Page 79 of Finding Yesterday

“I wanted him to stay too,” I reply, my voice just above a whisper.

Pops’s head shake is slow, deliberate. “Jack made his choice, and now I’ve made mine. If I don’t get out and see the world, I’ll have regrets. And I’m too old to have any more regrets.”

“I understand.” Lifting my chin and straightening my shoulders, I muster the firmest voice I can when I say, “Okay, fair enough, but if you aren’t coming back, then let me run The Fine Bone.”

He looks at me over the rim of his glasses for a long moment. Finally, he replies, “I dunno, kid.”

“I can do it, Pops.” I believe my own words. “I’ve already been doing most of it. And what I haven’t done, you drilled into my head.” I hold his gaze. “I’ve got this.”

His arms folded with a vacant stare, Pops stands there for what feels like forever. After shaking his head, he mumbles, “All right—if you promise me you’ll keep the restaurant in tip-top shape. If the place is open, it has to be up to Jack’s standards.”

“I know, I know. I can’t let The Fine Bone get chewed apart in reviews.” I tilt my head. “You trained me well, remember?” I exhale. “I’d do it better if you were with me though.”

He smiles, but it’s pained. “Ah, you deserve more than this old fart.”

“We make a great team,” I reply, giving my argument one last try. “You could travel around and come back, you know. What about staying at The Fine Bone because you want to see me?”

“It’s not that simple.” He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I’m just a one-winged crow who’s never moved on from that day eighteen years ago.” He meets my gaze. “But for the first time, I want to try.”

I nod slowly. I can’t be mad at Pops for moving on and Jack fornotdoing so. A tear escapes. “I want that for you too. But I’m gonna miss you like mad.”

“Aw, kid.” He stares into the distance. “I loved your mother like a daughter, you see.” He shakes his head, before putting a hand on my shoulder. “And I love you too. So much I wanted you to be my granddaughter-in-law.”

His words gut me, and I step in, pulling him in tight. He feels like family. I hold him close, finding it impossible to be mad at him. “I love you too, Pops.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

“HEY, CLAIRE,” JORDANcalls out. “Where are the rest of the filets we need?”

“That’s them.” I point to the counter.

“That’s not enough.” He shakes his head. “Jack always ordered about twice this amount.”

“Okay.” I tap my fingers together. “I’ll put the T-bone on special for tonight. We have plenty of those.”

“Gotcha.” He gives me a thumbs-up.

It’s been two weeks, and I’ve been running The Fine Bone without Jack or Pops—and the place has been packed almost every evening.

Jordan is still the head chef and manages all the line cooks. However, I needed a replacement for myself, so I brought in Harlow, a sous chef that can make the veggie alternatives and sides.

I’m thrilled to have her back working for me. As it turns out, shereallydidn’t want to move from Atlanta to Blue Vine, but I gave her the hard sell and a great offer.

It didn’t hurt that Harlow wanted to leave Tangz. Hudson found a partner—a highly reputable vegetarian chef—and with the new partnership came a restructuring. I’m happy for him and for me.

To make sure I haven’t forgotten anything, I sprint around like mad while Harlow talks me through my checklist. “What about the bar?” she asks.

I look up in thought. “It’s re-stocked.” We had a bartender leave, so I had to hire Elliot. He’s young, but he’s picking things up quickly. He helped us make it through Saturday night. Now that it’s Sunday, he’s doing just fine handling the bar himself.

Harlow points to the kitchen. “I think you’re all set, so I better get to work.”

“Yup. Thanks.” I have a lot of pots boiling, figuratively and literally, and I’m definitely not used to the ownership role. There have been a few complaints, a massive number of questions, and some expected kitchen errors. Harlow messed up a few orders because she was new. Her roasted red pepper grits cakes were overly spiced, but it’s understandable, as she had to get up to speed so fast.

But besides a few minor bumps in the road, things are moving along pretty great.

I have to admit, I’m proud of myself. I’m doing this,reallydoing it.

And now, I’m getting ready for the most important interview of my life—one with an investor. And not just any investor,theinvestor—Pierre LeBeau.

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