Page 216 of Mattie's Diner
“No, I’m not complaining at all,” Jamie said, hanging up the sponge.
* * * * *
“Everyone ready?”Joesphasked, looking at the dining room.“You guys outdid yourselves.”Joesph looked at Ian and Robbie.“It looks just like a Parisian café.”
“Thanks,” said Robbie.“He got us some great photos,” he pointed to Jean-Claude.
“I am only sorry that Mike’s parents could not be here,” Jean-Claude said.“I understand since his mother is unwell.”
“Yeah, me too,” Salzy said.
“Everyone looks so beautiful,” Mandy said.“Flo, I just love your dress!”
“Thank you.It’s not often we get the chance to get all gussied up.”
Walter was fiddling with his necktie.“Why do I always think I’m about to be hung whenever I put this thing on?”
“Hasha, go to the back door.When they knock, tell them to come in the front,” Joesph instructed.Hasha, forever the man of few words, nodded and went through the door to the kitchen.
“Nice music,” Ian said, speaking to Jean-Claude.
“Merci.It is my personal playlist for dining.”
“Here they come,” Hasha announced, returning to the dining room.
Salzy was standing by the front door of the diner, holding it open.Joesph was standing far enough back so he could get a photo when Jamie and Mike walked in.
“What the...”Jamie said, freezing in place at the threshold of the door.
“What?”Mike asked as he pushed Jamie inside.“Oh, holy hell,” Mike said.
“Surprise,” the small group of people inside said.
“Wow,” Jamie said, spinning around, taking in everything.“It’s...amazing.”
Jean-Claude quickly approached his son.“Happy anniversary, my beautiful son.”He hugged Jamie, and then, in typical French fashion, kissed each cheek.He turned to Mike.“And the same to my other son,” he said, repeating the same greeting.
Jamie and Mike were surrounded by those closest to them.Their friends, family, and those whom they truly loved.
After champagne.After a delicious dinner, which surprised him, and after an all-around great night, Jamie went to the wall of photos.He placed his hand on the photo that meant more to him than any other.“Thank you.”He kissed his hand and pressed it against the glass.“Because of you, I have a wonderful life and...”He looked over his shoulder.“And a beautiful family.”He looked at the picture again.“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
He turned around just in time to see, and then hear, Florence say to Walter, “Kiss my grits, you ol’ goat!”
The End.
