Who Moved My Goat Cheese?

by Lynn Cahoon

  She found a place to sit near a pile of old magazines. Dom sat at her feet, a small whine coming from the back of his throat. “You must smell the other animals that have been here.”

  “They all get a little freaky coming in.” The woman was on the phone, but apparently, no one had answered yet. Her nametag only had her first name on the badge, Gloria, and was crooked on her shirt. “We try covering up the smells with cleaning solutions, but they all still know there were animals here before them. They have much better senses than we do.”

  “No one’s here now,” Angie gave Dom a reassuring hug. He was shaking. She looked at the receptionist. “We’ll be in and out of here soon, right?”

  Gloria held up a finger and then spoke into the phone. “Your ten o’clock is here. Where are you?”

  Angie watched as Gloria’s face hardened. “You should have left earlier, even if you were on a roll. I’m not sure how long I’m going to keep covering for you.”

  Angie’s gaze met Gloria’s but instead of a reassuring nod, she turned around, still listening to the conversation on the other side of the line. “I’ll tell her. Just get here soon.”

  Angie heard the receiver slam down, but Gloria didn’t turn. When she did, Angie saw her cheeks were wet. She stopped petting Dom. “Is something wrong?”

  Gloria shook her head. “Sorry, ongoing fight. You would think the guy either would stop making Monday morning appointments or learn to leave Jackpot earlier.”

  “Jackpot? The town in Nevada?” Now Angie was confused. “That’s about three hours away, right? Should we come back?”

  “He’s about ten minutes away. If you want, I can make some coffee. I’m thinking he’ll be wanting some anyway.” She waited for Angie’s answer. When she didn’t get a response, Gloria put on a fake smile. “Don’t worry, he’ll be here soon. And we’ll get Dom’s boosters done and you guys out of here in no time.”

  “Coffee would be great.” The professional had taken over again, Angie thought as she watched the woman disappear into the back. But she had been mad at her boss. Or maybe frustrated was the better word. Angie wondered about their relationship and then about her vet, who apparently liked spending weekends in the closest gambling town to River Vista. The man was looking more like a total loser. First, he was weird with Felicia, then watching them through his window, and now, Angie learned about his apparent gambling habit. Yes, small towns held their own secrets. She decided she’d find a vet in Meridian for Dom’s next checkup. Just as a precaution.

  When fifteen minutes had passed, without seeing anyone at the desk or her promised coffee, Angie decided to leave. She walked to the reception desk and called out, “Hello? Is anyone back there?”

  Gloria appeared in the doorway and frowned. “Crap, I forgot your coffee.” She disappeared again before Angie could stop her.

  “Seriously, I don’t need coffee.” She called after her hoping the woman would come back so Angie could explain how she needed to leave.

  Instead, Kirk Hanley strode through the doorway. “Hey Angie, Dom. Come on back. Let’s get this guy weighed and see how he’s doing.”

  Dom wiggled at the sight of Kirk. Angie gave in. As long as Dom was happy, she’d deal with an appointment running a little late. She’d solve the problem by scheduling his next appointment with a new doc. Dom liked everyone, but it was better to switch vets early if she was going to do it. She followed Kirk into the back of the office and after getting Dom weighed, went into an exam room.

  “This shouldn’t take long. I’m sorry I’m running a little late.” Kirk smiled at her as he lifted Dom up onto the exam table. “He’s looking really good. You feeding him a premium dog food?”

  “I still have him on the puppy food the breeder suggested. Do you think I should change up to adult food?” Angie saw the flip flops and jeans under the white lab coat Kirk wore. Of course, that could have been his usual office attire, but she doubted it.

  “He needs the higher nutritional value of the puppy formula for at least six months. A year is preferable, but I’m thinking he’s pretty expensive to feed, right?” Kirk smiled at her and for a minute, she forgot all the weird encounters she’d had with the guy. He was a lady killer, especially one on one. The guy was smooth.

  “I want him to have what he needs so I’ll keep him on the puppy food.” Angie watched as he checked out Dom’s health. After giving him the shots, he sat Dom on the floor where he immediately ran back to Angie.

  Kirk leaned against the counter. “I think he’s doing great. I don’t need to see him again until his annual, unless you’re concerned about something.”

  Angie stood. “Sounds great.” She could make the decision later on changing to a different vet. After she’d learned more about Kirk. After all, if he wasn’t going to be dependable, he probably wouldn’t be in business in a year anyway.

  She headed directly across the street and up the side stairs to Felicia’s apartment. When she knocked, Felicia swung open the door and leaned down to greet Dom. “That took longer than I expected. Is he alright?”

  Angie followed her into the apartment. “Dom is, but Kirk is a complete mess. He was in Jackpot this weekend so he was late for the appointment. And from his receptionist’s reaction, this wasn’t the first time.”

  “It’s not illegal to go play the tables in Jackpot.” Felicia held a cup of coffee out for Angie. “Now, being late for his business appointment, that’s more problematic. I kind of did some research on our doctor friend after that incident at the restaurant.”

  “And what did you find?”

  Felicia sat at the kitchen table and motioned for Angie to join her. “Dom’s doctor is a bit of a flake. He’s dating the woman who works for him. All of the old guys at the diner have switched over to another vet clinic for their farms. And he’s missed so many appointments, most of his practice is just emergency treatments or new patients, like Dom.”

  “Until he doesn’t show up for an appointment and loses those too.” Angie shook her head. “Too bad. He seems really nice, but reliability is something that once you break trust, it’s hard to get back.”

  “Everyone’s betting his clinic will close this year. He just doesn’t have enough repeat customers to keep it going.” Felicia glanced out the window. “I guess the vet who retired and sold Kirk his business is thinking about trying to get it back.”

  “He must be upset with the way it’s being run.” Angie sipped her coffee, with one hand resting on Dom’s head as he leaned into her.

  “Upset? From the rumors, he’s ready to kill the guy.”

  CHAPTER 15

  Tuesday flew by in a flurry of activity. Angie came into town and cooked every dish to make sure her recipes were spot on. Felicia set up the sample table for the dining room as well as finishing touches on the décor and setting up the bar area.

  As they sat, eating the dishes she had cooked, Angie looked around the dining room. “It’s never as perfect as this moment feels.”

  Felicia paused mid bite, the fork hovering over her plate. “What do you mean?”

  “Today. The County Seat is this perfect idea in our heads. It’s what could be. Tomorrow, when we add staff and train them, we leave behind the ideal and it becomes a reality. Maybe not perfect all the time, sometimes we’ll fail, but sometimes, it will be better than we could have imagined.” Angie sighed. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited about the opening, but right now it’s our idea, all shiny and perfect. Soon, it’s going to be reality. And reality is hard and dirty and tough.”

  “Aren’t you Debbie Downer today?” Felicia sat her fork down and focused on Angie. “It’s going to be great. You’re going to be great. And we’re going to make a success out of this place, even if it kills us.”

  “Tell me you haven’t gotten any more cryptic messages.”

  “I haven’t gotten any more messages, cryptic or not.” Feli
cia held up her hand in a salute. “Scout’s honor.”

  “Were you ever a scout?” Angie studied her friend.

  “Until they stopped doing cooking demos and wanted to take us camping, most definitely. I loved talking about cooking and baking. But sleeping on the ground in a tent? Not for me.” She glanced at her watch. “Do you have plans the rest of the day?”

  Angie rolled her shoulders. “I’m going in to clean up the kitchen then heading home. Precious and Mabel are probably wondering when they’ll get fed again. I’ll see you at seven tomorrow?”

  “Bright and shiny. I’ve got our new staff arriving at eight and I told them to expect to be here a full day.” She stood and picked up Angie’s plate. “Go home. I’ll clean up here. Living upstairs, I have the shorter commute.”

  “You’re the best.” Angie grabbed her tote and headed out the front where she’d parked the car. She beeped it open and glanced over at the vet clinic. It was almost six and the place looked like it had been closed for days. She believed in supporting local businesses, but only when they believed in themselves. She thought Kirk might just be a full-time farmer in the near future—until he lost that property as well.

  The evening was warm and after taking care of the feeding, she sat on the porch with a cup of tea. Coffee this late in the day would have kept her up, and she knew she was going to have enough problems sleeping tonight as it was. Of course, this wasn’t even opening night and she was antsy. What would she be like next Thursday before their Friday open?

  The light was perfect and so she picked up a mystery novel she’d bought on her last trip to the bookstore and started reading. The combination of the book, the tea, and the evening did its magic and soon, she was yawning and ready for bed.

  “Tomorrow is coming no matter what,” she said to Dom as they made their way upstairs. “I might as well be positive about it.”

  * * * *

  She woke early, took care of the animals, then sat and planned her day. Again. When she was done, it was still just after five thirty. She didn’t have to leave for town for another hour. She picked up the novel, but instead of drawing her in, like it did last night, she found herself reading the same page, over and over. She set it down, went upstairs and grabbed laundry. No use being idle if she couldn’t enjoy herself.

  By six fifteen, the laundry was in the dryer, she’d cleaned out the dishwasher, inventoried her fridge and pantry for any shopping items, and vacuumed the entire downstairs. If she stayed here any longer, she’d have to resort to cleaning the bathrooms and then she’d feel like she had to take another shower after her efforts. She checked Dom’s water and food, again.

  Satisfied there wasn’t anything she was missing, she drove into River Vista. Parking in the back, she got her keys to the building out just in case Felicia wasn’t downstairs yet. She shouldn’t have bothered.

  Felicia met her at the back door. “I heard you drive up.” She pulled her into a quick hug. “Can you believe it’s almost opening day? Come in, I made us breakfast.”

  Angie followed her friend into the kitchen the smell of baked cinnamon, sugar, and yeast leading her to where a pan of cinnamon rolls sat on the counter, cooling.

  “And I squeezed fresh orange juice. Do you know how many oranges it takes to make a glass of juice? Way too many.” Felicia took out a bottle of champagne and popped the cork. “I know we can’t drink all of this, but I thought mimosas were in order. The County Seat is going to be amazing.”

  Angie grinned at her friend’s excitement. While she was all about the numbers and the details, Felicia was great with the energy and the idealism. “We are going to make this work, aren’t we?”

  “Darn right we are. You sound surprised. Give yourself and us a little credit. We are the smart girls after all.” Felica handed her a glass flute with the drink. “To The County Seat and to us. May we always be as good of friends as we are today.”

  “Or better.” Angie clinked her glass and then took a sip of the orange juice mixture. “I suppose you’ll want a celebration on opening night too?”

  “Of course, but that will be everyone. We’ll gather in here, pour the champagne and then toast to our new adventure and our new family.” Felicia grinned. “I might just make this an every week occurrence. You have to celebrate the little victories too.”

  Angie grabbed a couple of plates. “Let’s see how your rolls turned out.”

  “Don’t be knocking my baking skills. I did excel in that class if you remember.” She grabbed a spatula and served out two large, thick gooey rolls.

  As they sat and ate, Felicia went over the schedule. “I’ll be done with training and setup no later than two. So plan on serving and going over the menu no later than two thirty. We’ll have them fast friends by the time they leave this afternoon.”

  “I don’t care if they’re friends, I just want them to have the skills and knowledge to do the job.” Angie broke off a piece of the roll and dipped it in the warm glaze. “Tell me about who you hired?”

  Felicia took out a notebook and skimmed over her front of the house staff, but Angie noticed, she highlighted their past experience and references. No matter what kind of ‘let’s get in a circle around the campfire and sing’ mantra Felicia talked, she hired strong, capable people. She always had.

  Angie grabbed her own notebook and her paper calendar when Felicia started talking about the kitchen staff. “Two prep cooks, a sous chef, and a dishwasher, right? That should do us until we’re open for more days. I’d rather they get the hours they want before we add on staff.”

  “I did. And our dishwasher is actually a student at the culinary arts department over at the college. She’s just looking for part time now while she’s going to school. But I thought if everything goes right, we might be able to intern her here next fall.”

  “Nice thinking ahead here. I’d like to be hooked up with the school. You never know when you’re going to need someone quick. If we teach them ourselves, we’ll have exactly what we need.” Angie held her pen out. “What’s her name?”

  Felicia went through Angie’s staff, this time slowing down and talking about personalities. Finally, she got to the sous chef hire. “He’s the guy who already needs a full week off in July.”

  “Remind me why again. Vacation scheduled?” Angie didn’t look up from her notes.

  Felicia laughed. “No. Estebe volunteers at the local Basque Festival each year and he won’t be available to work any hours that week.”

  Angie made a note on the calendar. She needed to get a digital calendar started on her computer so she could keep track of these things. “Okay then, I think we’re good for today. I’ve got some things to deal with in the office. Did you find a local bookkeeper to deal with the payroll and accounts payable?”

  “All set up. Tasha’s coming in Thursday to get the computer set up with her software and she’ll walk me through it, just in case. She’s a stay-at-home mom with a really cute two-year-old girl that she’s bringing in too. You should be here to meet her.”

  “I have a meeting with Mildred tomorrow. What time is she supposed to be here?”

  “All afternoon. So come when you can.” Felicia checked off an item on her list. “And that’s it. Are we going to have Wednesday meetings each week to talk and make sure everything’s on track like we did at the last place?”

  “It worked there. We should keep what worked.” Angie held up the half full glass to cheer her friend. “The County Seat is in business. May it live long and prosper.”

  “Quoting Star Trek? That’s a good omen. That show will never die.” Felicia clinked her glass. “Thank you for being my friend. I would hate to imagine what I’d be doing if we weren’t in business together.”

  “You’d probably be running a restaurant for one of the celebrity chefs in Vegas and making bank.” Angie closed her notebook and grabbed her tote.

 
; “That’s so sweet of you to say. I have nightmares that I’d be managing a Denny’s in Nebraska.” Felicia drained her glass.

  “Nebraska’s not that bad. A little flat, but I hear the people are nice.” Angie grinned. “I’ll be in the office. Let me know when my staff arrives and we can start cooking.”

  Angie went through the kitchen to the back hallway. This area had staff bathrooms, a large storage room, and an office. Two desks, one generic workstation, and a couple of file cabinets were set around the room. Angie’s desk had a view of the end of Main Street and the town park and water tower sat. The other workstations had no window at all. Felicia had decorated the room with an old sign from el pescado they’d taken down after serving their last meal in the building. A framed picture of the staff taken the next day when they had said their goodbyes was hung next to it.

  Feeling nostalgic, Angie went over and stared at the group of people she’d come to call family. She would have brought each and every one of them north to work at The County Seat, but no one had taken her up on the offer. They’d had lives in the San Francisco area. Families, and some already had new jobs. Still, she’d made it clear the offer was always on the table. You developed bonds with the people you worked in the trenches day in and day out. Those were the people you trusted. Angie said a short prayer that Felicia had hired strong for The County Seat. They didn’t need kitchen divas to deal with.

  She sat at the desk, powered up her computer and set up the systems she needed to manage the new restaurant. She had just finished keying in her plan for open days through the end of the year when Felicia popped her head in the door. “Everyone’s here and waiting in the kitchen for you. They are so cute. It’s like first day of school.”

  Angie rolled her eyes. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to play the hard-as-nails teacher with this group. She just wanted people to act like adults. Fun adults, yes, but responsible ones. She grabbed a chef coat off her coat rack and slipped it on. Then she went out to tame the lions she called her staff.