“I love the Dog, but I’ve worked there most of my adult life and I want a change. I’m also getting married and I want to kick back a bit. I’ll never see Jack if I’m chopping onions twenty-four seven.”
“Nothing wrong with that.”
“Good. I’ll wait for your call. Now, I need to go back to work. Time for lunch madness.”
And she left.
As Rocky walked back to the Dog, she thought back on her response to Bernadine’s question as to why she wanted to invest in the new restaurant. It had caught her off guard and she’d said the first thing she could think of, but was it true? Until that moment, she’d never acknowledged being tired of the Dog. Was she? She was still wrestling with the answer when she entered the kitchen, but set it aside to get to work.
An hour in, the place was so crowded, they were behind. Eli had been running orders in and out nonstop, so Rocky called, “Eli. Take a ten-minute break. I’ll grab your next two orders.”
Looking beat, he said, “Thanks, Rock. One of the orders is for cousin Helen and four of her co-workers.”
Rocky wasn’t looking forward to seeing Helen again. “Thanks for the warning.”
He exited through the back door to the dock for his break, and she loaded up the tray with the order for cousin Helen. Expertly balancing the groaning tray, she wove her way through the full diner and over to the booth. Gina the jukebox, always on point, was offering up “Smiling Faces” by Undisputed Truth. “Smiling faces, sometimes—they don’t tell the truth.”
“Hello, Helen,” Rocky said cheerily as she arrived. “Good to see you again.”
“Rochelle.”
Rocky nodded a greeting at the four men with Helen and said, “I didn’t take the order so you’ll have to tell me who has what.”
They complied and once everyone had their plate, Rocky asked, “Anything else I can get you?”
The men were staring her way with glazed-over smiles as men were prone to do upon meeting her for the first time. Rocky was used to it. Helen appeared highly perturbed at their responses and stated briskly, “We’re fine. Thank you.”
“Enjoy.” Seeing Lily and Trent seated and waiting patiently to put in their orders, Rocky hurried over. “Sorry for the delay.”
Trent looked around at the crowd and said, “It’s getting insane in here.”
“No kidding. What can I get you?”
She took their order and as she turned to leave, saw Helen waving impatiently her way. Now what?
Keeping her voice even she asked, “Do you need something?”
“Yes. This chicken breast is not cooked through. I’m sending it back. Bring me one that is.”
Rocky had grilled the breasts personally, so she knew Helen was bent on causing trouble. “I’m sorry about that.” Rocky picked up the plate.
“Ken’s is half-raw as well,” Helen added in a superior tone. The way Ken froze and then glanced quickly in Helen’s direction told all. His breast was about a quarter eaten.
“So, yours is raw, too?” Rocky asked.
His face reddened.
“She your boss?”
He nodded tightly.
“Then let’s take yours back. We don’t want you getting in trouble for not agreeing with her.”
Helen’s eyes widened with outrage.
Rocky ignored her and quizzed the rest of the party. “Anybody else having issues?” None of the men appeared willing to meet her eyes. Everyone shook their heads, no. “Good. I’ll be back shortly.”
Taking their plates, she left with Helen’s eyes burning a hole in her back.
After the lunch rush was over, Rocky went to speak with Mal. She owed him the truth. As always, he was inputting the receipts into the computer. “Want to let you know I’m going to invest in the new restaurant,” she said.
He turned. “The one Bernadine’s talking about bringing in?”
She nodded.
“Why?”
“Tax issues. And I think having a new place in town is a great idea.”
“I don’t.”
“I heard.”
“But you’re going to take her side over me.” It was more statement than question.
“This isn’t about taking sides, Mal. What is going on with you?”
“Yes, it is. And if you were the girl I thought you were, you’d be on mine. I put my life’s blood into this place.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you trying to help her shut it down?”
“No one’s trying to do that. Not me. Not Bernadine.”
“Then what do you call it?”
“Choices. Breathing room for the staff. Timely seating for our diners.”
“Our diners?” he echoed derisively. “What do you mean, our diners? If you join her you can kiss your job goodbye.”
That hurt. “Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Then you can write me a check for the money I invested.”
He appeared startled by that, then caught himself. “No.”
“You kick me to the curb; you kick my money to the curb.”
“No.”
“Stop acting like a spoiled brat. If you want me out, I want my money, or I’ll see your childish behind in court.”
He glared.
She glared right back. “And I’ll be here for the dinner shift because if I’m not, you will close down. See you later.” She stormed out.
Angry, hurt, and torn by guilt, she needed to talk to someone. Jack was teaching class down in Hays, so she set out walking to the church.
Paula was in her office at her desk. When Rocky appeared in the doorway she must’ve seen something in her face. “Bad day, Rock?”
“Sort of, yeah. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Of course. Come on in and sit. Can I get you something?”
“No, but thanks.”
Rock sat on the couch and rested her head against the back of it for a moment while she gathered her thoughts.
“So, what’s up?” Paula asked.
“Well, let’s see. I was a bit nasty to Jack’s cousin by marriage, and Mal’s going to fire me because I’m planning to invest in the new restaurant Bernadine wants to open.”
“I hear she and Mal are at odds.”
“He’s pretty mad. Accused me of taking sides and helping her close down the Dog. Both of which are ridiculous.”
“He feels threatened by the competition.”
“Yes, and I do feel like I’m abandoning him, even though I’m not.”
“No, you aren’t, but back up a minute and tell me about this cousin of Jack’s.”
“Her name’s Helen and she’s had the hots for him for years.” Rock went on to explain why the woman was in town and what occurred at lunch.
Paula said, “If she sent the chicken back just to yank your chain, I think you showed remarkable restraint.”
“I wanted to pour a pitcher of iced tea on her head.”
Paula chuckled. “I’m glad you didn’t. As for Mal, how are you feeling about that?”
“Truthfully, I’m mad that he’s being so bullheaded, but feeling a little bit guilty, too. I mean, he’s always been there for me. Is it wrong for me to want to do something different with my life?”
“No, but change always brings upheaval, Rock. Would you rather stay with the status quo?”
“No. The idea of this new restaurant is exciting. I’ve never done anything like this before. In a way, it feels like this is part of the new life I’m having. I have Jack, a bunch of lady friends, I have you. I don’t want to go back to Rocky the Hermit. At least I don’t think I do. That make sense?”
“Yes. But the new restaurant will impact the Dog and Mal. Maybe not in the way he perceives but it will. Are you prepared for him to pout and be angry and point his finger and accuse you of being part of the cause?”
“No. He’s been like a second father to me.”
“And maybe once the new place opens and he sees he hasn’t been left high an
d dry, the relationship you’ve always had will repair itself, but for now, it might be difficult and painful.”
Rock sensed she was right, but it wasn’t something she wanted to hear or deal with. “Maybe Glinda the Good Witch will show up and wave her magic wand and make things better.”
“Maybe, but in case she’s busy, you need to prepare yourself emotionally for some fallout from him.”
“Lord.” Rock dragged her hands down her face.
“And don’t keep your feelings inside. Let Jack help you stay balanced. Ideally that’s what partners are for.”
Rocky nodded. She wasn’t accustomed to sharing her insides but she was getting better at it, thanks to Paula. “Okay.”
“And I’m always here for you too, Rock.”
“I know and that’s great, believe me. I’d be even more of a basket case without you.”
“You’re not a basket case. You’re human just like one hundred percent of everyone else.”
Paula always knew exactly what to say to keep Rocky’s shadows at bay. “So, do you think this investment is a good idea?”
“Your opinion is the one that matters the most. What do you think?”
“I do think it’s a good idea.”
“Then as the elders say: Name it and claim it.”
Rocky grinned. “Thanks, Paula.”
“You’re welcome. Keep me posted.”
“I will. Promise.”
And with that, Rocky left Paula’s office and walked back outside into the afternoon sunshine.
Gemma checked the time on the store’s wall clock. Two thirty p.m. In another hour, her shift would end and she could go pick up the kids from the rec where they’d spent the day swimming and having fun under the watchful eyes of Tamar and crew. Gemma had promised Lucas and Jaz a trip to the Franklin library. They told her they were big-time readers so she hoped to be able to get them library cards. Wyatt loved to read, too. She was ringing up a big order when Sgt. Ma’am walked up. “Mr. Clark wants to see you in his office. Someone will be here to relieve you shortly.”
“What’s it about?”
Alma responded by walking away. Gemma growled inwardly. When her replacement arrived, Gemma took her drawer and left the floor to see what Gary wanted.
She entered his office and found him on the phone. He shot her a smile, gestured for her to take a seat and continued his conversation. “No. I don’t want pears. I want the apples I ordered. I understand you’re overstocked, but that’s not my problem, frankly.” The back and forth went on for a minute more and when it ended, he put his phone down. “Supplier thinks I don’t know the difference between apples and pears.”
She offered a small smile. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yes. I just got a call from Bernadine. The state social worker is on her way to Henry Adams to talk about being a foster parent. She wants you to come by her office asap.”
Gemma felt a flash of panic. She’d already missed a day of work because of the Herman kids and having to leave early now was probably not going to go over well. “I can work an additional couple of hours on Saturday to make up the time.”
“Not necessary. It’s not like you’re taking off to go shopping. The store will cover your time and Bernadine will take care of your pay.”
Gemma blinked.
“You shouldn’t be punished for wanting to help out two kids in need.”
“Thank you,” she gushed with relief.
“How’d the first day of class go?”
“Okay, I guess. I’m the oldest person in the room besides the professor. Some of the information about the textbooks was confusing but he took the time to explain it to me.”
“Good.”
“I don’t think class will interfere with my job. I don’t want any special treatment or anything.”
“You’re a single parent, soon to be raising three kids, and you’re in school. If anybody deserves special treatment, it’s you.”
“I just don’t want people to think I’m taking advantage.”
“I know you’re not, so if you need help don’t be afraid to ask. You’re one of our best workers and your fellow employees like you a lot.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you saying that.”
“Go on over to the Power Plant and get with Bernadine. If there’s anything my girls and I can do to help with the kids’ transition, let me know.”
She stood. “Thanks, Gary.”
“No problem.”
Alma was seated at her desk in the office next to Gary’s and gave Gemma the evil eye when she passed by her open door. Gemma was tempted to tell her that Gary had praised her job performance, but kept it to herself.
She arrived at the Power Plant to find Bernadine and another Black woman in the office.
“Hey Gemma, come on in. I want you to meet Aretha Krebs from the Kansas Department of Children and Families.”
Gemma held out her hand. “How are you?”
For a moment, the woman stared at Gemma as if she had snakes in her hair, then seemed to catch herself, and shook Gemma’s hand. “Pleased to meet you. Ms. Brown didn’t tell my boss you were Caucasian.”
Bernadine said coolly, “I did but Ms. Frazier obviously doesn’t have an issue with it because she helped facilitate the adoption process for another mixed family living here.”
Seemingly embarrassed by the pointed response, Ms. Krebs stuttered, “I—It’s just that we like to place African American children with like foster parents.”
Gemma glanced at Bernadine’s granite set face and asked, “Do you have any like foster parents willing to take them in?”
“Well, no. Not at the moment.”
“Then let’s move on, shall we?” Bernadine replied.
The young, stylishly dressed woman didn’t appear pleased. Gemma was equal parts angry and disappointed that in this day and age, anyone would be prevented from opening their hearts to children in need of home and love due to race. She was living in a historic, all-Black town for heaven’s sake. Yes, culture mattered, so what better place for Lucas and Jasmine to be raised than in Henry Adams? She was through with the caseworker.
Ms. Krebs said, “Ms. Dahl, your home will need to be inspected and if all goes well, as a favor to Ms. Brown we’ll be putting your certification on a fast track.”
“Thank you,” Gemma replied. “I’m sure the Herman kids will appreciate your willingness to get them settled in quickly.”
“I’d like to interview them.”
“Certainly.”
“Today.”
Gemma really disliked her attitude and tone. “Of course.”
“And where are they now?”
“At our rec center, being watched over by our town matriarch.”
Bernadine smiled. “Let me give her a call.”
“That would be good,” Krebs said.
Gemma doubted the woman knew she’d get her head chopped off if she gave Tamar attitude. Bernadine’s smug smile made Gemma think she was thinking the same thing. So, while they waited for Tamar to arrive with the kids, Gemma began filling out the paperwork the caseworker brought along to begin the process.
A few minutes later, Tamar entered the office with the three kids in tow. Bernadine made the introductions.
Gemma saw Ms. Krebs startle at Tamar’s looming height before she took in the flowing red-and-black caftan and silver bangles. Gemma wondered what she thought of their matriarch.
Tamar acknowledged Ms. Krebs and added, “We in Henry Adams want to thank you for your help with this. We’d like to get the children settled in as quickly as legally possible.”
Krebs looked up at the towering Tamar and hastily shook her hand. “Yes, ma’am.”
As Tamar sat down, Gemma noted the anger and suspicion Lucas was directing at the caseworker. Jasmine came over and sat next to Gemma. Gemma put her arm around her and Jaz eased closer.
Ms. Krebs said, “I’d like to interview the children if I might.”
Lucas said, ??
?The adults here can stay, right?”
“Usually, we like to talk to you privately.”
“I want them to stay.”
For a moment, she studied him silently. “May I ask why?”
“I trust them. The other social worker back in Ohio said we’d be going to good foster homes and we didn’t.”
“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”
Gemma was pleased that he trusted them to advocate on his behalf but it hurt seeing the rigidness and pain he exuded.
He added, “My sister and I want to stay here. We don’t want to go to another foster home with people we don’t know.”
“Understood, but we always try and place children of color with families of color because of cultural concerns, so I have to ask, does it bother you that Ms. Gemma is of a different race.”
Gemma saw Tamar tense and her eyes narrow.
Lucas said, “Our godmother was White.”
Ms. Krebs reacted with surprise. “Oh.”
Jaz asked, “What difference does it make?”
Tamar stepped in. “Ms. Krebs, you do know that this is a historic all-Black town, correct?”
“Well, yes, but I—”
Tamar waved her quiet. “Do you know the Negro National Anthem?”
“Yes, but I don’t see—”
“Sing it.”
Her eyes widened.
“Wyatt, sing it with her.”
Wyatt’s eyes widened too, but he knew not to balk, so he closed his eyes and sang, “Lift every voice and sing, til earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmony of liberty.”
“Ms. Krebs, sing the rest of the first verse.”
Apparently scared to death, the visibly shaken woman closed her eyes as if trying to recall the words and when it became obvious she couldn’t, Tamar said to her, “Your cultural concerns may be well grounded elsewhere, but not here. Wyatt knows the Anthem because the children in our school sing it every morning. The people of Henry Adams, of all races, live and breathe the culture of the race and not just in February.” She looked to Wyatt. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “You’re welcome.”
Tamar redirected her attention to the social worker, and her tone was kinder. “Ms. Krebs, I understand you’re just doing your job, and that your agency has the best interest of the children at heart, but I hope I’ve helped to satisfy your concerns about whether Lucas and Jasmine will be raised within the context of their race and culture.”