Page 22 of Love's Bloom
Susie smiled. “The food is always incredible. And I like to give them my business.”
When they stepped inside, Mama Montoya, the owner, rushed up to them. “Susie, it’s wonderful to see you, my friend. How are you? I’ve been holding you in my prayers since sweet Lily passed.”
Misty watched the two women embrace. Mama Montoya had dark hair with streaks of gray. But her face was unlined, and her dark eyes revealed her emotions. Dressed in a colorful red skirt and a white blouse with flowers embroidered across the front, she looked the part of a hostess.
“When you called for a reservation, I put together a special little luncheon for you. Do you trust me?” Mama asked Susie.
“Do I trust you? When haven’t I?” said Susie with an easy smile.
Misty followed Mama and Susie to a booth and slid onto the red vinyl-covered bench seat facing Susie.
Mama studied her. “Such a lovely young woman. You remind me of my granddaughter, Pilar. So young and beautiful.” She placed a hand on Susie’s shoulder. “You be sure to ask how Susie helps our Mexican community.”
“Now, Mama, that’s not necessary,” said Susie.
“Oh, but it is,” said Mama, waving away Susie’s concern. “What can I get you to drink? How about a special margarita?”
Susie gave Misty a questioning look.
“That would be nice,” Misty said.
Susie said, “Make that two. This is a celebration of sorts. Me getting out in public again.”
The two older women smiled at one another.
“Bueno,” said Mama and left them.
Misty took a moment to look around the restaurant. As the outdoor lanterns had indicated, the colorful interior had bright turquoise walls and traditional Mexican tile flooring. A mural showed a woman dancing to music being played by a gentleman wearing a wide sombrero. Red silk flowers sat in small glass vases at each table.
“I’ve known Mama since she opened this restaurant twenty-some years ago,” said Susie.
“What’s this about you helping the local Mexican community?” asked Misty.
“It’s nothing big. We use Mexican labor in our business, and I’ve taken the opportunity to help families get rooted here and elsewhere in this state. It can seem overwhelming to some immigrants, especially with language barriers. I’ve learned to speak some Spanish. Lily helped me before she got sick.”
“That’s such a kind thing to do,” said Misty, realizing David’s generosity came from his mother’s example.
“People in Lilac Lake are very caring, for the most part. It’s a lesson Rod and I learned from Genie Wittner. She helped Rod and me when we needed it after we first started our business. And we aren’t the only ones she’s assisted,” said Susie.
“She’s been a blessing to my sister and me,” said Misty, reminding herself to visit GG. Grandmother to the Gilford women, GG loved to be part of their lives and those of their friends.
Their margaritas came.
“Here’s to a lovely day,” said Susie, raising her glass.
Misty held up her glass, flattered to be sharing time with Susie.
A waiter brought their food to them—an array of small plates that were placed on the table between them.
“Mama has made samples of her favorite dishes. I love this,” said Susie. “We can have a taste of a lot of different things.”
Misty looked at the food, wondering where to begin. It all looked delicious.
Mama came over to them. “For you, I do special samples. Enjoy.”
“We will,” said Susie. “Thanks so much.”
After eating a fish taco, a sample of a chicken and cheese enchilada, a taste of tamales, and some pozole (hominy soup), Misty was stuffed.
