So I gather the coffee shop opens earlier?”

“Yeah, opens at six for all those early workers nearby.Does good business.Plus, people can buy toasted sandwiches, pies, and other light snacks from it rather than have a sit-down meal in the restaurant.Anyway, relax and enjoy.I’ll catch up later.”

“Thanks, Roger.”

About three minutes later, a steaming plate was put in front of her.With meat so tender she could cut it with her fork, Lucy tucked in.The vegetables had been cooked with it and took on delightful flavors.By the time she’d finished, Lucy understood why this was such a popular restaurant with such delicious food.She stood, carried her empty plate back into the kitchen, thanked Brad, and went back to the office.

About ten minutes later, Roger came in with a mug of coffee, milk, and sugar on a tray.He set it on the side of the desk.“Not sure how you have your coffee.Forgot to tell you that whenever you want one, there’s a staff room down the hall, third door on the left, with all the makings, or you can get something from the coffee shop downstairs.”

“Thanks, Roger.That meal was delicious!”

“Yeah, the food’s great here.We’ve been given some fantastic reviews by the critics over the years and it’s made business go crazy, which of course keeps the boss very happy.”

“I saw you have spit roasts, too.”

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