Shortly before noon the next day, Gabrielle walked in the propped open front door of the restaurant. Theo was sweeping in the dining area. He had also taken down the board he put over the broken window last night.
“I thought we had to wait until the Crime Lab people were done.”
“They just called with the okay. I figured I could get started on the small stuff. Earn my paycheck instead of standing around watching other people work.”
“Like you would ever do something like that.”
He laughed. “That’s about all I’ve been doing today. The inspector from the fire department came through taking pictures and looking around. Then someone from the crime lab came back. They took a video and measurements of the entire area inside and out. That’s why the board is down. Well, that and to get the smoke smell out of here.”
“That’s why the door is open.”
He nodded and went back to sweeping.
“Did the investigator give you any idea when we could open again?”
“Both investigators said they have all they need and we can go ahead with repairs and reopening any time. I know you called everyone and told them not to come in, but after they gave us the go ahead I called everyone back. I asked the hourly guys first if they could come in and help with cleanup. One couldn’t he’s already scheduled at another part time job, but said he’d come by when he gets off. Two others are on their way. I’m having one guy pick up a carpet and upholstery cleaner on his way. Several of the wait staff have classes, but said they would come as soon as they could. Jake called this morning before school after seeing the report about the fire on TV. He wanted to come right over, but I told him after school would be soon enough.”
She smiled. “He’s a good kid. Thanks for taking charge.”
“I’m sorry, I know it’s your restaurant.”
“You misunderstood, Theo. I’m sincere. Thank you for organizing this. The physical therapy session with dad ran a little longer than I expected. And calling the hourly people first was a great idea. It might not be the work they’re usually paid for, but at least it will cut down on the hours they will lose.”
“That was my thought. I remember never knowing how many hours I’d get which meant wondering if I could pay bills. They all seem pretty invested in the place, or at least enjoy working here.”
Gabrielle felt a warm glow build inside her. She prided herself on making the Silver Lining a good place to work. Her grandparents taught her that. They didn’t always hire the person with the most experience, but the one with the most desire. And they always paid a fare wage and treated their employees well. For those reasons many of their wait staff served all four years if they were from the college. Gabrielle followed their examples and had an excellent, loyal, employee base. Well, except for messing up with the chef.
She shook off the negative thought. Jason was gone. Theo had more than filled the position and her expectations. The other employees had taken to his leadership well. Even the couple that had grumbled, out of loyalty to another employee, had quickly come around. His experience, knowledge, and work ethic had won them over.
Gabrielle noticed Theo’s gaze move from her to behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and then turned.
“Can I help you with something?” she asked the man standing in the entryway.
“I, uh, I’m Jake Danson’s father.”
“Mr. Danson, how nice to meet you,” Gabrielle said, walking toward the man and offering her hand. “I’m Gabrielle James and this is my chef, Theo DeLeon.”
“Brent,” Mr. Danson said grasping Gabrielle’s hand.
Theo had followed her and shook the man’s hand after her introduction.
“Jake isn’t here right now if you’re looking for him.”
The man shook his head. “No, he’s at school. He mentioned he’d been working here when we saw the report about the fire on the news this morning. I didn’t even realize he had a job.” The man glanced away then back. “Anyway, I wanted to check the place out and make sure it’s safe for my son to be here. I know I haven’t done a good job of being a father lately, but I do love him. I’ve just been wrapped up in my grief, I--”
Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak, but Theo beat her to it.
“Jake told me about your wife. I’m sorry. I understand how hard that kind of loss is. He’s a good kid, though. You don’t need to worry about him getting into trouble. As to working here, normally it’s a great place to work. We don’t know what happened last night, but the police are looking into it. I promise I’ll keep a close eye on Jake.”
Watching the exchange, Gabrielle wondered what kind of loss Theo had faced to be so empathetic. Then she noticed the slight smile on the man’s face and decided her questions didn’t matter right now.
“You don’t have to worry about him working too much either. Both Theo and I have told Jake his school work comes first. We won’t give him too many hours, I promise. He is a great worker, though. In fact he helped me set up a Facebook page for the restaurant and is updating our website as well. He’s very smart.”
“Thanks,” Mr. Danson said. “Yeah, he was telling me about the website and Facebook stuff. It’s definitely not my strong suit. He did set up a website for my business, too. You’ll be in good hands with him as far as that’s concerned. He’s got his mother’s brains, that’s for sure. I’m just a carpenter.”
Theo laughed. “Just a carpenter? That’s a job that requires plenty of brains. Geometry and some other math, I’m sure. Definitely not my strength. In fact, we could probably use some of your expertise if you have a minute or two.”
“Sure. What can I help you with?”
“My guess would be he wants to ask you about a couple of our booths that were damaged. If you can help us with how many tables, chairs, and benches we need to replace or if you think we can save any of them that would be great. I have plenty of spare soft goods in the back. Tablecloths and such shouldn’t be a problem, but the other stuff will be harder to take care of quickly. The sooner I have an estimate, the better.”
She let Theo lead them back to where they’d been when Mr. Danson entered.
“This booth is lost. The one next to it should be okay, I think.”
Mr. Danson nodded his agreement. “If we cut the back of the ruined one away it wouldn’t take much to whip up another form. The biggest problem there will be the upholstery, but if you have the fabric, I could give you a hand with that as well.”
“I didn’t mean I expected you to do the work. I was just hoping for help figuring the cost.”
“I have a couple of days between jobs. I wouldn’t mind giving you a hand,” he said, glancing at Theo as well as Gabrielle. “If you want, that is. Of course, you don’t know my work and probably want references. I’m sorry. I just--”
“You just happen to walk in at the perfect moment,” Gabrielle said, hearing the withdrawal in his tone. “As far as I’m concerned it’s a miracle. I need a carpenter and you walked in. I don’t question when God sends me exactly what I need when I need it. Consider yourself hired.”
“Don’t argue,” Theo said drawing Gabrielle’s gaze. “She’s one of those people who always look at the bright side. I didn’t think she could find one with the fire, but here you are.”
The men both laughed. Gabrielle decided that was a good sign and let the insult, or was it a backward compliment, go. “So back to the furniture.”
She watched Jake’s father and Theo inspected the booths, tables. and chairs together.
“With a little sanding and touch-up work I think the three tables in front of the window will be okay. The four chairs by this aisle have most of the fire damage on this side. They will need to be replaced. Your floor needs some work as well,” Mr. Danson said. “I don’t do a lot of floors, but I do have the equipment. It would cut down on costs for you.”
“Great. While you guys make a list of what you need to take care of this mess,” Gabrielle said with a wave encompassing the entire dining area, “I should call the window installer I lined up and tell him he can come over and get to work.” She looked up at Theo. “So, what’s your thought on when we might be able to re-open?”
“It will take some elbow grease, and the schedules of the window people and Mr. Danson here, but we could possibly be ready by Saturday evening. What do you think?”
She laughed softly. “I think you are an optimist. But I’m game. There are some tools in the closet past my office. If we need more we can raid my father’s garage or rent something. I’m going to change then call the glass guy. I’ll be back in a little while.”
Theo sat uncomfortably in the passenger seat of Gabrielle’s car. SUV actually. He didn’t own a car anymore. Hadn’t driven in more than three years. Wanting to go somewhere no one knew him and start over, he had reasoned taking a bus back to the hometown he’d left almost twenty years ago would be easier than driving. He’d bought a ticket to take him from Atlanta, Georgia to Colorado. On a bus you could be anonymous, almost invisible. In a car occupied by only one other person invisibility became impossible.
Thankfully, they’d spent most of the, he glanced at his watch, ten minute drive discussing progress on the clean-up work at the restaurant. That topic was pretty much played out which was fine by him. He enjoyed the silence.
His mind went back to talking with Jake’s father. When he mentioned the man’s wife and looked into his gaze, Theo had seen a familiar lost look. It was familiar because it had greeted him any time he glanced in a mirror for years after Lea’s death. Unlike himself, Brent didn’t seem to be fighting anger as well. Theo shook his head. Not everyone lived a life so full of anger it spilled over into everything else.
“What?” Gabrielle’s voice broke through his introspection.
“Nothing.”
Her continued glances from the driver’s seat let him know she did not like the non-answer or the silence. Rather than explain, or let her pick a more personal topic, she was a woman after all, he posed a question he’d had since the first time he loaded her vehicle.
“Is there any special reason you drive this big an SUV? It seems like you’d save gas with a smaller vehicle.” Her grin told him she got his message.
“It’s easier to load carts and trays of food. Besides the luncheon we serve on Sundays, this is also the community kitchen remember? I use leftover food from the restaurant if we have any. I also pick up donations from other restaurants who participate. It’s a great way to feed the less fortunate in the area.”
Theo nodded, at least she had a reason besides liking a big vehicle. “A cargo style van would make more sense.”
“Probably, but I’ve always felt like I’m going to tip over in a van. Going around turns in them makes me nervous. Plus with this I can give volunteers a lift as well as carry the food.”
Okay, that made sense. Now what? He looked out the window.
“Where are we going? I thought you said your father would have the drill and saw. We’re headed deeper into town if memory doesn’t fail me.”
“I didn’t know you were from here? All your employment history is back east.”
Crap. Why didn’t I keep my trap shut? Now she’s going to want my life’s story. Nope. Not going down that road. “I spent some time here, but it was a long time ago.”
“Other than spreading out further with subdivisions, it’s basically the same as it’s always been. The tri-city area of Loveland, Fort Collins, and Greeley isn’t a thriving metropolis, but I like the area. My grandparents knew what they were doing when they placed the restaurant right on a main artery to Fort Collins and the mountains. We get a lot of out of town traffic. We also have quite a few regulars. Granted, we don’t have the crazy nightlife of Fort Collins, but that suits me just fine. As to going deeper into town, my dad’s at work. His house is right next door. ”
Theo’s heart started racing and his eyes widened as she pulled into a church’s parking lot. “And we’re stopping at church for . . .” He turned to face her letting the question trail off. Her smile couldn’t be wider. The laughter in her eyes made them sparkle in the bright afternoon sunshine.
“It’s where Dad works. He’s a pastor. I didn’t mention that? I’m sure I mentioned that.”
Shaking his head, Theo steeled himself for the tar-and-feathering on his way. What little he knew of church he’d rather forget. The only thing he and Lea had ever argued about was getting married in a church. He refused. Between his father and their priest little doubt remained in Theo’s mind that he was a waste of God’s time.
“I’ll wait here while you get the keys,” he said leaning against the car after getting out. Of course she didn’t listen. She walked around the front of the car, looped her arm through his that was crossed over his chest, and pulled.
“Don’t be silly. Dad’s been looking forward to meeting you.”
“Yeah, right.” He mumbled. Why was he letting her drag him into this place?
She bumped against his side. “Stop that. My dad is a pussycat. No, scratch that, cats are too temperamental. Dad is a teddy bear.”
They had reached the side door. Theo couldn’t do it.
“Look, Gabrielle. The truth is, church and I don’t get along. I haven’t been in one since I was a kid, and I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon. Nothing against your father, I’m sure he’s a great guy, but I’m not going in there.”
Having climbed the two steps to enter, when she turned Gabrielle was eye level with him. Theo fought the urge to follow her. He just didn’t think he could handle a dressing down right now. He certainly didn’t want to lose it and start insulting her father. As tired as he was, that was a distinct possibility. Looking into those soft gray-green eyes he felt a tug to trust her.
She puckered her lips into a thoughtful frown. Theo started thinking of arguments. Then she smiled.
“Okay, if it bothers you that much you can wait here.”
Theo thought his legs were going to give out his relief was so intense. Every muscle in his body released as she turned and walked through the door. He grabbed hold of the railing to make sure he stayed upright. Then he turned and leaned his back against it.
The sun beat down on him. He hadn’t realized he was cold until the sun started to warm his skin. Why was he cold? It was in the mid 80s. Fear?
Didn’t that beat all?
He hadn’t been afraid since before he landed his first dishwashing job. That had been in Kansas after leaving his last foster home in Colorado at fifteen. And twenty years hadn’t changed a thing. Here he was still that scared, beaten, little boy. Damn it!
Pushing off from the railing, he started to pace the parking lot. Suddenly the sun that had been wonderful and warming a minute ago felt like a blast furnace scorching his skin. And his eyes? He pushed on his closed lids with his thumb and forefinger. What the hell was wrong with him? He wasn’t crying. He didn’t cry. Hadn’t since his mother died. It was dangerous. It had to be the sun or the lack of humidity. That was it. His eyes were just dry from the arid environment and the smoke last night. Yes, that he could accept. His eyes were still recovering from the fire.
The door opened and Gabrielle stepped out. Good, now they could get back to work. A man on crutches followed her.
Guilt landed squarely on his shoulders. Now he’d get it. Making the injured man come to him. What a thoughtless jerk.
“Hey, Theo. This is my dad, Preston James.”
Theo had to force his feet to carry him back to the stairway. He knew the smile on his face was tight, but it was the best he could do. He held out his hand, though he fully expected to be rebuffed. “Sir.”
The man moved one of the crutches to his other hand and grasped Theo’s extended hand in his. Theo didn’t believe the smile on his face was real.
“Pleased to meet you, Mr. DeLeon. My daughter tells me you’re a God send.”
“More like a plague.” The words were out before Theo could stop them. “I mean, a lot of things have happened since we met. Losing her head chef and almost losing her restaurant. She’s probably wishing I never walked through the door.”
Gabrielle shook her head. “Did I call you an optimist earlier? What was I thinking? First, you didn’t cause me to lose my head chef. He did that all on his own running off to the competition. Second, your quick action last night probably saved the restaurant. Third, that’s the last time I’m going to complement you so you can stop fishing for them.”
“I wasn’t fishing--”
Her father waved his hand between them. “Ignore her. Gabrielle’s teasing, it’s one of her few vices. Not that I’m prejudiced or anything, but she’s pretty much perfect in my book. As far as that chef leaving, if you’re the cause of that I’m okay with it. I know I’m supposed to turn the other cheek, and forgive, and all the other things in the preacher handbook, but sometimes . . . sometimes people make it very hard.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now, you,” Mr. James said.
Here it comes. Theo wanted to turn around and walk away. Disappear like he had when he was fifteen. But he couldn’t. He was a grown man, damn it. Facing holier than thou people was part of being an adult. He didn’t turn and leave, but his hands curled into fists at his sides as he faced the man.
“You are the best thing that’s happened at that restaurant in years. Even before Gabrielle took over for my in-laws things were getting tough. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry thinks he can be a chef nowadays. Add to that people staying home instead of eating out because of the economy, and it’s a wonder the place is still open,” he said, making his way down the steps. When his feet were on solid ground, he tapped Theo on the arm and winked. “Course, I have been sending up a lot of prayers to keep it that way.”
“Yes, sir.”
Mr. James laughed making Theo wonder what he’d done wrong now. He thought keeping his comments short and few was his safest bet.
“You need to relax, son. I am a preacher after all. I’ve got to slide a line about prayer in every now and then. Don’t worry, I’m not going to preach at you. I haven’t survived in the church all these years by putting people down.”
“Yes, sir. I mean, I didn’t --”
“Give him a break, Dad. He’s not the conversationalist you are. Unless you’re in the kitchen, then he’s always talking.”
Theo turned his gaze to her and frowned. What was she talking about? The only real talking he did in the kitchen was about orders. Since she didn’t seem inclined to add anything to her comment, and they were halfway to the house next door, he decided to let it go.
Gabrielle’s father punched a number in the pad beside the garage door. While it was opening the man leaned against the wall. His face was flushed and it looked like he was winded.
“Are you all right, sir?” Theo asked. He didn’t want Gabrielle’s father to have a heart attack because they needed to borrow some tools.
“Yes, I’m just not as young as I used to be. This darned accident has reminded me of that. When I was young like you, this wouldn’t have slowed me down more than a few days. I’ve been sitting around for weeks. I’m still not back to normal.”
Spotting a lawn chair just inside the garage, Theo pulled it out and opened it. “Why don’t you have a seat while we get the tools?”
“Thank you, I think I will. The saw is in back on the far side. The drill and other hand tools are on the tool bench. Take whatever you need. I’m not going to be using them any time soon.”
Theo thought he heard regret in his voice. “Do you do a lot of repairs?” he asked, before really looking into the garage. “Never mind, I think I’ve got my answer.”
He heard Mr. James chuckle behind him. The good natured sound of it made Theo smile. It’d been a long time since someone laughing at his expense hadn’t hurt.
“It’s a hobby that comes in handy keeping this old building in shape.”
The garage was filled with tools, many Theo didn’t even recognize. Saws, drills, screwdrivers and hammers he could use. But he was definitely out of his element here. “What is this?”
“A lathe. I use it to make table and chair legs, as well as banister spindles. ”
Way outside his element. “Well, you don’t have to worry about me breaking that one. I wouldn’t know how to turn it on. I can swing a hammer when necessary, but prefer stirring a pot of pretty much anything.” Mr. James laughed again making Theo glad he made the comment. At least the man didn’t look like he was going to pass out.
“And that is why my daughter hired you, and why my in-laws never let me further than the dining room. I can pour a bowl of cereal but much else,” he rolled his eyes.
Theo liked the man. Strange. Very strange.
“Don’t listen to him,” Gabrielle said from beside Theo. “He can cook just fine. Maybe not the wonderful creations you can, but he didn’t let me go hungry growing up.”
“She wasn’t too picky,” her father said.
Theo glanced down at Gabrielle. She had the sweetest most loving smile on her face. Looking back toward her father, he saw a matching one. If he weren’t so amazed by it he might be jealous. Instead, he was glad. Gabrielle James was a sweet woman. She deserved a loving family. Then it registered how they talked about her childhood, as if it were just them. He didn’t want to go into that right now.
“Why don’t you pull the car closer, Gabrielle? I’ll gather what we need,” he said. When she turned away, he glanced at her father. “I’m not sure why we need some of these things, since the man helping us with the repairs has them, but when she mentioned your tools, he suggested we pick some up. I fear I’m about to get a lesson in carpentry.”
Theo walked to the back of the garage. Lifting the saw, he carried it to the front of the garage.
“There are worse things to learn. Pounding a nail helps me relieve stress more often than you think,” Preston James said.
Chuckling, Theo shook his head. “I can understand that. I’m really going along with it because the man looked like he needed it. Not the tools, but to work with someone. Since there’s plenty to be done there was no reason not to agree.” He turned back and went to the workbench along the wall and gathered the drill, bits and a few other items.
“There’s a canvas carrier at the end of the counter. You can use it to put those things in,” Mr. James said. “It’s good of you to be there for him, but why do you think he needs the attention?”
Theo shrugged off the compliment. “His son Jake is working for us and mentioned his mother passed away last year and his dad was kind of lost. It sounded like he missed him. For a seventeen year old, that seems rare. I figured if I could help bring him out of his depression or whatever and back to Jake, it was worth a sore thumb or two.”
“If you need any help with that let me know. I’ve been there,” Preston said.
Theo looked at him. Preston wasn’t looking at him, his gaze was far away. Theo knew that look well, too. At least Preston had been blessed with Gabrielle to get him through it. Theo hadn’t been that lucky. Then Preson’s gaze turned back to him.
“You’ve been good for her. I haven’t seen her this positive in years. Even with all that’s happened this week she’s still smiling. I have you to thank for that, I believe.”
“I’m no hero.” Theo glanced down the driveway wondering what was taking Gabrielle so long. She should have been back already. He did not want to talk about his past with her father.
“Maybe, but you are a good man. That’s something she hasn’t known in a while.”
Theo wondered what the man was getting at. “She did tell you about me, right?”
“Prison?” Theo nodded, and the man shrugged. “Yes. She told me the rest as well. And, being the loving, trusting, not-stupid father I am, I went on-line and checked it out.”
Theo couldn’t resist the grin. He probably wouldn’t have been that generous.
“I’m a father, sue me.”
“No,” Theo said, truly comfortable for the first time in forever. “More women should have fathers like you. If I had a daughter, I would have kicked my butt to the curb and asked questions later.”
The man’s laughter knocked down the last of Theo’s barriers. He started laughing, too.
Gabrielle climbed out of the SUV and walked over to them. “Hey, what did I miss?”