“I want what Rosie got,” Edelgarde said.
Shortly after Bill had walked part-way down the ramp and stood leaning against the wall smoking his cigarette, she joined him, leaned against the wall next to him and helped herself to his cigarette.
“You can have it.”
“Really?”
“Why not?”
“Great. When?”
“Whenever. Just not tonight. I’m tired and on top of tired I’m really beat. I have to drive over to my wife’s parents’ house which is a longer drive. Jimmy G ain’t doing shit and I just wanna finish up and get the hell out of here.”
“I hear you, baby.” Edelgarde had been holding his cigarette all the while he spoke. She took another drag on it and handed it back. “Can’t say I’m not disappointed,” she said. “But I understand.”
Bill didn’t say anything. He took his cigarette back and puffed on it. When he was done with it, he dropped it and stepped on it to put it out.
“Anything I can do for you?” Edelgarde asked.
“Not really,” Bill said. “Let’s close this bad boy down and get out of here.”
Since they had not been out of sight and had not done anything wrong, they walked up the ramp together. It was common for the Rosie and Edelgarde to walk down the ramp and join Bill to cop a hit off his cigarette. No one thought anything of it just like no one thought anything of them coming up the ramp together.
With no orders and nothing happening, the night dragged on. Bill did all the breaking down he could do without leaving himself unprepared for orders if they came in. Jimmy G stayed out by his aunt. He had not done much work all night and wasn’t about to do much. Worse, as it seemed, he didn’t care.
Kalista was apologetic. She didn’t actually say anything to Bill, but she pampered him more than she normally did. Normally she took good care of him, but this night, with nothing going on anywhere, she delivered his espressos, made them all doubles and fixed him nice plates of pastry. Bill thanked her, and once, under the piece of mistletoe the girls had taped in the kitchen doorway, he kissed her on her cheek.
Bill made the first trip to the main kitchen by himself. This was after Caesar announced that he was closing on time in case someone, anyone, came in and wanted to eat. Caesar told Rosie and Edelgarde that they had a responsibility to be there during the regular hours and they would, at least on this night, live up to it. After all, it was Christmas eve and if someone wanted to be there, they should be allowed to be.
The main kitchen was totally deserted and closed down. The only bright light was in the chef’s office and Jimmy Banquet Chef was in there with beer and whiskey. Bill peeked in on his rounds and was invited in for a drink. They each had a shot of bourbon and a beer chaser. The banquet chef walked along with Bill as he made his rounds and helped him put away all the things on his truck. That done, they had a second drink before Bill went on his way back to The Falstaff Room.
Best news was that they could all get out on time. Jimmy G and Bill had their truck ready to go and were all set to cut out when Caesar announced they were closed. The girls had completely set up the dining room for the next day. Kalista had put her things on the truck and had shut down here station.
They were opening early Christmas day and running a special menu with turkey and stuffing. No rest for the wicked.
Rosie and Edelgarde each took a last kiss with Bill under the mistletoe. Bill and Jimmy G said good night to Caesar, and then along with Kalista they were gone.
