Page 17 of Finding Ash
“Good call.” He got a thinky face on. “I believe I can develop a lactose-free line. I’ll make a solo flavor that we can test and see how it goes. I was thinking of implementing monthly games like pick a new flavor. Then patrons can suggest flavors, and we’d pick one a month as the special, and the winner would get two free scoops. What do you think?”
“That’s a great idea and a way to include our fellow Foggians. Huh, it sounded better in my head, but we need a catchy name for the locals. Foggyites? No, that sounds worse. It’ll come to me, give it time.” Meanwhile, McClain was laughing his butt off.
“Yes, just be cognizant of any potential nicknames that sound like one would be in need of antibiotics.” Not surewhat he meant by that, but he enjoyed it, so it must have been funny. I had so much to learn when it came to puns and such.
The music he played from his phone over the speaker was really good and I found myself bouncing around to it, though I hadn’t a clue what it was.
“Are you a fan of classic rock?”
“Guess so. Music in general is new to me, but I am enjoying what we’re listening to.” He turned it up a bit, but before long the alarm sounded, and it was time to see what day two would bring.
“We ready to do this?”
My head bobbed like it was on a spring. I was super excited, and this was a great way to get to introduce McClain to everyone along with yummy treats.
As soon as we walked out of the backroom, there they were, all lined up, only this time there was no paper to peel off the windows first as he had yesterday. Smiling faces waved as they patiently waited for their frosty treats.
“This is truly an amazing welcome,” McClain teared up. “Doubt consumed me that we’d have another stellar day, yet here we are.” He unlocked the door, smiling wide, and greeted our first customers of the day.
“Ever think about carrying grab-and-go items?” Luke, one of the guys who works with Remy, asked.
“Such as?” McClain replied. “I’m always open to suggestions if they benefit all.”
“I dunno, like, small containers of ice cream, maybe some premade sandwiches and chips. Stuff that we can just grab and take home.” Luke wasn’t the most personable one of the group, but his suggestion had merit.
“Not a bad idea. I’ll add it to the list and see what I can come up with.”
“I foresee one of those big, fancy workout places coming to Foggy in the near future,” Merle shook his head. “Two scoops of mint chocolate chip in a cup, please.”
McClain winked at him. “Happy to be a part of Foggy’s growth spurt.”
“In more ways than one,” Merle grumbled as he shoveled a bite into his mouth. “Damn good ice cream, son.”
“Thanks, Merle. Have a good one.”
It wasn’t until Remy showed up that I glanced at the clock on the wall and realized we’d worked straight through lunch. There was still a line, so Remy popped into the back, tied on an apron, washed his hands, and dove right in to help us.
“Another fantastic day!” McClain announced as he locked the door behind our last customer. “I couldn’t have done this without you boys, again. Thank you for jumping in, Remy. Dinner is on me tonight.”
“You paid last night,” Remy shook his head. “That doesn’t sound fair.”
“What’s not fair is you working all day, then coming in here and helping us. It’s the least I can do.”
“I enjoy working with you guys, means we get to spend more time together.”
What did Remy mean by that? Guess the better question was, why did I agree with it?
Chapter Eight
Remy
“Food is here!” I called out as I stepped inside the creamery. I’d started bringing Ash and McClain lunch whenever I could. It was one part selfish and one part a need to make sure they both took a break and ate. They tended to forget most days, and besides, I enjoyed hanging out with them.
“You don’t have to keep doing this,” McClain said as I came around the counter and kissed Ash.McClain got a faraway look in his eyes, almost one of need, laced with a bit of sadness. “Let me pay you for it.”
“For the millionth time, I’m not taking your money. Besides, you feed us most nights.”
“Beats eating alone, plus you boys help me so much.” With each passing day, McClain’s loneliness became more apparent. And the more Ash and I were around him, the more we wanted to be. Maybe in the long run we’d help curb his sadness. Maybe…
