Page 12 of Loving Kai

She nodded, then left him to go to the kit hanging near the desk. She returned with two Band-Aids, then turned off the water. She took his hand and wrapped it in a clean towel. “I think you need a stitch or two.”

“I don’t. I’ve had a lot worse.”

She patted the cut with a paper towel, then put one of the Band-Aids over it. “Do you want me to kiss it? I’ve heard that makes it feel better.”

Abe laughed. “Sure. Couldn’t hurt, I guess.”

Maggie kissed his finger, then looked at him. “All better?”

“Maybe.” She was still holding his hand, and he pulled it away, then took a step back.

Maggie tossed the towels into the dirty linen container. “You’ll need to wear a glove today.”

“I know the drill. No Band-Aids in my navy bean soup.”

“I’m sure the customers will appreciate it.”

He looked at his finger. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Do you want me to finish chopping up that chicken?”

“Yeah, and the ham for the navy bean. I’ll start on the dough.”

By the time the first customers came through the door, they were prepared for the day with the soup bubbling on the stove, the pizza oven hot and ready for pizzas, and the prep counter fully stocked.

Maggie went to greet the customers and take their drink orders. As she was delivering their drinks, two more groups of customers came in. Abe watched her work the floor with ease and skill. She was good at what she did. And as much as he didn’t always want to admit it to himself, she was the face of Rocco’s.

The customers kept coming, and without Maggie’s help, Abe never would have been able to keep up with them. She divided her time among waiting on customers, delivering orders, and helping him prep the pizzas. She made salads and served soup. She kept the beer cooler full, and she did it all with a smile.

When they had a quick minute to take a breath, he motioned for her to come to the back of the kitchen.

She looked concerned. “What did I do?”

“Nothing. I mean everything. You’re keeping us from drowning in orders.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I just wanted to let you know that I see it and appreciate it.”

She took a step back. “Really?”

“Yes. Stop saying really. I mean it. Thank you.”

The bell above the door sounded, and Abe sighed. “We still need to make it through dinner.”

She smiled. “We can do this.”

“I have no doubt.”

“How’s your finger?”

He held it up. He’d gone through a few Band-Aids, but it seemed to have finally stopped bleeding. “It’s all good.”

“It was the kiss.”

“Most likely. Now…”

“I know. Get back to work.”