One Plus Two Equals... - 6

"Morning comes too damned early," Duane grumbled as he crawled out of bed. At least today he hadn't overslept which was a blessing since he had told all his employees to meet him at the restaurant at nine. He dressed and then fixed a quick breakfast, wondering while he ate if they were expecting him to feed them before the meeting. He hoped not. He just wanted to get it over and done with so he could tie up all the loose ends before the grand opening tomorrow.

As he rode the elevator down to the underground garage, he was more than happy he'd found this place. It was an easy drive to the restaurant, the price had been right, and it was secure, all selling points in its favor.

Next on his agenda, if the restaurant really took off, was to buy a new car. Nothing flashy, just something newer than his ten-year-old Kia. He'd bought the car from his foster-father, relieved at that point to have anything that had four wheels and an engine. It had stood him in good stead but it was time to upgrade.

Arriving at the restaurant, he parked in the small lot behind it. Several other cars already sat there, meaning his people were actually showing up, and early to boot. He let himself in the back door and after tossing his jacket over his desk chair went to open the front door for his employees.

"Coffee?" Jack asked hopefully after they'd all trooped in.

"I'll get some started," a good-looking woman said before introducing herself as Maxine, one of the chefs. She pointed to a tall, somber man who was already on his way to the kitchen. "And that's Phil, my husband and partner in crime."

Duane waited until everyone had arrived then performed introductions. He smiled slightly when he saw Julyan settle cross-legged on a rough table in front of the window; a table which would soon be filled with flowering plants. The young man made good window dressing. For a brief second he flashed on an image of him sitting like that on his bed, sans clothing, then shook his head. Never mix pleasure with business, he reminded himself as he started the meeting. That was one reason why he was down here, now. He'd mixed pleasure with business and then had to face the consequences.

Once everyone was settled, most with coffee in hand, Duane began to explain exactly what he expected of each of them, fielding questions as they came up. By the time he was finished, he felt comfortable that he'd made good choices with his new employees. He felt it even more so when they wanted to mingle and get to know each other once the meeting broke up.

Only Julyan seemed a bit reticent, remaining where he was in front of the window. That surprised Duane since he'd seemed so friendly and outgoing the previous day. Maybe he doesn't like crowds, and that doesn't bode well for his working here. Deciding to find out, Duane went over to where he was sitting.

Julyan looked up and smiled. "They all seem like nice people."

"Then why aren't you getting to know them?" Duane replied bluntly.

"Honestly? It's more fun to sit and observe. You can learn a lot that way. Like…" he looked around, "the girl over there with the long blonde hair. She's already crushing on Jack."

Duane cocked an eyebrow. "Will he reciprocate?"

"You're asking me? I suppose he might. He's definitely a ladies' man."

"And you?" Duane leaned against the wall beside the window, eyeing Julyan for a moment before turning his attention back to the room at large.

Julyan seemed hesitant to answer, shrugging instead.

"This is New Orleans," Duane said, "The bastion of all things gay, so you don't have to be shy about admitting it to me if you are."

"Okay, I are, I mean I am."

"I take it Jack knows."

Julyan nodded. "He knew before he suggested we room together."

"Yep. I figured with him as a roommate there'd be no competition," Jack said with a laugh as he joined them. "He goes after the good-looking men; I make plays for the women."

"I do nothing of the sort," Julyan spat out indignantly.

"I know, I was just teasing." Jack turned to Duane, started to say something and then shook his head. "We really shouldn't be discussing our personal lives with the boss."

"Probably not, but I did ask." Smiling, Duane headed off to the kitchen and so missed hearing Jack say to Julyan, "You like him, don't you?" and Julyan's slight nod as he replied, "But he's straight, so…"