The Restaurant(33)

“I have some cinnamon crumb muffins if you’re interested too? I just had one,” Emma offered.

Mandy shook her head. She had no interest in food.

“No, thanks. I had breakfast already.”

“So, when you’re ready, tell us about Cory,” Emma said gently.

Mandy took a deep breath and told them.

“A discreet dating site?” Emma looked horrified.

“He thinks he can do whatever he wants. His success has gone to his head,” Jill was clearly disgusted.

Mandy nodded. “I think that’s very true. Everyone has put him and Patrick on a pedestal, the golden boys that can do no wrong. He’s always been a risk taker, but he pushed it too far this time. He really seemed shocked that I wouldn’t consider forgiving him. He even offered to go to counseling and I could tell he was pretty proud of himself for that.”

Jill shook her head. “I’m so sorry, Mandy. I have to admit, I’m shocked. I thought you guys were so solid, the perfect family. Looking back, were there any signs?”

“Yes, but I didn’t see it at the time. You know the convertible he gave me for my birthday? Well, we don’t do that. That was very much out of character for Cory. I think it may have been a guilt gift. He was working really late the week before my birthday. All those nights he worked late or went back to the office after dinner—well, he may have been doing something else.”

“So now what? Do you want to try to save the marriage?” Emma asked.

Mandy sighed and grabbed a fresh tissue. “I’m not sure that I can. The trust is gone. Cory packed a bag and moved out this morning.I told him I’d let I’m know what I want to do.”

Jill nodded. “It’s a horrible situation, but maybe it’s best to be decisive about it. I would imagine it would be harder to try to make it work.”

“Part of me wants to try to fix it, but I feel physically ill now when I look at him.I’m not sure we can come back from something like this. It’s just the shock of it all. It was so unexpected, though I guess I missed other signs too. He’s been short with me more often and hasn’t been all that fun to be around. I just assumed it was work stress.”

“What can we do to help?” Emma asked.

Mandy looked at both of her sisters and her eyes welled up again. She was so grateful that they were there.

“There’s really nothing to do. I’m just glad you’re here and that we have Mimi’s Place. It is a blessing really and will give me something to focus on.”

“If you need help with the kids or anything, please let us know,” Jill offered.

“Yes, definitely,” Emma agreed.

Mandy smiled as a thought came to her. “You know there is something. When I got this place ready for you, I found a diary on Gram’s desk and started reading it. I think I mentioned it. Have you guys seen it? It was a fascinating peek into her life. If you don’t mind, I’d love to borrow it. I’ll have more time for reading now with Cory gone.”

“Of course. I haven’t seen it. Have you, Jill?”

“No. I didn’t know Grams even had a diary.”

“When I finish, I’ll bring it back so you can read too. Oh, and we have our meeting with Paul later today.”

Emma looked concerned. “Are you sure you’re up for that?”

“I’m looking forward to it. To seeing what Paul thinks and to get started on these changes. I’ll need a project to focus on now more than ever.”





Paul came in early to meet with Mandy, Emma and Jill about the consultant’s suggestions. They grabbed coffee and went into the function room side of the restaurant, so it would be quiet. Mandy walked through the list of recommendations, and Paul was surprised to find himself agreeing with most of them, except for cutting staff. They were all in agreement that Grams wouldn’t have supported that idea and they didn’t plan to, either.

He especially agreed with the suggestion to get new carpet in the dining room and to hang local art on the walls. As they went through everything, though, he couldn’t help but notice that something seemed a little off about Mandy.

“What are your thoughts on changing the menu?” Mandy asked.

Paul grinned. “I agree that it’s long overdue. I tried to add my own spin through the specials, but other than that the menu really hasn’t changed much over the years.”

“I thought it might be good to have a grand reopening party of sorts. Invite the regulars, local businesses and hotels and have samples of some of the new menu additions—whatever you decide on. If you are up for it?” He could tell Mandy was excited about putting the event together.

“We thought it might be a good way to thank the regulars and get the word out about the new menu,” Jill added.

Paul thought about it for a moment and realized it was a smart idea, and a good chance for him to show them what he could do. It would be a fun challenge. “I like it. I have some ideas on menu items. Let me think about this and get back to you with what I have in mind. Sound good?”

“That sounds perfect,” Jill said and Emma nodded in agreement.

Mandy took a deep breath. “Good. I am looking forward to this event. It will give me something to focus on.” She glanced at her two sisters and then at Paul and hesitated for a moment as if she wasn’t sure whether to continue. Emma reached out and grabbed her hand and Jill nodded. Paul knew then that his initial sense that Mandy wasn’t quite herself was on target. Something was wrong.