The Magnolia Cafe(38)

Natalie hadn’t even thought of the legal ramifications. Anyway, it didn’t matter, because they’d close until the water came back on.

Becky Lee came rushing back in, slightly winded from hurrying down the street and back. “Looks like it won’t be back until this afternoon sometime.”

“We’ll close for lunch and see if we can get things cleaned up and open for dinner.” Katherine sighed. “Some job I’m doing of running the cafe.”

“Katherine, even Keely couldn’t control this. Don’t worry. We’ll get back up and open soon.” Natalie put her hand on Katherine’s shoulder and squeezed it. Katherine looked devastated. “It’s going to be okay. Don’t worry.”

Just then Katherine’s mother came through the door. “What’s going on? I saw the water trucks down on Main Street. We don’t have any water at the house.”

“We don’t have water here, either, Mother. I’m going to close down for lunch and we’ll try to open back up by dinner.”

“I knew Keely shouldn’t have left town. Just look at this mess.” Mrs. Granger stood with her hands on her hips.

“I doubt if Keely could have prevented this either.” Natalie tried to soften Mrs. Granger’s harsh words.

Mrs. Granger turned to face Natalie, eyes flashing. “Keely had no business leaving Katherine alone to run this restaurant. She doesn’t need the stress. It isn’t good for her.”

“Mother, it’s okay. We’ll just close down until the water is back on. Get things cleaned up, and then hopefully be ready for by dinner.”

“You should go home and rest. You can’t work all day and all night. You need a break.”

“Keely works all day and all evening. Every single day. Day in and day out. I think it’s about time we help her out and let her have a break.” Katherine looked at her mother.

“It’s just too much for you, Katherine dear.”

“No, Mother, it’s not. I’m fine. Why don’t you go to the market and pick up some bottled water for the house? At least you’ll have that.”

“You come home for lunch, then. Take a break.” Mrs. Granger seemed to back down a bit.

“I’ll try, Mother.” Katherine’s tone of voice sounded more placating than convincing.

“And call Keely and get her back here to fix this.” Mrs. Granger took one more look at Katherine and flounced out the door. That was the only word Natalie could think of to describe how the woman walked away.

“Don’t even think about calling Keely,” Katherine warned.

Natalie nodded in agreement.

Becky Lee delivered the food to the last two tables and told the customers they’d be shutting down as soon as they finished eating. Katherine gave the last few tables their meals for free. As the last customers walked out, Natalie put the closed sign up on the door.

Melanie came out of the kitchen. “I still have this pot of coffee. Anyone want to have a cup? Won’t be any good by dinner time.”

“I do.” Katherine wheeled over to a clean table.

“Count me in. Then I’ll clean up these last tables.” Becky Lee perched on a chair beside Katherine.

“Coffee sounds great.” Natalie grabbed some coffee cups and joined the women.

They sat and sipped their coffee and speculated about how long it would take until the water came back on. Natalie just hoped it would be back on in time for the dinner crowd, because she knew that missing lunch and dinner business would strain the already tight finances of the cafe. Keely had made no secret that things were tough with the cafe these days. That was part of why she wanted to add the patio, get the liquor license, and try to get more customers into the cafe. The profit from each day helped with that goal. But a day without any lunch or dinner would surely tank any profits from this week. The fresh pies wouldn’t be so fresh tomorrow. The meatloaf special was already made and in the fridge, waiting to be cooked for dinner. If they couldn’t open for dinner, they’d just have to find a way to save all the things Melanie had already gotten ready for the day.

Katherine set down her coffee cup. “So, are we all in agreement that no one calls Keely, and if she calls, no one mentions this?”

Natalie, Becky Lee, and Melanie nodded.





CHAPTER THIRTEEN





Hunt pulled into the parking lot of a small motel along the coast of Mississippi. “Let’s try this one. It had good reviews online.”

Keely looked at him in surprise.

He laughed. “Yes, I did a bit of advance planning and looked up some possible places to stay. It doesn’t matter much to me where I stay, but I didn’t want to take you to some dumpy place. The reviews for this one says it’s quaint and clean. Thought that would appeal to you.”