Always Open!

CHAPTER ONE

“A New Restaurant in Town”

“It looks like someone’s opening a new diner and it’s open 24/7. I suppose that’s what we’ve got to look forward to these days. No one wants to cook at home anymore.” Darton wasn’t impressed and he wasn’t willing to accept any new changes to his small town. He liked it the way it was and didn’t appreciate newcomers changing what he was used to. “Papa, I think it’s a good idea for people who work late or the overnight shift and need something good to eat. Not everyone is lazy, it’s just the world is changing and working Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm isn’t the norm anymore. Just wait Papa, you’ll see it’ll be great.” Nancy tried to convince her grandpa to accept change and how it’d be good for them. “Hogwash, things were better before all these changes started coming.” Nancy shook her head as she drove up in the driveway. There’s no way now she was going to tell her papa the new diner was hers; he wouldn’t understand. “Ok, sir let’s get you inside and get you a good meal. You are hungry because you get grumpy when you’re hungry.” Papa obliged. “You think you know somebody and I’m not grumpy. I’m just stating facts. A 24/7 diner, what’s next automatic meal makers like they got on the Jetsons?” Nancy covered up her chuckle so he wouldn’t fuss at her for being disrespectful. “Papa, all change isn’t bad. I promise this’ll be good for all of us. It’ll also provide jobs for those who may not have a high school diploma or college degree. So many people can benefit from this restaurant.” Darton went to get washed up for lunch. He loved his granddaughter’s cooking. It reminded him of his wife’s. She used recipes that was handed down from one generation to the next, what he didn’t know is that Nancy added a little piece of what she learned in culinary school to them. She knew she couldn’t tell him because he wouldn’t eat it on a count that he didn’t handle change very well. “Ok Papa, you’re favorite for lunch today. We have chicken parmesan with a garden salad and of course the ever-flavorful iced tea. For you, half and half because you don’t need a lot of sugar.” Papa couldn’t wait to get at it. “I’m the Papa you know, I know how much sugar I need and don’t need.” He took a sip of the tea and gave a thumbs up. “Papa you forgot to say grace.” In humor, Papa looked up and said “Grace.” Nancy gave a stern look as to say it wasn’t funny. “Alright, alright, I know I always taught you to ask God to bless the food.” He then proceeded to say his grace before he ate. Nancy was growing tired and not sure how much longer she’d be able to take care of her grandfather. She was physically becoming tired and not able to keep up her strength. He kept her so busy, she hadn’t been able to go to the doctor to find out why she was so tired. After lunch she went upstairs to lie down for a while. “Papa, I just need a nap and then I’ll be back. She looked over some paperwork for her restaurant and fell asleep with the papers falling on top of her face. She was beyond exhausted due to running her Papa everywhere he had to go. Darton followed suit and took a nap himself. He hated that she spent so much of her time taking care of him instead of enjoying her life. “God bless my granddaughter with a good life and a husband that will take care of her. I’ve lived a long time and I’m ready to come home. She needs to be free to live her life and she’s not going to leave me alone. I ask you to get us some help or take me home with you. In Jesus’ name I pray amen.” Darton fell asleep in his favorite chair. Nancy had a dream, and, in her dream, she had a family and they were incredibly happy. It wasn’t that she didn’t want a family, she just felt like she didn’t have the time or the money.

CHAPTER TWO

“Doctor’s Visit”

Nancy got dizzy at the diner and decided that was her final straw. She set up a doctor’s appointment to find out what was going on. She had some concerns but needed to know what was going on with her health. “So far, we were able to rule out MS and a few other things. It looks like you’re anemic. I’m going to prescribe these iron pills and see if that changes things for you. Contact me if your symptoms persist or become worse.” Nancy was relieved that it was as simple as anemia. “Now to tell grandpa about the restaurant.” Nancy decided to wait a while and once money started rolling in, he’d understand. She walked in the door to find him asleep in his favorite chair. She didn’t disturb him and decided to get his lunch prepared. “Maybe I can get him to try something different.” Nancy tossed that idea out of her head and continued to prepare lunch. A knock at the door broke her concentration. “Hi, you come on in here!” It was her best friend from high school. “I didn’t know you were still in this town. “I moved to the big apple, but I always check on Papa when I come home to visit. When did you get back?” Nancy hugged her friend. “I got back a month or so ago and decided to hang out here with Papa. I didn’t know he was here alone. I hadn’t heard about my granny’s passing until recently and he’s still missing her.” Nancy looked in on her Papa. “I’m surprised he’s still sleeping. Usually he’s up faster than I can finish lunch sitting at the table saying I’m taking too long.” They both laughed. Gale walked in to wake up Papa and wasn’t able to do so. “Nancy, call 911, he’s not waking up and his lips are blue.” Nancy quickly grabbed the phone and called 911. Together they performed CPR until the ambulance came, and they were also praying for God to perform a miracle. “I didn’t know, I thought he was asleep. I just started on lunch so I could surprise him by having it on time for once.” Gale looked at her friend. Now is not the time to panic, it’s the time to pray. The EMTs said we did a good job and if we’d done nothing then it would’ve been too late. Aren’t you glad I made you take that course?” Nancy smiled and was able to calm down. Her friend was always there for her in hard times. “Have you told him about your diner chain yet, Miss “Always Open? I believe it was the best idea this side of heaven. I love how you go into small towns and create opportunities for those people to thrive.” Nancy smiled. “I haven’t told him yet and I was going to, but he started fussing about how there didn’t need to be a change. I’ll tell him eventually. Right now, I just want him to get well.” Nancy grabbed her keys and went to the hospital to sit with her Papa. She even grabbed a plate of food to take him just in case he’s looking for lunch when she gets there. Papa was a bit groggy and talking in his sleep. “Nancy, you ever open that restaurant yet. You know you’ve got your mom and grandma’s skill for cookin’. You should open a restaurant and make a lot of money.” The more he spoke, the more Nancy realized she’d done the right thing. “I wish I could just tell him. Papa I’m the owner and visionary of ‘Always Open’ she said to herself. The thoughts plagued her mind and she dozed off herself waiting on her Papa to wake up. The doctors said he’d suffered a mild stroke and was brought to the hospital just in time. It was a matter of time before he was awake, and she should go home to get some rest. Nancy called Gale to see if she could drive her home because she was just that tired. “The Grand opening is happening soon and Papa’s going to notice something.” Nancy fell asleep on her friend, so she didn’t respond. She did hear her and knew she had to let him know so he wouldn’t be upset with her. When Nancy returned home, she packed up the lunch and cleaned the kitchen. She was now awake and made it her mission to explain the restaurant as soon as Papa woke up. “God, if you save his life, I’ll tell him about the restaurant.” Gale decided to hang out and they talked about old times. She didn’t realize how much she missed being able to talk to someone else because she’d spent so much time with her Papa the last few months. “Have you gone on any dates?” Nancy hadn’t thought about dates in forever. Since her relationship in college went sour, she hadn’t focused on dating. “No, I’ve been working on the restaurant. Once I opened the first location, I didn’t know it would be this successful this fast. It seems a lot of small towns are now looking forward for this change.” Gale smirked. “Well, I think you need to get out there with other people. You can’t make the world pay because of what Charles has done to you. You don’t want to grow to be an old made do you?” Nancy hit her best friend with a pillow, and she reciprocated. They hadn’t had a good pillow fight since they graduated. Since Nancy no longer had her Papa to factor in her schedule, she was able to focus on the restaurant and decided on an opening date. She’d even gotten the courage to tell her Papa about her restaurant. She was getting ready for a press release when she got a phone call. “Your Papa had another stroke in his sleep and he’s in a coma. He’s resting now and we’ll call you if there are any changes.

CHAPTER THREE

“Charles Returns”

Nancy had thrown herself into the restaurant so that she wouldn’t focus on what was happening to her Papa. She didn’t want to lose him, but she didn’t want to lose herself either. “Hey girl, just called to check on you. I’m on my way home and wanted to see if I could hang out with you one last time.” Nancy was so excited to do just that. Gale wanted to check on her friend because she knew how much her Papa meant to her and she knew how much guilt she was in when her grandma died. She felt that had she been there maybe she could’ve done something to save her. She opened the restaurants to make the money for her care, but it was too late. The grand opening was set for August 31,2020. It was set for her grandma’s birthday and it was something that Nancy used to honor her grandma’s memory. She remembered as a child whenever it was time to eat or someone needed something to eat, she said her kitchen was always open. Hence the name “Always Open.” She gladly fed people anything they wanted anytime of the day. She’d always say my kitchen’s always open and you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner any time you want.” She didn’t understand it as a child, but now she understood. Her grandma was a pillar to her community and people honored her for the way she cared for everyone. It didn’t matter where they came from or how they got in the state they were in. She was kind to drug addicts, homeless, alcoholics, or just people who were struggling to put food on the table. She’d often say, “someone needs to open a restaurant in this town, and it’d give us all jobs, so we don’t have to struggle so much.” Memories were flooding Nancy’s mind of her grandma and her mantras. She even had the walls of the diner decorated with her sayings; it made her feel as if she were still with them. Daily, she’d visit the hospital praying for her Papa to wake up. She wanted more than ever, him to see the restaurant and how she was honoring grandma with it. Twenty percent of the proceeds from her restaurant went to the homeless shelters and the schools. She was determined to make sure that people didn’t have to struggle just as her grandma desired. “Ma’am, where would you like this to go?” One of the construction workers had a structure that she had made for this location since it was where she was raised by the greatest woman in the world. “That goes in the front of the building, you can place it right about here. That way everyone can see it from the highway.” Nancy realized once she got the restaurant up and running, it’d be time to move on to the next town. She did her best to make this town last because she didn’t want to have to move. Since she’d return home, she’d gotten more requests even internationally. Her grandpa still hadn’t woken up, so she figured she’d give it more time. Her grand opening was in seven days, and she was ready. “Maybe I can stay just until Papa wakes up and hire him some help. I know he’ll fuss at first, but it’ll be ok. Nancy continued to work on the restaurant and planned for her next adventure. This time she was going to travel to a small town in Africa. She didn’t know how they’d take to southern food, so she also looked into a cuisine they were used to. As she studied, she got an unexpected visit from a familiar face. “Charles? What are you doing here?” Charles walked over to her. “I know the way I treated you was wrong. I don’t know if you’ve met someone else or not. I’m not trying to get back with you. I don’t deserve that. I just wanted to apologize.” Nancy was shocked to hear him apologize. The great Charles Swanson never apologized to anyone for anything. He was too superior to have to apologize. “Apology accepted. What brings you here?” Charles grabbed a seat. “I ran into Gale and she let me have it. You know her, but she was right. I got a taste of my own medicine and honestly it didn’t taste too good. I only imagined if I felt as badly as I did then you must have felt worse. I shouldn’t have lied to you the way I did or take you for granted. It was wrong of me to make you think I cheated on you just so you would think I was a big man on campus. I thought I was supposed to keep you jealous, so you’d always be into me. I never thought of you walking away like you did. You were stronger than I gave you credit for and I’m grateful for it. Do you want to know something else?” Nancy listened intently. “I’ve never had sex before, I just lied so that the guys wouldn’t tease me for being a virgin in college.” Charles held his head down in shame. “Charles, I knew that I walked away because you hadn’t matured, and I didn’t want to waste my time playing games. I had a vision to follow and I was trying to get it done in time to take care of my grandma. She died before I could get things off the ground, but I’m now in the position to care for my Papa. This restaurant is filled with is memories and he’ll always be able to visit her here. I’m hoping he gets well in time before I have to go. I’ve been invited to Africa to open a restaurant there.” Charles stood up and caught himself before he grabbed her. “Africa is so far away, I mean, congratulations, maybe we can keep in touch. If you want to, I get it if you don’t.” Charles excused himself to the restroom.

CHAPTER FOUR

“Grand Opening”

“Hello, is this Nancy Johnson?” The voice asked over the phone. “Yes, this is she, may I ask who’s calling?” The voice responded. “I’m the nurse taking care of your grandpa Nurse Tomeka, “but people call me Tommy for short. Your grandpa is awake and he’s asking to see you.” Nancy was so excited she called Gale, she had to tell her about Charles too. She began to think that her grandpa was going to leave her, so she was happy to hear that he woke up. “I’m on the way to talk to him now. I can’t wait to tell him about the restaurant.” Gale smiled. “It’s about time! I have more good news for you then, I’ll be at the grand opening next weekend. Are you excited?” Nancy was thrilled and told her about the opportunity in Africa. She’d already made arrangements for Papa to be taken care of and was ready to tell him the whole truth. She made her way to the hospital and literally ran down the hallway to get to her papa. When she got to his room, he was asleep, so she just sat and waited for him to wake up. She also remembered to bring his favorite lunch. She knew he wasn’t going to eat the hospital food no matter what they said. He was a man of tradition and nothing was going to change. Not even his lunch. Not too long after she arrived, Charles walked into the room too. “If you don’t want me here then let me know, I just wanted to be here for moral support.” Nancy was surprised to see him there and she was curious to see if he was serious. “Sure, you can stay, I appreciate the gesture.” Charles was relieved. He was so nervous that she’d go off on him or curse him out. He believed he deserved it and couldn’t figure out why she hadn’t done it yet. Nancy began to sing her Papa’s favorite song and that’s what got him to wake up. “Baby girl, I see you finally caught yourself a husband huh?” Nancy laughed. “No Papa, he’s a friend from school and he wanted to make sure you were ok. We met in college, and he just happened to be in town.” Papa looked Nancy in the eyes. “Don’t let him get away sweetheart. He’s made mistakes that he’s truly sorry for. I don’t want you alone.” Nancy began to fidget. “Yes Papa, but right now I’m here for you. How are you feeling?” Papa shook his hand to mean so-so. “I have some news for you, and I hope it makes you happy. Remember the restaurant that we saw in town?” Papa shook his head yes. “It’s my restaurant, and I named it after the saying Grandma always said when she fed people. “My kitchen’s always open, you can get breakfast, lunch, and dinner anytime you want.” Darton repeated her words verbatim. “I saw her while I was here, you know. The staff thinks I’m crazy, but she sat in that chair you’re sitting in now talking to me. It’s why I came back to talk to you. I knew the restaurants are yours. I’ve been following you in the paper and I’m so proud of you. You know me, I don’t like change, so I complain. It’s what I do. Thank you for looking out for our town. We do need the money, and many of our youth need the motivation to bring their businesses back home to us. Honey, I never mentioned this to you, but I asked God to take me home. You’ll spend your whole life taking care of me and I won’t have it. I miss your grandma too much, and I’ve led a full life. You should have the same opportunity.” Nancy began to cry. “Papa, I love being with you, you are my life. I don’t mind. The Restaurant opens this weekend and I’m hoping you’ll be home in time for that. Speaking of which, I brought your favorite lunch.” Nancy didn’t want to think about what her Papa just said so she changed the subject. “Finally brought my lunch to me on time, it’s about time.” They all laughed and Nancy was sure he was getting better cause he was back to his old self in no time. His appetite was extremely healthy for someone who’d gone through what he had. He emptied his plate as he always had, and this made Nancy very happy. “Nancy, I have a feeling once I say this, you’re going to kick me out of your life forever. I have to be honest and say this. You have to let your Papa go. He’s ready to go and he’s trying his best to tell you good-bye. I know it’s a hard pill to swallow, but he’s trying to spare you and give you the life you deserve. I know, so I’ll get going and I won’t bother you anymore.” Before he could leave, Nancy stopped him. “You’re right. I know you’re right, but my heart doesn’t get it just yet. I don’t want you to disappear, but I do need a minute to get myself together.” Nancy returned to the seat near her grandpa. She didn’t understand how she was always too late to save her family while she was always on time for other families. Her heart was broken, and she couldn’t take the pain. She’d broken down in tears while holding her grandpa’s hand and could feel it being ice cold. He’d gone already and he did tell her good-bye. He also got a chance to say the things he wanted to say before he left. She was still crying over him when the nursing staff came in to revive him. She hadn’t noticed that someone physically removed her so they could get to him. They were able to bring him back and get him stable. Nancy couldn’t help feeling it was her fault that he came back. “I should’ve told him it was ok and let him go.” Nancy grabbed his hand and gave him a kiss. “I love you Papa! You are free to go!” Papa would live on until opening day and at the same time his beloved wife was born, he would pass away. “Ladies and gentlemen welcome to a special version of “Always Open! Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner any time you want it.” I dedicate this restaurant to my grandparents who raised me. Unfortunately, my Papa has passed. I can hear him fussing about his lunch even as we stand here now, but I know he’s in heaven and grandmas probably already got him taken care of. This is the only restaurant of the “Always Open chain that will also be named Ruby’s place. There will be recipes here that are not in any other restaurants. They come directly from her recipe book and I’m writing that book as we speak. Thank you so much for welcoming me home again, and I hope to bring more opportunities to my hometown soon.” The crowd applauded. Someone shouted, “thank you for giving us jobs!” This made Nancy’s heart smile, and she was so happy she did it when she did. “I have a question for you,” a voice yelled out from the crowd. “I know I messed up, but I honestly can’t stop thinking about you. I love you and would like a second chance. Will you go out with me?” Charles came from behind a pole that was centered in the town square. “I hear of this new restaurant having its grand opening today, and I’d love to treat you to dinner. Will you go out with me?” Nancy smiled. “Yes, it’s about time you asked me.” Gale laughed out loud. “You sound like Papa,” Gale shouted.

CHAPTER FIVE

“First Date”

As promised, Nancy allowed Charles to plan the dinner at the restaurant and she didn’t butt in. She was nervous about turning over her staff, but she had to work on her trip to Africa. Mexico was next along with other South American cities. Her schedule was filling up quickly and soon she’d have to hire help. One person who was quick to join her team was her best friend. She was the best at advertising and organizing all the little things that plagued Nancy from time to time. It felt good to not have to do everything herself, and she was able to focus on the most important thing. What was she going to wear on her date with Charles? Just then like clockwork Gale showed up for a shopping spree. “You always know when to come through for a sis!” Gale laughed. “It’s what I do!” The girls spent the afternoon shopping and celebrating the grand opening. Gale was also there to support her friend as the funeral approached. It was hard for her to say good-bye, but she knew it was necessary. Her first date was awesome, and she appreciated Charles giving her the space to grieve before they went out. “Tonight’s the night, and I thought I’d come over to help my best friend get ready.” Nancy smirked. “No, you just came over to make sure I didn’t change my mind.” Gale hunched her shoulders. “Ok that too, but I also wanted to help you get ready. I can have more than one motive.” Once Nancy was dressed, Gale put on her make-up and helped style her hair. She was beautiful and ready for a fun evening. The place was romantic, and Charles did a great job setting up the restaurant. He had the chef to make her favorite dinner which was smothered fried chicken, mash potatoes, green beans and mac & cheese with cornbread. He had them use the recipe from her grandma’s recipe book, so she could have a good memory after having said good-bye to Papa. He also had her favorite drink which was her grandma’s sweet tea with lemon. She was more like her grandpa than she noticed. The evening started with some smooth jazz, and they danced while they waited on the appetizers. Charles led her to her seat and pulled out her chair. Nancy was seeing a different side to this man that she’d never seen before. He didn’t do this much when they were dating. The evening was full of surprises even a song that had her grandparents on it. It was a love song they used to sing to each other. He asked Nancy to dance with him. “I wanted this to be our song if that’s ok with you. I figured if you ever forgave me, I’d get things right. I hope this evening proves that I’m trying to make things right between you and I.” Charles continued to dance with Nancy and she just smiled. The date was lovely, and Nancy couldn’t have imagined a more perfect evening. She agreed to meet with Charles again when she returned from her travels. Charles had one more trick up his sleeve. “I’ll go with you and whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. Even if it’s clean the toilet.” Nancy laughed.