One Plus Two Equals... - 11

Guess we're as ready as possible. Duane looked around the main dining room of '1803'. He smiled, seeing everyone standing almost at attention. Then Jack pointed to the still locked front door and Duane's smile widened. There were several couples and at least three families gathered outside waiting for the restaurant to open.

Within half an hour every table was filled with contented customers and by the time the lunch-hour was over and most of the diners had left, Duane was finally beginning to believe the restaurant might be a success. Of course there was still another seven hours to go so he wasn't taking anything for granted. He chuckled at that thought. Seven hours, days, weeks even, before he'd know for certain.

"You look happy, and you should," Julyan commented as he came into the kitchen to pick up an order.

"We all should, because without you and the others this wouldn't have happened. Especially you."

"I didn't do anything more than anyone else," Julyan protested.

"I'd be in traction if you hadn't helped me with all the shopping."

Julyan snorted. "Not hardly, with those muscles, that body." He instantly turned red, swiveled around to pick up the plates that sat on the counter and hurried out of the kitchen.

Maxine, who'd overheard the exchange, chuckled. "Someone's got a thing for you, Duane."

"I doubt it. He's just flattering the boss."

Looking him over with a practiced eye, Maxine shook her head. "It wasn't flattery."

"Oh for heaven's sake, quit," Duane muttered as he too left the kitchen.

Phil grinned at his wife. "You did that on purpose."

"No kidding. I may not have known either one of them for long but it's still pretty obvious they're interested in each other. They just need a gentle shove in the right direction."

"And you're the person to do that." He hugged her then they both got back to work.