Mr Jones Place

Part 3

Finally we are ready for the Grand Opening. Its a week before Christmas and I am so fucking nervous I couldn't sleep last night. Then Tremay and Jamal both blew me and got me off twice but still sleep would not come. There is so much riding on this. We all have a bit of money tied up in it and altogether we have about $60,000 invested with equipment and rent and time and everything. We did get a great deal on some tables and chairs from a hotel that is renovating their dining area. So that was great because I had planned on just buying tables and chairs at the thrift shops to start. But, this way everything matches and we got it really super cheap. Which is great. We have a quarter of the dining area set up so we can easily block it off when its time for the children to come in and eat. Quinton and Mitchell "found" a cash register. I didn't ask because I don't think I want to know. But we needed one for sure. Around 3:30 I just decide to get up. I am not going to sleep anyway. I head down to the kitchen and grab a cigarette. I fire it up and take a deep breath. I make a pot of coffee and sit down at the table and wait. When its done I grab a cup and take a sip. I also grab another cigarette and light it. The closer its getting to open the more I have been smoking. I know better but it is helping relieve the stress. In my mind anyway. Everyone has been acting like they are keeping something from me the past week and its making me even more crazy then I already am. We aren't doing breakfast at the restaurant today. We are opening at 11 and having a few people for the opening. Mr Klein for sure was invited. I still cant get over the deal he gave us on the pizza oven. I sit and wait and drink a pot of coffee and smoke a half a pack of cigarettes as I wait for the morning to come. At seven I cant stand it anymore. I go and get dressed and leave a note for the boys I went to the restaurant and will be back to get them around 10:30 and to be ready or I will kill them dead. I get to the the restaurant and pull in the lot and smile. Its finally becoming a reality and its exciting and terrifying at the same time. Mitchell and Quinton had their guys pass out fliers around the neighborhood to let everyone know we are opening. I unlock the door and go inside and look around the dining room. I smile it looks really good. I found a Christmas tree at a thrift shop and the boys and Jenny decorated it. It looks good but you can tell it was decorated by children which I think gives it a nicer touch. I start a pot of coffee and its done fast. I grab a mug full and go to the kitchen and make sure everything is ready. We decided Spaghetti and garlic bread would be our first special. I made gallons of sauce yesterday so I think its enough. If its too much we can freeze it for the next time. I walk around the kitchen just double checking everything. I made several pans of brownies last night before we left so we will have dessert. I thought about making some chocolate cakes but a brownie with ice cream and chocolate syrup seems a good enough treat. I got caramel topping too. I called it a turtle brownie surprise. The surprise is it cost a quarter more. Not a big deal but it will be nice I think people will like it. I go to my office and pull the lap top from the safe as well as the cash drawer. I count it for the 100th time I'm sure. We have set up an account to take credit and debit cards too. I'm betting that half of our sales are on cards. But we will find out soon enough. I found one that only charges us 2.4% each sale. I hate to give up money but its convenient to people and I also figured it into the pricing as well. I light a cigarette and am looking at everything on the computer again. I even did projected sales. I figured out what other restaurants do for business around here and kind of figured something out that I am sure is no where near right. It kept me busy and that was what it was supposed to do. I keep looking at things then walking around the kitchen double checking everything. I turn on the oven at 9 so it will be ready to make garlic bread and I hear Shay and Sharne come through the door and hear the pounding of baby Nike's racing to the back.

"Mista Jones." Winston says grinning when he finds me. He holds his hands up for me to pick him up.

"Good morning my young friend. How are you doing today?"
"Good."He says and gives me a wet kiss on my cheek.

I give him a squeeze.

"Luv you Mr Jones."
"I love you too buddy."
I walk over and get him a brownie which he gladly accepts.

"Mr Jones you got to stop giving that boy sweets. He gonna be 900 pounds."
I just look at her and we both know I'm not.

"Did you ladies sleep?"

"Not much."Was the mutual answer.

We get everything ready in the kitchen and are ready by 10.

"I better go and get the boys and make sure they are ready."
I put down my little helper and he races off to go play in the little corner we set up some toys and things for the children to play with. Some of them are super nice that Mitchell and Quinton got. I'm learning to just not ask. Smile and say thanks, because I'm sure I don't really want to know. I go to my truck making sure I lock the front before I leave to get the boys. When I pull in Tremay races out to greet me.

"Boy have you lost all your good sense. Where is your coat?"

He laughs at me and races back in after he hugs me.

I walk in and all three boys are dressed in their Sunday best. They all have on black slacks white shirts with ties and dress shoes.
"You guys look like Mormons."
"Sir have you heard the good news about the Book of Mormon?" William says.

"Shut the fuck up."I say laughing at him. "You guys ready?"

"We cant go yet?" Jamal answers.

"We cant just sit here. We need to get to the restaurant."
Williams phone pings and he looks at it.
"OK we can go now."
Normally I would catch this. But I am so stressed I don't notice.

The boys put on their coats and hats and we head back for the grand opening. I see a couple of the "club" members stringing up a sign over the door that reads Grand Opening.

We go in and I see Mitchell and Quinton are sitting at a table with coffee in front of them.

"Hey you cock suckers we aren't open yet!" I holler at them.

They look at me and laugh.

Shay and Sharne walk out of the kitchen laughing because they heard me.

"Mr Jones don't be mad." Shay says.

I just sigh because God knows what they have done now.

"We hired a temporary waitress for a couple weeks."

I'm a little irritated by this.

"Ladies we talked about this. We need to see what the Hell we are doing before we go hiring anyone else." They just laugh at me. Which does nothing to calm me down.

"God dammit we cant afford it yet. We fucking talked about this a dozen times."
From behind me I hear.

"Leave it to my brother to start cussing someone out for doing something good. Cheap fucker."
I turn around and Nikki is right there.

"Oh my God Nikki." I say and start crying.

She closes the gap between us and takes me into her arms.

"Told you the big pussy would cry." She says laughing.

"Oh your eyes aren't exactly dry there sissy." I say holding her to me.

"You know I'm not going to let you cry alone."

"Its so good to see you. How did you get here?"
"Well Dee and I have been talking and you think I would miss this. I even brought a dishwasher for you." When she says this her husband walks out the kitchen door wearing an apron.

"Sup Gary?"
"Juan thanks so much for coming."
"You think your sister was going to let me stay home and miss this?"
"She can be pretty convincing." I say laughing. I walk over to him and give him a hug.

"God you are a big fucker."
"You always say that."
"I always mean it."

"Besides Nikki has been missing you. You don't call. You don't write." He says like an old Jewish guy.

I laugh at his antics. Although we never have been friends due to our complete lack of interest in what the other is interested in we have always gotten along. I turn back to Nikki and give her another hug.

"Oh its been too long since Ive seen my baby sister. So where are you staying?"
"Last night we a with Dee. But we are staying at your house until January 3rd."
"Honey I love you but we don't have the room."
"You do now Mr Jones."William says. "We kind of moved some stuff."
I cock my head questioning.

"I helped the boys move your computer and office things into the corner in the kitchen and we put a bed in the office for them."Dee says smiling.

I reach over and pull her to me and kiss her smack on the lips.

"Thank you. Now as exciting as this is and I really want to sit and talk with my sister we have an opening to start."
So that's how it happened at 11:00 am on December 18th the doors to the restaurant opened for the first time. We had discussed a Christmas opening. But, it just wouldnt work out.

At five minutes past after our first group of customers walks in. I head to the kitchen and get ready for the first order. I get it and its fast and easy. Four plates of spaghetti with garlic bread. From there it picks up fast. Soon we are nearly full which surprises me because we can seat a hundred. Most are doing as I had hoped and getting the special. Some are getting other things. But like I had planned I made it all simple. So its not a hard thing to keep up. I see through the window from the kitchen that Jamal, Tremay and William are clearing tables and wiping them down as they get empty. I also saw that one of the ladies I am guessing had put a plastic bucket with a lid on it by the register with a sign that reads help us help the children if you can spare a little change. Each time a person is rang up we decided to ask them if they want to round it up to help feed the children and seniors. We thought it doesn't hurt to ask. It will help us keep costs down and feed more people that need it. At noon I get 30 to go containers ready and get the seniors lunches ready to go out. Usually Shay or Sharne would do it but we are so busy neither can leave. Mitchell volunteers to take it to them. Which helps greatly. We decided no pizza today because we didn't have any idea what would happen. But around 3 the sauce is running out and I start making more. I get the big commercial mixer set up and start making pizza dough. I tell you its rough getting everything and doing that as well. I get Williams attention and he pops back to help me. Kenny and Jenny are helping out as well so its going pretty smoothly. Granted I am breaking a billion labor laws. But who gives a shit. We will be more prepared tomorrow. That and I doubt it will be as busy. I have William set up the pizza station and we are soon selling pizzas as well. Which is nice because it helps relieve some of the burden on me and puts it on Williams shoulders. He is doing great. We do nonstop business until around 8. It finally slows down and we only have a few tables left. We decided we close at 9. So I start preparing everything to get it all cleaned up. At nine our last customer leaves and we lock the door.

I sit down with the ladies who sat at one of the big tables with Mitchell and Quinton. Nikki and Juan join us. I grab Dee's pack of cigarettes and light one. Nikki reaches over and smacks me in the back of the head.

"What the fuck I thought you quit."

I rub the back of my head.

"Your fucking rings hurt." I say rubbing my head.
"Don't be a dumb ass and they wont."
"I just smoke sometimes." Is my reply.

"Mr Jones used to smoke sometimes. But now its all the time." Tremay says throwing me under the bus.

"Your not fucking helping." I say and everyone laughs.

Jamal comes over and sits on my lap. I kiss him on the cheek.

"Well Nikki since we were super busy before let me introduce you to my boys. This is Jamal. This is Tremay sitting next to me. William is the one sitting there. Everyone this is my sister Nikki."
We all sit around for a few minutes and I get up to get everything cleaned up and ready for tomorrow and get the books done. We are out the door by 10. Nikki and Juan ride with me and the boys back to the house. We all get out and go in.

"Boys you need to get your baths and ready for bed. Its been a long day."
Jamal and Tremay head upstairs to start their baths.

"Mr Jones would it be alright if I took a shower down here?" William asks me.

"Sure why you asking?"
"Its just we never use the shower down here. I didn't know if it worked or not."

"It works its just easier when everything is upstairs is all."
So the boys all take off and leave Nikki, Juan and myself alone to talk.

"So how did it go today?" She asks me.

"We did about three times what I expected."
"Well that's good then."
"Shit he worked me like a Hebrew slave."Juan says laughing.

"We were busy. I want to say thanks so much for your help today. We could have done it ourselves but it wouldn't have been as easy."

"Shit Gary it was a lot of fun."Nikki tells me smiling.

"I know crazy isn't it."
"I tell you what big brother it was just neat when it was noon and the babies started coming in. They all took seats and ordered what they wanted. I bet you fed 60 or 70 kids today for free. It was great because every single one of them told me to tell you thank you. One little girl was so upset because I told her you didn't have time to come say hi."

"Let me guess she was about this tall." I say holding my hand out signifying about 4 and a half feet. "She is cute as a button and her hair was in micro braids with beads on the ends."

"Thats her. How did you know?"

"Its Jenae, Williams sister. She has been coming since the beginning of summer. I think she has a crush on me."
"She don't know your gay?" Juan asks.

"No she knows. But she still has a crush. She is a super sweet girl."
"I noticed all the children were well behaved. I was so touched when a lot of them left a little change for a tip. I think the biggest one was like 55 cents. But you know they were trying. Almost made me cry when one little guy about 7 told me sorry he couldn't give me a tip because he didn't have any money. I told him its OK that I wasn't feeding him for money but because he was so sweet. I gave him an extra big brownie and scoop of ice cream. I can see now why you love it so much here."
"Shit that's nothing these children will break your fucking heart. Its just nice I can do something to help them out is all."

"Gary don't be mad at me but I put all my tips in your bucket."

"Sis you earned that money. You shouldn't have done that."
"Gary its not like we need the money. We do pretty well. Besides these kids need it more than I do."

"There is a need that's for sure. I just don't get it Nikki we have so much money in this country and one in six children don't know where their next meal is coming from. To me that's just fucked up. We spend billions of dollars on one fucking plane to protect us from our enemies and let our children starve."
"Gary you never have understood people."
"I guess I never will. Its just so rewarding doing what I do. I don't see why everyone wouldn't think its a good idea."
"OH they think its a good idea. They just don't want to take away from themselves to make it happen."

"People are greedy fucks."Juan adds.

I just sigh because I know hes right.

William come back in after his shower wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

"Mr Jones did we do good today. Seems like we did pretty good."
"We did great. Way better than I had even dreamed."
"Cool."

I reach under the couch and pull out the tray with weed and the other things we need to smoke it. I hand it to William and he rolls a blunt for us.

"Is weed legal here like in New York?" Nikki asks me.
"Not so much no. But who gives a shit?" Is my response.

When he is done he fires it up and takes a hit and passes it to Juan. Who takes a hit and passes to Nikki who does the same and hands it to me. After I take my hit Jamal and Tremay appear all squeaky clean and sit on my lap.

"You know Gary when you first moved here I was so worried about you. But you have made a nice little family for yourself. You're in a community that seems to care about you too. Seems like you got it all." Nikki says to me.

"Thats weird."Jamal says.

"What is buddy?"
"Them calling you Gary. I mean I know its your name and stuff. But no one calls you that."

"I'm so not calling my brother Mr Jones. But I do understand why everyone does."She says smiling.

I laugh.

"It would be weird you calling me Mr Jones when its usually hey dick head or asshole."

"Its not my fault you are usually a dick head or an asshole is it?"

The boys laugh at her comment as do I. We talk a few more minutes then we decide we are all just exhausted and decide on bed.

Juan, Nikki and myself take turns showering and then off to bed we go.

I wake up later than normal probably because I slept for shit the night before. OK I didn't really sleep but I really tried to. But now that I am certain we are going to be alright with the business and I was so tired I slept pretty good. I stretch and the boys one on either side of me moves. Which is fine its about time for them to wake up anyway. I slip out of bed and go pee. I put on some sleeping pants because my sister is here. I don't really care who sees me naked. But well my sister is different. Not sure why but it is. I head downstairs and start working on a fritatta because I know the children like it and I know my sister and Juan like it. So it just seems the easiest thing to make. I get all the veggies cut up and mix it all together while the oven reaches its temperature and I pop it in. I grab a cigarette and light it up and sit down with my fresh brewed coffee and as soon as I sit in pops Jenny.

"Morning Mr Jones."
"Morning pumpkin."

She sits on my lap.

"Why you got pants on today?"
"My sister is here."
"So. Ain't she never seen you naked before?"

"Sure like a million years ago."
"I guess I get it. I don't like Kenny seeing me naked either."

"Its a family thing I guess."
"Must be. I really like your sister Mr Jones."
"Me too........Most of the time."
She laughs at that.

"I feel ya Mr Jones. I like Kenny most the time. But sometimes he gets on my last nerve. You think the restaurant will be as busy today?"
Her changing the subject like a career politician.

"I hope so. We did great yesterday. I didn't think we would sell that much this week. Let alone in one day."
"Momma says y'all gonna be rich."
"I don't know maybe. But really I just want to make sure all the little girls and boys belly's are full." I rub her tummy when I say this.

"You do like feeding people Mr Jones."
"Sweetie what good is having things and not using them when they could be of use to someone else?"

"Got me Mr Jones. I just know I love you."
"I know I love you too." I kiss the top of her head.

"The boys up?"
"Not yet."
"I get em."
"No my sister is here too remember. How about you go up and be real quiet and get up the boys and I will make my sister and her hubby breakfast in bed. Kind of a way to say thanks for helping out."
"That sounds nice. Mr Jones if I tell you something is it snitching?"

"I don't know. If the person will get in trouble then yes. If its something good probably not. Is it good or bad?"
"Its good."

"Then its not snitching."

"Miss Nikki put all her tips in the bucket yesterday." She says grinning.

"She told me already."
"I seen her doing it and every now and again someone would give me a dollar for helping so I put it in too."
"Aw thank you. But Jenny you should have kept it. You earned it."

"Mr Jones what good is having something if someone else needs it?"

"Stop throwing my words back it me." I say grinning and start tickling her sides.

She slips quickly away from me and is standing far enough away I cant reach her.

"I gotsta wake up the boys."

"Don't make much noise and let them know too."
"Kay." She says grinning her conspirator grin.

I get up and start making toast. As I do Kenny comes strolling in.

"Hey buddy."
"Hey Mr Jones. You doing good today?"
"I wouldn't be happier with a plate of french fries and corn dogs."
He giggles.

"You always be saying silly stuff."

I wink at him.

"Maybe cuz I'm silly."
I decide to make cinnamon toast this morning. Its nice and the kids love it. I mix some sugar and cinnamon together to pour over it after its buttered.

"Cool cinny toast."
"I thought you would approve."
He comes over and wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my belly. I reach down and caress his back.

"Why don't you get the table set buddy."
"We gone eat at the big table?"
"No sir just set it like usual. I'm gonna surprise my sister with breakfast in bed."

"I bet she gone like that." He answers back.

"I would but my brother is so loud I couldn't sleep through all the racket." Nikki says startling us both.

"Well get your ass back in bed and I will."

"Nah I'm good. The idea that you were going to is nice enough for me."
"It is just a small way I can thank you for all the help you gave yesterday."

"It was my pleasure. When we went to bed I was telling Juan about all the children you have been feeding. How hearing about it and then actually meeting them. I tell you it was such a thrill big bro. I see why you do it now."
"It is a nice feeling knowing that they are able to eat something that they otherwise wouldn't have had. I try to make it healthy and just enough unhealthy so they like it and will eat it."
"I know I'm sure proud of you. Juan too for that matter."
"I'm not doing it for that."
"I know and that is what makes me proud. You saw a need and filled it."

"Well, today the seniors will be in after church so you will be able to meet a lot of them too. Sit down I will get you some coffee. Kenny set the big table I guess since someone ruined my surprise."

"Sisters always be doing that."
"I know huh."
Nikki laughs at us. I get down the plates for him because he cant reach them without a stool and I'm standing right there anyway. He gets the rest on his own and I hear the door open and close. I hear the click clack of Dee's shoes across the hardwood floors.

"Morning Dee." I say without turning around.

"Morning Mr Jones. We did amazing yesterday didn't we?"
"Your fucking right we did. I was telling Jenny I didn't think we would have that much business all week."
"You think it will be like that today?"

"I sure hope so I took out like 15 extra bags of chicken from the freezer. Otherwise we are all eating chicken for ever." Jenny and the boys pop in the kitchen my boys in sleeping pants and no shirt. Each come over to me and hug me.

"Morning Mr Jones." Jamal says as he hugs me.

"Morning I made your favorite." He gives a sleepy smile.

"Cool thanks."
Tremay hugs me next. He holds on longer then usual.

"Morning Mr Jones."
"Morning May. You OK?"

"Yeah I just had bad dreams last night."

"Want to talk about it?"

He looks around and I can tell he does but not in front of everyone.

"Dee can you finish the toast and pull the dish out when it beeps in three minutes."
She nods.
"Thanks baby." I say and grin.

She smiles as does my sister.

"We will be back in a while. Save us some please."
"I wouldn't let these heathens eat up everything." Dee says picking on the children.

Tremay and I head upstairs and I am thinking go to the office because that's usually where we all have private talks because it seems the chair is just perfect to kick back in with a boy on my lap. That and its really the only place to sit down that's private that's not a bed. I don't like sitting on beds. Its not comfortable to me. Sleeping yes. Sitting no. We go to our room and he hops on the bed.

"So whats going on sweat heart?"

"Its just I'm scared."
I sit next to him and pull him to me.

"What are you scared about?"I ask with concern in my voice.

"Its just that well..…"
"Tremay you can tell me anything. You know I wont make fun of you or judge you."
"I know. I just feel stupid is all."

"You young man are anything but stupid. So what gives?"

"Well, Miss Camille is gonna get out of rehab soon." He stops.

"Yeah and that's a good thing."

"I know. Its just that I know that one day Jamal hes gonna go home to her. And its just I'm gonna miss him so much. What if you leave next?" He says and start sobbing.

I hold him tighter. I wait a few minutes until he is starting to calm down.

"Tremay first Jamal isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Second I am never EVER going to leave you. I couldn't love you more if you were my own son. You mean the world to me Tremay and I would give up anything and everything for you. You are just so special to me."
"I know but in the dream you just said bye and that was it. No more Mr Jones to love me anymore. No one left who loves me."
"You wait right there Mr Man. I am most assuredly not the only person that loves you. Don't you think if something happened to me that Dee wouldn't take you into her house and treat you like her son? Don't you think she loves you? What about Kenny and Jenny? I know they love you. William loves you already. Thats how great of a boy you are. That William loves you after just a couple weeks. So you just put that dream behind you and say you know it ain't true cuz lots of people love you. Shit for that matter if you want I will talk to my sister and set it up that if anything happens to me that she will take you to New York to live with her. Would that make you feel safer? For us to have an actual plan if something happens to me?"
He sighs and sniffs.

"You think she would?"

"I fucking know she would. She knows how much I love you and she knows how much you love me. So she loves you because I love you. See Nikki has seen me before I moved here. I was so sad all the time. I had all this love to give and felt like no one wanted it." I pause.

"Yeah like I used to be,"
"Exactly. Now we got each other and loads of other people to love that love us. And now my sister sees that I am finally happy for the first time in almost forever and a lot of it is because you are here."

He looks up at me with those big brown eyes and smiles.

"Mr Jones I am so happy I'm here. I'm so happy you love me. Its just so..... I don't know great. I was so sad all the time before. I guess I'm scared it might come back."
"Not as long as I'm alive. You know we have the permanent custody papers. Its like I'm your dad."
"Can you be my dad? You know legal like?"

"I really doubt it. But, let me talk to Mitchell and see what strings he can magically pull. Because you and I both know if it was all legal you couldn't be here."

"What is it you say about M?"
"He's good shady." I say making him laugh and me chuckle.

"Um Mr Jones?"
"Yes?"
"Um can you..." He points to his cock.

"Not when we have guests. But maybe later we can find some private time."
He grins at me and hugs me around my chest. He hops up.

"I'm starving."
"Me too and we got to get going real soon to get to the restraunt so we open the kitchen on time. The ladies said they would open at 6 to sell coffee and pastries. But I got to be there by 7 to start cooking." I say grinning.

"You really like doing that don't you?"
I nod my head and say.

"Yeah I really do like feeding people. But I really like that when they eat it makes sure that a couple boys or girls eats. Or even a couple seniors."
"I want to help people when I grow up like you do."
I stand up and he follows and we start heading to go eat.

"You help people now."
"Nu uh how?"

"Well for one thing you have helped William with his self worth. You always go to him for math help. It makes him feel good and it helps him that he can help you."
"Never thought about it like that."

"And at the resteraunt and here too."
"I guess I do huh?"
"Yes you do."
I pick him up and toss him over my shoulder and carry him down the stairs. Him giggling the whole way to the kitchen.

"Anyone order a boy?"
"Over here. I want both my nephews to sit with me." Nikki says grinning. Jamal smiles as does Tremay when she says this.

"Morning Juan." I say to Juan who has joined us.

He grunts and takes a sip of coffee.

Straight guys and their grunting. I just don't get it. We are advanced. Verbalize caveman.

"I got yours and Tremays Mr Jones. Just sit your ass right in your chair." Dee orders me.

"Yes Ma'am."
She sits the plates in front of Tremay then me.

"I didn't mean for you to serve me. Just pull it out of the oven."
"I was so happy I pulled something out of the oven that wasn't smoking I didn't know what to do. So I been getting everyone theirs."
I am rolling with laughter as are all us Buckeyes. Juan and Nikki are looking at us like we are crazy. It takes a good minute and eye wiping to remove the tears but finally Jenny manages to tell her that her mother is a horrible cook and burns ramen noodles. Which makes Nikki and Juan laugh.

I eat and its getting later and later and I got to get going.

"Hey Dee can you give my sister and Juan a ride when you come in? Us guys got to go. Like now."

"Sure baby." I smile at her and get up from the table and go plant one on her.

"Keep calling me baby."
She playfully slaps my shoulder.

"Whatever. I done offered it up to you on a silver platter and you said no. So don't go there honey."

"I love you Dee." I say and kiss her cheek.

"Love you too baby." She says making the house roar with laughter again.

Us guys less Juan and Kenny grab our coats and head to the truck. We get there at 6:50 so that's good. I'm trying to teach William to be to work 10 to 15 minutes early. That way if he ever runs into any issues he will still be on time. Like maybe a flat tire or traffic. You just don't know what can happen when you go to work. He is learning and is getting so I don't have to tell him. I'm so proud of him. He is doing great at the GED classes. He has only had two so far but the teacher said he will be able to take the test in about 6 weeks or so next time its up. So he is thrilled about that. Going to have his GED before his classmates even think about Senior year. I smile as I see the sign above the door. Mr Jones Place "Everyone Welcome" I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing that.

We go in and I have a toddler racing towards me.

"Miiiiiisterrrrr Jooooooones!!!!!!!!!!!!" He says and launches himself at me. I thankfully catch him and swing him around and pull him to me for a hug.

"Well good morning little man. How you doing today?"
"Good. Can you make me some fancy toast?"

"Yes buddy I will make you some fancy toast. Let me get my coat off and get back there buddy."
"Thanks Mr Jones." He says and gives me a sloppy toddler kiss on the cheek.

"Anytime buddy."
I sit him down and he races off to somewhere else. I go in the kitchen and the ladies are back there.

"Winston wanted me to ask you to make him French toast. If you got time."

"He already asked me for some fancy toast."
"That little shit where is he at?" She says looking around and sees him pop through the swinging door.

"I TOOOLD You to stay back here." She says and gives him a pat on the butt to remind him to listen.

"But momma Mr Jones....…"
She gives him that look. You know the one every mother has it. The one that says if you don't shut up right now I am going to kill you.

He gets the hint and goes over and starts talking to William about a truck or something. I don't know I grab my apron and tie it. I see through the window that's open to the dining room that Tremay and Jamal are taking the chairs down. I see Jamal get some coffee for a gentlemen and go back to his tasks. I smile and start Winston's fancy toast. Who knows where children get things. We had a microwave when I was a boy and the button said Cook Matic. (An Amana radar range) But I read it as cook magic. I mean in 1976 it kind of was magic. I get the Texas toast out I figure I will give him one piece and some patty sausage. He likes patty sausage. Pretty sure its his favorite. I get it started and I see a customer walk in and Shay quickly greets them and seats them. A moment later I put the plate up on the shelf and tap the bell. She is over with the order and to get Winston fed in a matter of seconds after. I see her get him some milk and sit him down. Jamal sits next to him and helps him cut up the toast and sausage. I get started on the order in front of me. Easy enough two eggs, home fries, bacon and toast whole wheat. Just as soon as I get it down the bells above the door ring indicating someones opened it. a party of six walks in. I just grin and shake my head.

"Man everyone was right. I should open a restaurant huh?" I say and laugh to myself. I catch Shays eye and I indicate I want a cup of coffee she nods and goes and makes me one and adds a bit of sugar like I like it and sits it in the window.

"Thank you sugar."I say to her.

She looks at me funny.

"What I'm a short order cook now I got to call you sugar and honey and baby right?" I manage to say with a straight face.

She laughs at me and I cant help it I bust out laughing.

"You crazy Mr Jones." She says grinning.

"If you cant have fun at work why bother right?"

"You right. You right."

She walks over the food as I set it up on the shelf. More people are coming in and its starting to get a little busy. We get into a nice groove and as its starting to get to be too much Nikki and the rest of the gang walk in. Pshew I think. Man we got to get a couple more waitresses. This is going to be too much for Shay and Sharne. But through the week it wont be as busy I don't think. Because it looks like most of the folks here are working people. Theres a couple old guys sitting at the bar drinking coffee and talking about old guy stuff. I have no idea what that would be. Maybe showering and your balls bouncing between your knees like a Newtons cradle or something. I don't know I'm not an old guy.

Around about 10:30 it starts slowing down a bit. I get some boiling water from the Instant hot water and pour it in the commercial mixer. I add a couple bags of instant potatoes and get them started. I open a couple gallons of green beans and pour them in a pan and add some bacon grease and some bacon to them and put them in the oven. The potatoes are done now so I turn them off and go and start the order that popped up on my wheel. I get it on the grill and go back and scoop the potatoes out into pans and put them in the heating cabinet. I go back and finish up the meal on the grill, put it in the window and ding the bell. I'm super cook!!!! I get some chicken breaded and dropped into the oil. I use an egg batter to dip the chicken in. I think its better that way. I also have a spicy fried chicken batter too that I think will sell really well. I notice something weird out the window. It looks really busy, tons of people walking by the windows. Then I see signs.

"Sharne see whats going on out there." She is on the other side of the window cleaning some stuff and looks up at me then turns her head and looks out the window.

"What the fuck. I'm calling M."

She pulls her phone out of her apron and calls him.

"M somethings going on. Get down here now!" And hangs up on him.

I pull the chicken up as its done and put it in the heating cabinet and go put my coat on to see what the fuck is going on. I head out the door to see about 25 people holding signs with my picture on it and sex offender underneath. My heart breaks right there. A lady points at me and shouts.

"There he is."
I am immediately surrounded by people and a couple TV cameras.

"Is it true your a sex offender and you feed children for free?"A woman reporter shouts at me.

"Yes that's true."
"What are you getting for it?" A fat black lady holding a sign shouts at me.

About that time the crowd clears a path and Mitchell and Quinton shove past them and are on either side of me. Jamal, Tremay and William are out the door now.

"Boys go back inside." I tell them. They don't hear me I think from all the people shouting.

"I said what do you get for feeding these children Mr Jones. Whats in it for you?!" She shouts again."You are taking advantage of the most vulnerable of our community for your sick pleasures."She shouts.

"Is that true Mister Jones?" a reporter shouts a microphone in my face.

"Let me answer for you Mr Jones."Quinton says in his deep baritone.

I shrug and just want to disappear.

"Now Msssssss Baker. What you have done is throw around accusations that are anything but true. What you have just done is commit slander against a good man." He points to the cameras and to all the people. All of whom have stopped talking and are listening to the massive well spoken black man.

"All these people heard it and the cameras caught it. I hope he sues you. But let me ask you something Msssss Baker. How is it that you and your husband both work for the church both have new Cadillacs and don't lift a finger to help feed the children in this neighborhood? What have YOU." He points his finger into her chest. "DONE to help this community. All I ever see you doing is taking from the people here that need it most so you can feed YOUR fat ass. Now let me tell you something. Everybody knows about Mr Jones past. He has NEVER once tried to hide it. What he has tried to hide is how much he really does help these children around here. What he is is altruistic. Maybe you should look up that word. Because being a pastors wife seems to me like you ought to know what that one means and live by it. Seems to me instead of trying to destroy a man that made a mistake over 20 years ago who is trying to make a positive impact on our community you should help him instead. But you are too worried about whats in it for you. Let me ask this little brother a question here." He says and pulls up a random boy who I recognize but don't know his name of the top of my head. He smiles at me.

"Hi Mr Jones." He grins at me.

"I got fried chicken today for you guys."He smiles back and we talk no like no one else is there for a brief moment.

"Now Franklin how many times this summer you eat at Mr Jones house?"
"I don't know a lot. Most ever day really."

"Did he ever do or say anything to you that made you uncomfortable? Did he ever touch you?"
"No Mr Jones always been nice to ever body. We all know he got in trouble for sexing with a boy a long time ago. But he ain't never tried nuthin with us."
"OK now whats rule 3 at Mr Jones house?"
He grins.

"We aren't aloud to say nigga because Mr Jones says why would we want to demean ourselves by calling each other a name a white man used to call us to make us less human. That we need to think more highly of ourselves."

"Whats rule number 1?"
"All the littlest kids eat first then the bigger kids."
"Rule 2?"
"If we break any rules we go to the back of the line no matter how old we are."

"Rule 4?"
"Make sure your full and if not ask for more."

"Rule 5?"
"Have fun but be safe."

"Any other rules?"
"No fighting. Mr Jones gets mad if we fight. He says we got enough people trying to hold us down and fight us we don't need to do it to ourselves."

"So I take it you like Mr Jones?"
"Shoot I love Mr Jones. He even got me a present on my birthday. Onliest other person got me one was my momma. Hes real nice and when I get bigger I'm going to help the older boys clean up the yards and mow for the old folks."
"See that everybody hes using them as slaves. A white man comes into our neighborhood and tells us how to live." Ms Baker says.

"YOU NEED TO SHUT UP BITCH BEFORE I KICK YOUR FAT ASS BACK TO YOUR HOUSE!!!!!" Dee shouts at her.

"Dee that's enough we don't want to stoop to her level of throwing around false accusations and trying to hurt people because she can. We are better than that. We actually live by the golden rule. I may not go to church and the reason is because of people like her. I do follow the teachings of the messiah you believe in. I follow his commandant to love my neighbor as myself. Which is the Second greatest commandant. According to the scripture. It also says to feed the poor. I do that as well. Because I was always taught that faith without works is dead. Now I am done with this mess, and you. I got hungry children to feed. Have a beautiful day."I say and shove my way through a bunch of people holding signs out of my way.

I am absolutely furious. I fucking talked to her months ago trying to get help to feed the neighborhood people in need be they old or young. She all but laughed at me. So instead of helping she is trying to fuck everything up. People like her piss me off. I go in and I see that about 50 of the children are seated.

"I got some ready guys. It will be a few minutes." Now our customers all know or are learning that when its time to feed the children everything else can and will wait. I was hoping to have it plated or at least started anyway. But those fucking "christians" got everything all fucked up. I slam open the kitchen door. I immediately smile when I see William telling Jamal, Kenny, Jenny and Tremay to start taking out the plates they got ready.

"We got 20 plated already Mr Jones."
"Thanks William. You are doing a great job here. I bet as soon as you turn 18 your going to be a manager at KFC."

"Miss Terri done said that if I keep it up she sure is going to make me one." He says grinning.

"I really am so proud of you. You are doing so much better then I ever hoped or dreamed."
He just smiles and looks down and goes back to loading the plates for the children.

I join in and soon we are done for the day. We decided to close at 6 on Sundays. I am certain that one day soon we will pick a day to be closed except of course in the summer for lunch for the children and seniors. So at six we close and we all get everything done. All cleaned up and ready for tomorrow. We all get home and I feel gross. Sticky from the sweat.

"Anyone upset if I hop in the shower? I feel pretty gross."
"No go ahead Gary."
"I think I'm going to take a bath instead."
"You want anything Mr Jones a Coke or anything?"
"I might be talked into having a Dr Pepper Jamal."
I walk up the stairs feeling every minute of the day weighing heavily on me. I get to the top and turn on the faucet and get the water right. I go to my room and grab some sleeping pants and a t-shirt and go back into the bathroom strip and climb in. I made it as hot as I can stand it. I slip in and let out a sigh. A moment after Jamal comes in carrying a can of Dr Pepper.

"Thank you Jamal. You were a lot of help today. I wanted to say thank you for that."
"Its a lot of work. But its fun too."
"I agree."

He looks at me and smiles.

"See you in a while."
"You betcha." I say smiling back.

As he leaves he shuts the door. Something we rarely do in this house. But he knows we have guests. He also knows me and knows I really want to be alone for a little while. I am sure Tremay knows it as well as Nikki. Nikki I know does. She has known me and my moods forever. To the untrained eye I seem my usual happy self. But underneath I'm thinking about Ms Baker. I lean back and close my eyes and start to cry. I really truly just wanted to help people. It just doesn't seem right to have so much and let little ones be hungry. How is that right. Now because of something I did 20 years ago people want to hate on me for it. Accuse me of expecting favors for feeding them. They didn't accuse me of trying to diddle the old people. Why you feeding the old people you want to fuck them? I hear in my head Ms Baker saying accusingly at me. I lay in the water crying feeling sorry for myself for a good fifteen minutes before I decide its time for my pity party to stop. I wipe the tears from my eyes and submerge myself in the water. I stay under as long as I can and come up and take a refreshing breath. I start to wash and take my time. I get around to doing my hair and wish one of the boys would do it. Its so nice when they do it. It relaxes me so much. I get out of the tub and get dried off. I put on my sleeping pants and a t-shirt and drop the dirty clothes in the hamper which is full. So I grab it up and carry it downstairs with me so I can get it started. I smile at everyone while I walk through. I start sorting out the laundry when Nikki steps up next to me.

"You OK Gar?"
"Yeah I'm fine." I say in my true feelings which is sad.

"I thought Dee was going to kill that lady until you said something to her."
"Yeah she would have too. I have never heard her use that tone with anyone ever. I've known her since day 2 of me living here. So its not like we are new to each other. I mean I've heard her mad at the kids. Real mad at her kids. It wasn't like that."
"I'm glad you got people like her around you now. I knew you were happy here. Now I understand why."
"Yeah why is that all knowing one?" I say smart assed like when we were younger.

"Because you have a massive family that all love you. I wish you would have watched the news with us. They made her look like a complete asshole. I tell you what I am so glad the M and Q are on your side. The way they dressed her down with words when you went back in. I would hate to see what they do when they are done talking." She says laughing at the end.

"Yeah they are good guys."
"They are stone cold thugs is what they are."
"They are not."I say defending them.

"Really?"
"I like them and they are starting to go legitimate.
"Yeah its kind of cool. Shay and Sharne were telling me how you talked them into buying houses."
"I most assuredly did not talk anyone into anything. I just mentioned it might be a good way to make some money. Help your neighbors and yourself. Its a win win. Those two are smart enough to know I was right."
"They are smart fuckers aren't they?"

"Fo sho."
"Your an idiot." She says and playfully slaps me.

"Man what is it with black women always wanting to hit me?"

"Because we don't put up with idiots bullshit is why."

"Fuck you."I say laughing.

"No fuck you." She says laughing back.

We calm down and I start the washer.

"I just love your boys."
All I can do is smile. She knows that in my heart they are mine no matter what. She knows I love them with all my heart.

"They adore you Gary."
"Not as much as me."
"No you dote on them. I can see your love for them across the room. You just look at them and I know."
"Whats not to love about them. They are all great boys. William keeps surprising me. He is truly one amazing young man."

"He stepped up to young man?"
I nod.

"Yeah hes certainly not a boy anymore. His attitude has changed so much since he has been here and its not even been that long. His teacher was telling me he thinks he can actually pass the test now. She just wants for him to do better because William said he wanted to go to college. It will look better when he applies she says. I figured start him out at a community college and get good grades and transfer to OSU or something. Oh my goodness just wait until you see his baby!" I say changing the subject as fast as Jenny.

"I know. He showed me pictures. He said he is free tomorrow night and his girlfriend is bringing the baby over. I cant wait to see her."
"She is a doll that's for sure. You will see her and your heart will melt. I assure you."
"I know. You got any ice cream?"

"Honey let me tell you do I have ice cream. I got the best ice cream made on this planet."

I walk out of the laundry area and into the kitchen. We hear the boys and Juan talking about some video game.

"Want to see something funny?" I whisper.

She nods.

I say in a regular voice like just her and I are talking.

"Boys you want some ice cream?"

I hear feet pounding on the floor to get to the kitchen.

"We got any of the Hawaii Sundae left?" Jamal asks.

"Yes we do. I'm going to bet you want the Milk Chocolate Peanut butter cup Tremay?"
"Yes please."He says grinning and nodding.

"And William wants the Black Raspberry Chip?"
"Yes sir that's the one I want."

"My sister and I will have the cherry cordial." I say and dig the ice cream out of the chest freezer. The boys all get themselves generous portions but they don't get carried away. I make mine and Nikki's and we make another for Juan. We know he likes this kind. We know Juan likes any ice cream. We heard of a pickle flavored one once. He said he would try it. He loves ice cream. Its his weakness. My sister has been with him so long that she thinks you are supposed to have ice cream every night. Where as I think pie, cake, anything sweet is just fine.
"Damn Gary this is good."Juan says after he takes a bite.

"Yeah I tell you what its good. Its called Homemade Brand Ice cream. Its damn good isn't it?"
"Yeah it is."He says and takes another bite.

We sit back and enjoy our treat and watch whats on the TV content with life for the moment. For the moment everything is good. I just hope it stays that way. When we are done I start the boys on their baths. William opts to take a shower downstairs because he too was in the kitchen all day and is feeling gross.

"Hey Juan why don't you reach under the couch and pull out the weed and roll a nice blunt for us?"
He smiles and does just that. We are nice and wait until William gets back out from his shower. The younger ones take a while longer. I am guessing some action happened I wish I was a witness to. Of that I'm sure. Juan hands him the blunt and William fires it up. Puff puff pass. You know the routine. We smoke about half when Juan holds it out and looks at it.

"Damn Gary this is some fine shit. I never think after half a blunt I'm good."

"Only the best baby. Only the best." I say making him laugh.

"No seriously I cant get weed this good in the city.

"Lets just say I got the best hook up in Ohio and best part. I do not pay."
"M huh?"
"I'll never tell."

"I like them guys. They seem like vatos you know."

"Cuz they are."
"No you know what I mean." He says laughing at me.

I laugh back.

"I know Juan. I'm just fucking with you."

"Was you this funny in New York?"
"No I sure wasn't. I'm happy now. So I can be funny instead of miserable."
"I tell you what Gary. Don't take offense. But before now. I didn't dislike you. But I didn't like you either. But now I see you here. You are one cool mother fucker. I mean shit man how many kids you feed today?"
I shrug.

"No idea."

"Dude you got to keep track of that shit. I can save you a ton on taxes if you do." Juan is an accountant.

"I'm not doing it for that. I'm doing it because its right."
"I understand that man. But seriously I can save you so much in taxes. I bet you get a refund. Not to mention you aren't the only person that owns that place. It may have your name. But you got investors. You have to think of them too."
I sigh.

"You have a very valid point. I will figure out a way to track it."
"I'm serious."
"I know you are. And your right. Because if I can get a reward on my taxes for doing the right thing great. I can feed more people. So I better do it."
"You ever turn anyone away?" He asks.

"No why?"
"Then why are you talking about feeding more people? You feed everyone that shows up every day. Who else you gonna feed?"

"I don't know maybe I will adopt a little African kid through one of those programs."
"That would sooo be cool. Can I adopt one too?" We hear from the stairs.

Jamal and Tremay are done with their baths and are returning and they heard us. They weren't eaves dropping.

"Yeah me too. Cuz now we are working and making money on the weekends at the restaurant. We can afford to help them."
"If you boys want to do that I'm so OK with it. But remember half your money you make goes into savings. Then ten percent to any charity that we agree on. Because the charity of Tremay and Jamal don't count. Then you can do whatever you want with the rest.

"How much did we make this weekend?" Tremay asks.

"Figure it out. Your smart."
"OK We worked 12 hours so at ten dollars an hour that's a hundred and twenty dollars. Oh man dude we are rich." He says to Jamal who is grinning.

"Buddy that ain't rich." I say chuckling.

"I know but its a lot of money to me."
"That it is for sure. So how much can you have then of this money?"
"Is the ten percent before or after savings?'

"Before."
"OK so that's $12 from $120 so that leaves $108. Then put half of that in the bank so $54."
"There ya go."
"How much is it to adopt a boy?"

"I think its $20 a month." I answer him.

"So like $5 a week then?"

"Pretty much yes."
"Then I want to do it." Tremay tells me.

"Yeah me too." Jamal quickly adds.

"Why are you boys so eager to help them?"
"Duh so we can be like you Mr Jones. Helping people eat that ain't got nothing."

"Your such good boys."I say as they climb up on my lap I pull them close and kiss the tops of their heads. They snuggle back and we all sit back and watch a movie then head off to bed.

___________________________

ericmurphey1971@gmail.com

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