Page 70 of Go Back to December

“Congratulations.” He extends a fist for me to bump. “Sam Evans.”

I like him already. “I’m Mel Johnson.”

“Sit your arses down. What can I get you?”

“Brisket,” Dooley and Baz bellow in unison.

Sam smiles proudly. I tell him to make it three. If Dooley’s desecrating his temple with caloric red meat, it must be good.

A server delivers a basket of homemade pretzel twists on the bar, and Baz and Dooley invade like it’s Omaha Beach. Baz growls around his pretzel, and Sam gives me a knowing eye roll.

“Don’t get me started. I serve breakfast.”

Sam laughs. “Hero.”

“They’re talking shit about us,” Dooley says to Baz.

“In code,” Baz agrees. “Pretty rude given why we’re here.”

“We are merely sharing a professional opinion,” I say. “People are assholes when they’re hungry. They’re like completely different people.”

Baz narrows his eyes.

“Perhaps you should seek new legal counsel, Sam. Dealing with Baz’s food service demands is a colossal addition on top of his exorbitant hourly rate.” I would know.

Sam laughs softly and leans on the bar. “In our jurisdiction, trans people require a court order to get their status changed on all official identification documents.”

“Sadly, that doesn’t surprise me.”

“Baz got the order for me. Pro bono. I paid nothing. He got me something I wanted my entire life.” He lifts a shoulder. “I got the better deal.”

“Don’t tell him that.”

“Sitting right here,” Baz rumbles.

Like anyone could ignore him. I certainly can’t.

“So, you’re interested in B-Corp certification?” Sam asks.

I explain the café, the merger, and the city council funding, and soon, Sam and I are bonding over mutual outrage at hiring policy requirements for reformed convicts, and exactly how much direction people need about service hygiene.

What Sam has built here is exactly the success story the Lightman selection committee is looking for, and insecurity bites at me. It’s taken him years to achieve this; I have weeks.

According to Sam, the environmental practices he uses to manage waste and energy were the major factor in the success of his B-Corp application.

“It’s complicated, and expensive at first,” he says. “But then once everything is in place, it should save you money.”

When he shares precisely how costly it is, my heart sinks. “We’re barely breaking even. It’s going to be tough asking for more beyond operating expenses.”

“Why don’t you come by next week, before open, and I can walk you through the systems,” Sam says. “Then you can determine if it’s worth the investment.”

My grateful and enthusiastic yes drowns in Baz and Dooley’s roars of delight as the brisket sandwiches hit the bar.

Dooley moans. “Why would anyone ever contemplate veganism when this exists?”

“For the planet,” Baz says. “But the planet gave us brisket, so I’m not sure that adds up.”

“This is an inclusive menu,” Sam retorts. “Half of our sides are vegan friendly and we can use most of the same ingredients for the pulled pork on jackfruit.”