A Little Side of Geek

by Marguerite Labbe

  “Yeah, you do that.” Theo caught Lincoln in a rough hug, gave him a gentle noogie, and laughed as Lincoln shoved him away. He went off to make coffee, whistling softly, with a much lighter step.

  By the time they walked into the restaurant, Lincoln was more like himself, as if the anger and argument from last night had never happened. For all of his drama at times, Lincoln was not one to hold a grudge or sulk for long. In that way they were alike.

  When Theo and Lincoln rolled in, munching on hastily thrown-together breakfast sandwiches, Scottie and his crew were hard at work prepping, and their new manager was early and talking with the waitstaff. The rush of gratitude Theo felt at the sight of her buried all the resentments he had about having to hire her in the first place. She was one of them now.

  “Rose Williams,” Theo greeted, coming forward to take her hands and kiss each one. “You do not know how welcome you are today. Thank you for agreeing to start early. I know we came at you from left field with this one.”

  “Theo Boarman.” Rose smiled at him, and the expression lit up her lively eyes. “Do not try to charm me.” Her shiny black hair was coiled into a neat braided knot at the nape of her neck and the musical, lilting accent of the Caribbean colored her voice.

  “I can’t help it. It’s a part of me. Are you about done here?” Theo gestured to the waitstaff.

  “Yes.” Rose smiled at each one of them. Theo could see the uncertain and worried expressions many of them had. “I think we understand each other.”

  “I want to say a few words to you all,” Theo started, still keeping a hold of Rose’s hand. “First off, I know you’ve heard the news, and I want to reassure you Jill is fine. The baby is fine, and we appreciate all the texts and calls we’ve received. Second, I can see you’ve already met Rose Williams, our new manager, who has graciously agreed to come in today to woman the fort and keep me from crying into the appetizers. I want this to be a smooth transition. There will be other changes coming down the wire, but I want you to remember we’re a family and we’re going to take care of each other. Okay?”

  He met each one of their gazes, trying to radiate all the confidence he could. The small group nodded and whispered among themselves, and Theo noted the few who were likely to try to test boundaries. He’d have to give Rose a heads-up. “Now, I’m going to be here until the dinner shift in Jill’s office. If anybody needs a quick few minutes to discuss concerns, they are welcome to save me from paperwork, just please bear in mind, it’s going to be an adjustment for us all, but I have every confidence in us.”

  “How’s payroll going to be handled?” Erin asked, pushing to the front. “What about the days we already requested off?”

  “Jill had already done the schedule for the front of the house for the month. So if you cleared it with her first, you’re good to go. If you waited until the last minute, we’ll have to see.” Theo rubbed his temple as Erin’s jaw tilted at a stubborn angle. “Jill’s still going to do payroll from home. Her mind is completely sound, and if we don’t give her something to do, she’ll be on us like the Wicked Witch of the West.”

  He tucked Rose’s arm through his before anybody else could pounce with questions. “Do you have a few minutes to sit and talk?”

  “Absolutely.” Rose flashed him a confident smile as the staff dispersed to finish getting ready.

  Theo pulled a chair out for her. Thank God for small mercies. At least it wasn’t Monday. They’d get the rush from after-church services, but not the crush they got during the week from all the businesses nearby. For two hours, it was nonstop with both those eating in and those carrying out, and then by midafternoon there was no one. “Lincoln, do you want to sit in on this?”

  Lincoln shook his head emphatically. “I’ll see if Scottie needs me.” Theo watched him scurry back to get to work, and a rush of gratitude filled him. Lincoln really was the best brother ever. Even when Theo wanted to strangle him.

  Theo massaged his temple again to ease the brewing headache. That’s what he got for his lack of sleep. And it wasn’t Rose’s fault his stress level was climbing up the back of his throat and threatening to explode through his skull.

  “I talked with Jill this morning,” Rose said as she took the seat. “She gave me a very concise rundown of how things usually go on a Sunday. It sounds as if we’ll have a busy day.”

  Theo nodded, mentally going through his list, reorganizing the next few days. Tomorrow would be early too if he wanted to hit the markets and create the menu in time to get everything to Scottie.

  Rose patted his hand. “I’ve been doing this kind of work for a while now. You want to keep this a welcoming, local highlight for the area.”

  Theo smiled briefly. “You’ve got it. To be honest, I don’t know as much as I should about this aspect of the operation or the business side either. I know cooking and menu planning and how to run a kitchen. I won’t be as much help to you as I should.”

  “We’ll muddle through. You’ve got a strong team. I can tell this place has been run well.” Rose glanced over as someone tugged on the front door even though they weren’t due to open for another fifteen minutes. “I’ll come find you when we hit a lull in the afternoon, but right now, I think it’s time to get started.”

  “Okay.” Theo rose, his stomach jumping, and he regretted eating the sandwich. “I’ll have all your paperwork ready by then. The taxes, etc.” He’d have to figure that out, which meant he had an excuse to call his sister. And that wouldn’t be violating her rule on checking in.

  Scottie glanced up as Theo came into the kitchen. He came forward, enveloping Theo in a quick one-armed hug. “How’s Jill? Why aren’t you hovering over her?”

  “Because I want to escape dismemberment. I’m letting Craig take that bullet for me.”

  A devilish smirk crossed Scottie’s face. “She might let you keep your balls.”

  “Might is not a word I ever want connected to my balls.” Theo leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “I came in to greet Rose and to see if I could make any sense out of Jill’s paperwork. Jill’s doing good. I think the doctor who ordered her on bed rest is in more danger than she is.”

  “That’s a safe bet.” Scottie looked around the well-ordered kitchen with satisfaction. “We’re all ready to go on this end.”

  “I love you, man. I really do.” Theo scrubbed a tired hand over his face. It was time for some serious coffee. He couldn’t go into a shift like this.

  “Yeah, back at ya,” Scottie said with a nudge that carried with it years of having each other’s backs.

  “What’s the special?”

  “Stuffed rockfish, fresh green beans with a bite of orange and almonds, cauliflower-couscous confetti for the first option. Chicken cordon bleu for the second.” Scottie rubbed his hands together. “I’m trying out this new potatoes au gratin recipe to go with that and a tangy kale.”

  “Damn that sounds good.” Theo loved the summertime: there were so many options. Going to the market was like Christmas morning. “What about dessert?”

  “Strawberry-rhubarb pie.” Scottie’s dark eyes gleamed. “We haven’t had that in ages.”

  “Theo?” At the sound of Rose’s voice, he glanced up. “You have a call. It’s Jill.”

  “Thanks, I’ll take it in the office.” Theo glanced at Scottie. “And she accuses me of hovering. The day hasn’t even gotten started.”

  “Shoo.” Scottie snapped a clean hand towel at him. “And if you step foot in here to work before it’s your shift, I’m telling sis on you. I’ll make sure Skinny takes a couple breaks.”

  “Thanks, man.” Theo clasped his hand, and they exchanged another hug and parted. Jill’s office was as neat as Theo’s kitchen, nothing like how their mom had kept it. The file cabinet was meticulously organized, the desk cleared off, and the only clutter was the array of family photos scattered on every surface. Theo sprawled in her swivel chair and picked up the phone. “How you feeling?”

  “How’s m
y restaurant?” Jill asked at the same time.

  “You first.” Theo propped his feet up on the desk, leaned back, and closed his eyes. “You’ve vetted Rose, so there’s not much suspense there.”

  “True, but I want to know what you think,” Jill fretted. “I wasn’t expecting her to have to start like this.”

  “She’s a pro and it shows. She was holding a meeting as I walked in. And Scottie’s running the kitchen like he’s done it for years.” Theo leaned back farther and crossed his feet on her desk since she wasn’t around to yell at him.

  “No surprise there.”

  “I might have to fight him for her undying affection. He’s smitten.” Theo had seen it in Scottie’s eyes as he looked at Rose.

  “How are things going with Morris?”

  “Uh-uh, that’s for later.” Theo rolled his eyes. Trust her to hijack the conversation. “So tell me, how are you feeling?”

  “Fine, other than the kicking and the gas and utter boredom already.” Frustration was thick in Jill’s voice. “You’ve got to give me something to do, Theo. I’m going nuts.”

  “Well for starters, email me what I’m supposed to do for new hires, ’cause I haven’t a damn clue. And I’ll send you the books so you can do that from your laptop.”

  “Bless you. My body may want rest, but my mind does not.” She sighed. “I was surprised to see Lincoln this morning.”

  “Mmm-hmm,” Theo said, at a loss for anything else to say to her probing tone. “It did him good to see you.” Theo left it at that because he really wanted Lincoln to discuss last night’s blowup with her first. “Speaking of Lincoln, other than a natural teenage aversion to thinking of family members hooking up, has he said anything to you about me and Morris? I can’t tell if he’s embarrassed or if it’s something else.”

  “Hmmm.” This time it was Jill’s turn to equivocate. “I’d say a little of both. He gets weird around Craig and me too. Mostly I think it’s insecurity. Too much has happened this last year. But we can’t let it stop us living. At some point, I was going to have kids. At some point, you were going to get another boyfriend. If we’d halted our lives, it might’ve sent the message to him he had to halt his too.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Theo tried to see it that way, but he couldn’t help but wonder if Lincoln felt shunted out and isolated.

  “The other half is probably teenage squick. Anybody who’s an adult cannot possibly have sex on the brain.” Jill laughed. “Oh, the horror. Remember how I used to squeal when Dad would chase Mom around the kitchen?”

  A smile tugged at Theo’s lips. “I think he did it sometimes to hear us protest as much as to kiss her.” He closed his eyes. Soon he’d have to tell her about his second blowup with Dustin, but not today. “Damn, I miss them, Jill.”

  The sigh from Jill was heartfelt. “Me too, but I’m glad we have each other.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “WHAT DO you think?” Gio Viteri lifted the picture from beneath the counter and tilted it for Morris to see. Morris had cut the pale yellow matte himself and picked out the driftwood frame after spending a couple hours going through most of Gio’s stock. Behind the glass the colors of the picture shone with stunning vibrancy. The frame was solid, and there was a sturdy hook for hanging that would last for a long time.

  Morris studied the finished picture of Laila’s character and her butterflies with a sense of quiet pride. He’d nailed it here. Normally he’d be reluctant to let go of a picture he’d poured so much of himself into, but it would be in good hands with Theo. He appreciated the sentiment Morris wanted to evoke.

  “Beautiful work as always, Gio,” Morris said with a pleased grin and dug out his wallet. “Do you have any of that plain brown paper and bubble wrap I can use? I want to give it tonight.”

  “I’ll take care of it for you. Who’s this for? Your lively niece? A client?” Gio set the frame down on the counter and measured out a sizable piece of protective wrap.

  “A… friend,” Morris said, feeling a little self-conscious over Theo’s declaration about their status. “He saw me drawing it and wanted it for his new place.”

  “A new man?”

  “He was supposed to be a fling, a wild affair for the summer.” Not that they actually got to see each other enough for that to happen, and it made the time they did have together more precious.

  Gio’s thick silvering brows rose. “I’ve known you many years, Morris. There have been a few men who came in and out of your life. But this is the first one you’ve spent so much time over getting the look just right. Is it the picture that’s special or him?”

  Morris squirmed a bit under that steady gaze. Gio had been able to see through his bullshit since high school. He had become like an uncle to Morris and listened to his professions of love and heartbreak over the years. He’d known Morris was gay before his parents had. He couldn’t evade this one. “Both, though I wouldn’t read too much into it. He’s had a rough time of it in the last year. If this eases that in any way, then it’s well worth the effort involved.”

  Gio looked unconvinced but didn’t comment any more as he finished wrapping up the frame in layers of bubble wrap and thick paper. “How is Ms. Laila?”

  “Good. I took her out to lunch before I came here, and she’s coming to stay with me next weekend. I can’t believe it’s almost August.” Morris shook his head. The summer had flown by and was half gone. “I would’ve brought her with me because she asks about you often, but I knew she’d be bored with my lingering.”

  Gio’s seamed face wrinkled even more with a wide grin. “I look forward to seeing her again.” He handed over the heavy bundle. “It’s always a pleasure seeing what you’ve brought me. Take care.”

  “You too.” Going back to Gio’s took so much time when Morris was already behind. He’d been dithering over finding a new frame shop nearer to home for years now. It was more than not wanting to take a risk on an establishment he didn’t know. Despite the drive, Gio was like family, and Morris would’ve felt like he was betraying him if he went elsewhere for a picture this important.

  Morris tucked the frame carefully under his arm and gave Gio a two-fingered salute as another customer walked through the door. He couldn’t decide whether he wanted to give Theo the gift in person, leave it as a surprise, or, even better, he could swing by the restaurant, borrow the keys from Lincoln, and have it hung up when Theo came home. Morris grinned as he wrapped the frame in the blanket in the trunk. That’s exactly what he would do if Lincoln okayed it.

  Traffic was the usual Sunday heavy and it took Morris over an hour to reach Solomon’s Island. As Morris turned along the waterfront, he looked out at the boats bobbing on the waves and realized they’d never gotten another chance to take out the boat. He wouldn’t have a weekend free again until Labor Day, and then he’d be at his parents’ cookout if he didn’t want to get disowned. No chance there. And there was no telling when Theo would have most of a day to himself again either.

  When Morris walked into the restaurant, it was starting to pick up with the dinner crowd. He noted Rose at the window, talking with Theo and his new sous chef. Theo lifted his hand in a wave, a tired smile lighting his face. Rose turned and noticed him with a shake of her head. His sister must’ve been telling tales of misdeeds again. He was going to find a way to get her back.

  Theo turned to his sous chef and said something before making his way toward the kitchen door. Dammit. He should’ve planned this better. Now he’d have to have a quick bite in order to explain his presence or Theo would get suspicious. With that thought his stomach rumbled. Well, at least this would be better than the contents of his freezer. Morris had blown his budget on lunch with Laila and the frame, but he could get some soup at least. That would tide him over until he had time to defrost something.

  “Hey.” Theo came up with his easy smile and lifted his face for a quick kiss. “You hungry?”

  Morris’s stomach grumbled again, louder this time, and he g
ave Theo an embarrassed smile. “Actually, I just swung by to say hey. I was running errands most of the day, so I have to get back. Deadlines, man.”

  “Wait right here and I’ll pack you something.”

  “Make it simple,” Morris said to Theo’s retreating back. “Laila cleared me out at lunch. For a skinny little girl, she can eat.”

  Theo shot him a reproving look over his shoulder. “I was denied the chance to make you breakfast, so allow me. Rose, if he pulls out his wallet, wallop him with a menu upside the head.”

  “I don’t condone violence,” Rose said with an easy smile as she walked up to Morris. “However, Makayla tells me you keep a secret stash of Nerf guns to terrorize her. Is that true?”

  “Makayla exaggerates. Besides, how terrorizing is a Nerf gun really? It’s foam darts,” Morris scoffed. Unlike the picture she had of him when they were five and all the sisters had ganged up on him to put a dress and makeup on him. That was terrorizing.

  “Hmm.” Rose didn’t look convinced. “How is Makayla?”

  “Causing trouble as always.” Morris caught Lincoln’s attention with a little wave. “Excuse me, Rose. I need to talk to Lincoln real quick.” Theo was distracted right now, and he wouldn’t get a better moment than this.

  “Hey.” Lincoln propped his empty tub on one hip as Morris walked up, his expression both wary and pleased. “I’m not going to get another lecture, am I?”

  “I think you’ve had enough, don’t you?” Morris asked, and Lincoln nodded vigorously. “Actually, since it’s quiet, I wanted to talk to you about two things. First, I have a picture out in my car Theo wanted to hang in the living room. Do you think he’d be excited or freaked if I hung it for him as a surprise?”

  “That picture he saw at the con?” At Morris’s nod Lincoln looked down at his feet for a moment and then shot Morris a measuring look. “I guess that would depend on what you mean by it. He’s had a lot of people not stick around on him this last year. That seems like a sticking around kind of gesture. So if you mean it, he’d love it. If not, then maybe you shouldn’t.”