People were homeless and hungry, and they knew today would be a good day for a full, hot meal. Of course the mission provided a hot meal every day, but there would be a big crowd on Thanksgiving, and the regulars wanted to be sure to get in line early.
“Here’s a refill on the gravy.” A big burly guy brought the container out.
“Thanks, Jim.” She’d familiarized herself with all the staff this morning, making it a point to get to know everyone who worked there. Some of them were formerly homeless themselves, and now were thrilled to have jobs working at the mission. Lakeesha made them work hard at it, too, and they were all grateful to be earning their keep.
“Just workin’ up an appetite for that great lunch we’re all gonna eat later.”
Carolina grinned. “My stomach is already growling.”
She served for another couple hours, until the crowd began to thin around one thirty.
“Not even one complaint,” Drew said, who’d come up behind her. He’d spent most of his time in the kitchen, so she hadn’t seen much of him other than when he helped Jim with restocking.
She moved out of the way as another of the staff took her place. “Why would I complain?” she asked as she untied and removed her apron and swiped a loose hair from her eyes.
“You worked hard today.”
“It was worth it. Just look at how happy everyone is.”
“Yeah. For some of them, it’s the only meal they’ll eat today.”
She hated thinking that.
“And I’m hungry, so how about we eat?” he asked.
She nodded. “I’ve been smelling that delicious food for hours. I’m ready to grab a plate.”
They did, and found a seat with Lakeesha and a group of older men who made room for them at their table.
“These are our veterans,” Lakeesha said, introducing her and Drew to Ronald, Oscar, Lewis, and Bailey.
“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” Carolina said. “Thank you for your service.”
“Ma’am,” Ronald said. “Thanks for serving up the meal today. It’s mighty good.”
“I think you can thank Lakeesha and her staff for all of the work that went into preparing the meal. I just helped serve.”
“But without all of you who give up your Thanksgiving, we’d never be able to do all this,” Lakeesha said with a smile. “And our people would have to wait in even longer lines. So thank you.”
Carolina looked over the men, unable to imagine what they’d been through in their lifetimes. “I can’t think of a finer group to spend Thanksgiving with.”
“Me, too,” Drew said, then asked them all when and where they served. The men launched into a discussion of their military service, and while Carolina ate, they fascinated her with war stories, some from Vietnam, some from the Gulf. She noted they avoided anything unpleasant, preferring instead to share positive, fun stories about brotherhood and good times shared.
She didn’t blame them. She was sure there was plenty of unpleasantness that stayed with them at all times. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be living on the street. Today was a day to share happiness and fond memories, and she was delighted to be part of it.
After a while the men, and Lakeesha, wandered off, leaving just her and Drew at the table.
“Where are the other guys?” she asked, looking around.
“They took off. They ate during an earlier shift and they’re going to congregate at Avery’s place to watch football.”
She arched a brow. “And you didn’t go with them? I thought that was a guy thing to do on Thanksgiving Day.”
“I brought you here. I’ll see you home.”
Again with the acting like a gentleman thing. She didn’t know what to make of him. “You didn’t have to do that. I can make my own way back home.”
“I’d never abandon you like that, Carolina.” At her look, he said, “Not this time.”
“No, really. Feel free to abandon me. I’m fine with it.”
He gave her a look, then a sly smile. “Not a chance.”
“You know I have to work today.”
“I thought we’d hang out.”
He really was relentless. “I said I’d help out here at the mission today. Now I’m going home to work.”
“Today’s a day to relax and have some fun.”
She rolled her eyes and stood, then walked away from him. He’d taken up her entire evening earlier in the week, setting her behind on her deadlines. She’d given up going home for the holiday so she could catch up. No way she’d allow him to monopolize her entire day.
If she wasn’t going to be with her family, she was going to get some work done, not play around with Drew.
After she said good-bye to Lakeesha and her staff, she walked outside. Drew had once again picked her up this morning in a private car, claiming a taxi on Thanksgiving Day would be nearly impossible. The car was still waiting for them.
“I can’t believe you made the driver wait,” she said as she slipped inside.
“I didn’t make him wait. He came inside and had turkey dinner. Didn’t you see him?”
Actually, she hadn’t, but then again she’d been busy all morning.