I stood at the top of the stairs as I watched Pops storm out and bang the door behind him. For a moment I froze wondering what had gotten Pops into trouble with the cops. But I relaxed when I saw Gabriel silently laughing. He lifted his head and noticed me and beckoned me to come down. He gave me a warm hug and stared at me like he was checking for something.
"Nice to see you in one piece," he quipped with a smile that reached his eyes. Gabriel was my uncle's best friend and the only person in the world who could handle Pops when he got angry. He was Pops childhood friend and they had the kind of friendship that would have been tagged as #friendshipgoals on social media. Seeing my confused eyes he laughed his deep guttural laugh and patted me on my head.
"Don't worry kid, it's just your Pops being Pops", he said in a comforting tone.
"Did he get into trouble with the cops?" I asked.
"No. God, no. Your Pops is a hot head but he ain't stupid. It's just the new police chief being over-enthusiastic. Apparently, we served some guests a week ago that the chief says belong to some mob. I mean, how were we supposed to know this?" said Gabriel as he shrugged his shoulders.
"The mob! Here? In this dinky place?" I asked, not believing a word of it. I earned a knock on my head for looking down at the restaurant that was so dear to both Pops and Gabriel. Then Pops walks right back in slamming the door again before giving us a glance and heading off towards the kitchen. Gabriel shrugged and went off to manage whatever disaster Pops was going to kick up in the kitchen. I walked in after him and stood quietly in the corner. Sensing Pops mood everyone was silently working in the kitchen. On a normal day, it would be a rowdy scene with screaming, cursing and even an occasional utensil flying across the room. Today everyone was walking on eggshells. All you could hear was the clang of vessels, sizzling pans, water running in the background and the clinking of the knife against the boards. The head steward, Alan walked in announcing that the police had left and our first guests were seated and announced the first order of the evening. Gabriel stepped in shouting, "Cmon chaps, we have Goats Cheese Crostini's and Sweet Corn Quesadilas to serve up. You have 10 mins to have those dishes on the pass. You serve them any wine Alan?"
"Yes, already taken care of," said Alan as he walked out to take care of more guests who had walked in.
I loved the buzz of the restaurant. This place with its familiar sounds, smells, and people - was my home and these people were my family. I was waiting to introduce them to my ideas and while I was nervous I knew they would have my back. As I stood there watching them silently, Pops walked out of the walk-in freeze holding a large tray and handed it to Jimmy, our dessert chef.
"You only going to watch or are you going to lend a hand," asked Pops.
"Not tonight, Pops!," I said and slipped out to go back out to the back parking lot. The place where I used to play all evening with our dog, Blink. I never wanted another pet after Blink died but he was my most trusted companion when I was a kid. Scrolling through my phone I lost track of time until Pops walked out.
"Thought, I would find you here," said Pops as he lit a cigarette.
I cringed at this but he shrugged and continued. I hated that he smoked and he always promised he would quit but got back to in less than 2 weeks.
"You sure you wan'na start a restaurant here, Sammy?" he asked. I looked at him silently, wondering how to answer this strange question.
"You saw how the police have become now, Sammy!" he said as he blew out rings of smoke that I used to innocently chase as a kid.
"Pops, the chief was just being an ass. He will probably change in a year's time. Why would I give my life's dream because he is being a dick?" I said.
"Watch your mouth! Is that how you learned to talk in the city?" chided Pops. "Don't make me wash your mouth out with soap young lady."
"Seriously, Pops!" I said laughing at how he still scolded me like a child.
We just sat there together not talking and enjoying the ambient sounds. The clanging from the kitchen, the opening and closing of doors, the smells that wafted out every time a door opened and the sound of traffic as it passed by. Pops and I always enjoyed sitting with each other in silence as the world hobbled, tripped and moved around us.
"Pops, are you scared that I would fail at managing your restaurant?" I asked wanting to hear it from him.
"God, no! I just worry that the way things are changing, everything may not pan out the way you are dreaming, sweetheart."
"I know, Pops. I am not stupid enough to believe that there won't be any obstacles and roadblocks but it's what I love to do. Please Pops, don't worry, I promise."
He smiled and squeezed by hand in his as he looked up into the night sky. For all the talk Pops was scared to let me run this restaurant but little did I know that it wasn't taxes or even the police chief would become my biggest problem.