Queenie's Cafe by Fineman Sue

Author:Fineman, Sue [Fineman, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: General Fiction
Published: 2012-06-21T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Laura and Luke shopped for carpet and flooring for the new apartments that week, but they went to Earl’s competitors rather than do business with Windsor Floors.

As they walked out to his truck, Luke said, “One of these days we’re going to force Earl out of business. He’s running behind on all his payments, so I’m buying up the loans on his property.”

That didn’t make sense to Laura. “How can he spend all that money on advertising if he’s hurting for money? Television time is expensive.”

“He’s so far in debt, I don’t know how he stays in business.”

“Speaking of business,” said Laura, “I’m going back to work next week.”

Luke shook his head. “You need at least another week or two.”

“No, I don’t.” She’d been away for over a month, and her shoulder had healed. “I can’t let your mother and her friends keep doing this for me.”

Laura still carried her little knife with her, in case Earl came back. Being in the same room with him terrified her, but she wouldn’t be victimized again. If she had her way, he’d never be able to hurt anyone again. He’d be in prison.

On their way back from the flooring store in Melbourne, Luke said, “Meg wants to keep working part-time. She said if she stays on at Queenie’s, she’ll rent one of the new apartments.”

“I’d love to have her stay at Queenie’s, but can we afford—”

“Yes, we can afford it. If you get in a bind and need more help, call Judy or Mom. You can’t do all this by yourself, Laura. Judy would be glad to have the work. Her last husband left her a little money, but not enough to live on.”

“Last husband?”

“She’s been married a few times, all of them losers.”

“What do you think I should do?”

“Let Meg handle the breakfast shift. The regulars love her, especially Marv and Charley. Judy can help with the management chores. She’s a good organizer. Sit down with them and work out a schedule. Your shoulder will be tender for a few weeks and I don’t want you to overdo it.”

She wouldn’t mind having help at the café, but she wondered what Queenie would think about it. Would she think Laura was lazy because she wasn’t doing everything herself?

Did Queenie’s opinion matter?

No. Queenie was dead.

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