Page 27 of Lorna's Savior
“Then, that should do it. Is this the only entrance to it?”
“At this time, yes. Part of the reason for this fundraiser is to raise money for the renovations. If we receive what we need, then there will be two more entrances to the kitchen. Right now this is it. But...” he paused when everyone frowned. “You can’t see it from here, but it’s wide, and if you have any staff that you’ll employ to carry trays of food or drink, there’s plenty of room for them to pass each other in the hall. At this time, it’s only open for employees.”
“Can I have a look?”
“Sure, right this way.” Mr. Jones led the way. The trio behind him took notes and nodded at the size of the hallway. After entering the kitchen, they stepped back to watch Chef Vincent tour the kitchen. Twenty minutes later, he joined them with a grin.
“Perfect. This will make it so I can make fresh onsite. I won’t have to make everything up ahead of time and keep it cold, or warm, depending on what we decide to serve.”
“I’m glad,” Lorna said. They made their way back down the hall, and resumed the tour.
“Will you allow my servers to serve food in this tunnel?” Vincent asked at one point, while he pointed to a sign that indicated that no food or drink were allowed in the area.
“Yes, I’m sure the patrons of the fundraiser will be more responsible than some of our everyday patrons. Not that I’m disparaging them, but school-age children are somewhat messier than adults.”
“Though I’ve met some adults that are pretty messy,” Lorna said. “I think if we have the servers walk among the people, like they will at the end of the tour, it would be okay with Mr. Jones.”
“Yes, that would be fine. During this point of the tour, we plan on having the resident vets and professionals give the talk about the different species, and answer any questions the patrons may have. If you’ll continue...” He led the way, and two hours later, they ended up in an enormous room with windows on one whole wall. There was nothing at all in the room.
“What’s this place?” Silver frowned.
“This is where the fundraiser will continue, then conclude. For the aquarium, this is the space that we’d like to convert into more room for the animals. So far, this is as far as our funding has gone. We need Lorna’s help to raise more money.”
“May I make a suggestion?” Silver asked. “I know it’s five weeks away, so I don’t know about the time crunch. But, you remember those huge, I guess you would call them storyboards, out front, you know, with all the information of the different things the aquarium offers? What if you did up a set for the new wing? Give people a visual of what you want to come from their donations.”
“I can do that,” Mr. Jones said as he pulled his phone, and sent a text. “Anything else?”
“I’d like a table for the raffles,” Lorna said. “I’ve already collected almost seventy-five items to be raffled off, with several more to come. We’ll do it Chinese style.”
“Is that where the customer puts their tickets in the bag in front of the gift, and you only draw the ticket for that one item. One at a time?” Mr. Jones asked.
“Yes.”
“Stop by my restaurant, I’ll throw in two dinner-for-two gift certificates. That should be close to four hundred dollars.”
“For a meal for two?” Silver asked in shock.
“No, two hundred for a meal for two. Hence two certificates, four meals.”
“Oh, wow.”
“Yes, I know my prices are expensive, but the food is worth it.”
“It is,” Lorna said. “And to get a table there, you have to wait close to six months. They’re that booked.”
“Lorna, you know all you have to do is call me, and I can get you a table.”
“Thanks, but I’m saving that phone call for when I have someone special in my life. Since that hasn’t happened lately, I’ll reserve that call.” She instantly thought of Andy, but didn’t want to jinx anything by thinking they had anything other than the couple of one-night stands. Though she’d love to hook up with him again, she’d been too busy, and since she hadn’t seen or heard from him in almost two weeks, she assumed the same for him, unless he was avoiding her. Not wanting to think that, she shook her head and tuned into what Vincent was staying. His statement caused her cheeks to heat.
“What is wrong with people in this town. You’re a beautiful, sexy woman. The men should be beating each other up to get to you.”
“Thank you,” Lorna said, and quickly changed the subject.
“So, Mr. Jones, can you think of anything else you might want us to do for you?”
“Will there be tables of food set up here?”
“There will. I’ll have teasers throughout the beginning, and during the tours. But afterward, when they all meet here, I’ll have at least two tables set up. And another bar. Is there a way to move the bar from the front to here, without us getting in the way of the tour?”
