“You’re kidding. You’re the only guy I know who likes to hear the bad news first.”
“Well, I guess Iama realist.”
“Pessimist is more like it. Well, here’s the bad news. I’m down two waitresses at theOrchid.”
“Holy cow. How did that happen?”
“Well, one of the floor waitresses has broken her leg. Cherise has gone to see her at the hospital.”
“Oh heck. And the other?”
“She quit. Says she’s got a baby on the way.”
“Typical,” I said. “Well, can’t be helped, I suppose. She actually quit?”
“Yeah, Marla. You know, the wine pro? Her boyfriend’s Arnie Arlington. Runs that fancy cocktail bar on Lexington?”
“Right. I thought so. So, who do we know who can serve tables and knows a bit about wine?”
“Well, I’m coming to the good news. I saw a lady today who’d be absolutely perfect for this job.
