Читать книгу Safety Harbor - Chuck Cooper - Страница 19

As the buses approached Joe’s and unloaded their passengers, Sally felt her heart quicken as she sensed the excitement in the air. Only a few days ago, Joe was presiding over the business. How they had taken him for granted! Had he not come to town and opened the diner, this occasion would not be happening. The people of the Unsettlement would be carrying on as if it was a normal day and the citizens of Safety Harbor would be putting on another parade, which would meld into memory with parades past.

Yes, Joe was here in some mysterious way. She could feel it. Had she not seen him among the light and shadows last night?

Meriwether arrived now, looking sharp as she drove up in her chili-red Mini Cooper Coupe she had just purchased in Portland a few days ago. It had been a busy morning as she coordinated the showers and hygiene needs at the Country Club.

Word of mouth had spread the news far and wide. People from Safety Harbor and beyond who had never been seen at Joe’s before were walking in the door. Outside seating was filling up too, and Sally noticed that Johnny had gotten into pouring coffee for everyone.

The kitchen was flying with activity as Georgia cooked while barking orders. As soon as they caught on to Georgia’s rhythm, Carmelita, Carla, and Hope were working as a well-oiled machine. Buddy and Caitlin were sitting in the corner of the kitchen munching on toast and drinking orange juice. Georgia had come out and commandeered Father Frank and Pastor Luther to wash dishes.

“It’s good for the clergy to be humbled!” she said with a disarming smile that did not reveal whether or not she was serious about her comment.

“The Good Book says that if you want to be a big shot you have to be a servant,” said Father.

“Well, that’s not an exact quote,” said Luther in good humor, “but it’s pretty good for a Catholic!”

Clergy banter continued between them until finally there was a protest from the rest of the staff about the poor quality of their jokes.

“I’ve got to leave soon and get ready for Mass,” said Father.

“I don’t know about you Frank, but I’ve got my sermon ready. Did it last night!”

“After careful research, no doubt!” Father said, not to be outdone.

Sally came by and told those who had been there a while that they would need to move so that they could serve everybody. So many more had come to breakfast than they could have ever imagined. Yet no one had gone away without eating all they wanted.

After leaving the diner, they wandered and filled up the streets and continued in conversation. There, at the Square, no one could discriminate among the people of the Unsettlement and those who were citizens of, or tourists, in Safety Harbor.