“But this isn’t really a date. Maddy is coming remember?” Sonja tried to argue, tried to come up with any reason not to set foot in her competitor’s restaurant.
“All the more reason for you to keep your promise, to both of us. Besides, I’m going to take what I can get. Who knows how long before I’m caught up in another whirlwind of some crazy new investigation. Haunted Falls seems to attract weird events.”
“How can you seriously say all that? I think you’d support your girlfriend and her business a little more,” Alison butted in.
“Ally,” Sonja sighed, holding up a hand for her to be quiet. “Frank is right. I owe this to him. I made a promise.” She turned and looked at her boyfriend.
Frank’s smile was now coming back full force, lighting up the whole room with his excitement.
“But, Sonja,” Alison tried to argue.
“No, no. Underhanded competition or not, my relationship with Frank is more important,” the redhead insisted.
“Oh,” Ally groaned. “Fine. Do what you want.” Walking off, she disappeared into the diner’s tiny office.
“Thanks, Sonj’. I knew I could count on you.” He reached out and gently touched her hand which was resting on the counter.
“Still, this won’t stop me in my crusade of taking Shakeman down,” she noted.
“Oh, I totally agree you should do that,” he added his approval, “but after our steak dinner.”
“You’re right.”
“So, pick you and Maddy up at seven?”
“Sounds perfect.” Folding her hands behind her back, she pushed out another big smirk.
Now all she had to do was make it through the evening without strangling Tanner Shakeman. She only hoped she wouldn’t see him that night.
* * *
“I’m so excited to go out with you and Frank. It’s been so long since I’ve gone anywhere,” Maddy exclaimed, looking at herself in the bathroom mirror and putting on a fresh layer of lipstick.
“Your grandparents don’t go out to eat much?” Sonja asked, aware that her friend was currently living on her grandpfather's farm in Idaho.
“Not only that, there just isn’t anywhere to eat. I mean, we live out in the middle of nowhere, Sonja.”
“I suppose that makes sense,” she agreed, checking her eyeliner one more time before leaving the bathroom. “Well, I’m glad I decided to keep the date, then.”
“You didn’t have to. I know what they’re trying to do,” Maddy replied.
“You mean completely undercut my business?” she grumbled.
“I’m so sorry this is happening.” Putting her lipstick away she turned to face her friend. “It’s really unfair.”
“I’m sure Tanner Shakeman would be more than happy if I went out of business.” Walking across the living room, she grabbed her purse off the desk and dropped her liner pen inside. “This is all a power play, because I took the number one slot here in Haunted Falls. His business could do perfectly well, never making a cent less, at the number two slot. But noooooo.” She grumpily pulled the purse over her shoulder. “He has to show how powerful and prideful he is by purposefully stealing my customers.”
“We don’t know that’s going to happen yet. In fact, your customers may be loyal enough that he has to stop this charade before it even gets off the ground,” Maddy pointed out.
Sonja could only let out a long sigh. “I doubt it.”
There was a knock on the front door, indicating that Frank was there to pick them up.
“Okay, no more talk about the Firehouse Grill fiasco,” she ordered Maddy. “We’re going to have fun tonight, and that’s that.”
CHAPTER 3
* * *
The Firehouse Grill was near the end of Lakeside Drive, at one of the higher points of town overlooking the valley. The old firehouse even had a special balcony dining area where people could sit, if they paid an extra price, to have the best view.
The main dining area was located where the firetruck garage used to be. The large doors had been replaced with permanent windows, making the whole place glow warmly in the dark evening.
Getting out of the car, Frank took a woman on each arm—something that Sonja found herself laughing at—and led them to the front door.
She was glad to be enjoying herself already and hoped their meal continued along the same course.
Upon stepping inside, they came to the podium where the host or hostess would usually be standing. This time, however, no one was there.
“Probably took a bathroom break,” Sonja said, looking around to see if she could spot anyone in the restaurant’s uniform who could help seat them. Despite her better judgment, she was also keeping an eye out for Tanner Shakeman. If he was around, she just might not be able to contain herself.
She swore up and down that she wouldn’t have a confrontation with him while out on their date, especially in public. She would, however, give him dirty looks behind his back. If nothing else, it would help her feel better.
“Let’s just sit here and wait a minute,” Frank offered, pointing to the red leather padded bench where patrons could wait to be seated.
“Sounds good to me,” Maddy chimed in.
Just as they were all about to settle in, completely content to wait, an irritated shout came from across the room. “Where the devil is the host? We have customers waiting.” Suddenly appearing from behind the bar was a tall slender businessman with perfectly moussed silver hair atop his head.
Sonja instantly recognized Tanner Shakeman.
“He was there just a moment ago,” Tanner’s assistant and communications director Dickson Briarson replied.
“I told you hiring him was a mistake,” he grumbled, still loudly enough for Sonja to hear. “I guess I’ll take care of them myself.”
“Oh no. Oh no, no, no,” Sonja whispered to herself as the man came traipsing over toward them, his nose in the air like the world owed him some great debt.
“Good evening, folks,” he smiled at them. Suddenly, his eyes widened slightly and his seemingly sincere smile took on a much more mischievous nature. “Well, well, well. This is a real pleasure, isn’t it?”
Sonja bit her bottom lip, smearing her lipstick, to keep from saying something she would later regret.
“Good evening, Tanner,” Frank greeted him, holding out a hand.
The restaurant owner gladly took the hand and shook it. “Who knew? Our own sheriff out to dinner here at my grill,” he said with a triumphant flair, turning to look at his competition. “Now, this is truly a delight. The one and only Sonja Reed, the owner of the finest restaurant in Haunted Falls, coming to dine at my establishment.” Stepping closer to Sonja, he took her hand and kissed it.
It took everything in her being to keep from using that same hand to sock him right in the mouth
“Charmed,” she replied, trying not to gag.
Next, he turned toward Maddy. “And who is this vision of beauty? I feel like I should know your name.”
“This is Maddy,” Frank introduced her.
“Nice to meet you,” she greeted, holding out her hand.
Similarly, he kissed it. “The pleasure is all mine, my dear.”
“You probably recognize her from TV,” Frank informed him.
“On television?” Tanner gasped pretending to be in awe. .
“I was Maddy The Mystic on The Spook Show,” the young woman answered.
“Of course, of course. I remember seeing you when it was still on the air.” Turning to take in the whole trio, he beamed, clearly basking in this opportunity. “I’m so sorry you had to wait. We have a new host and he just isn’t quite up to speed yet. If you don’t mind, I’ll show you to your table.”
“Sounds good,” Frank said, trying to keep things even and calm between the two restaurant owners.
“This way please,” he directed, leading them to a table sitting directly in front of one of the glass windows looking out across the parking lot and road toward the la
ke. “Does this suit your needs?”
“Very much so,” Frank replied amiably.
“Fantastic. I would have offered you the balcony seat, but we don’t usually open that to the public until late June, when it’s warmed up more.”
“No problem. We appreciate the thought,” Frank replied.
“You’ll have to come another time during the summer and I’ll make sure you get those seats.”
Sonja was having a hard time not making faces. Tanner was being so happy and welcoming simply because he wanted to rub his new business plan in her face.
“Now, here are your menus,” Tanner announced, handing out a copy of the colorful laminated list of dishes to the three patrons, “You’ll notice there are some new items on there I think you’ll enjoy. Just look under Waffles.”
Sonja’s hand clutched tightly around her napkin clad silverware as she examined the menu, turning her knuckles completely white.
“Oh, and everything is on the house tonight,” he beamed, purposefully eyeing Sonja like he’d won some sort of prize. Finally, he waltzed off.
“I’m gonna kill him,” she muttered.
CHAPTER 4
* * *
After ordering their food, Sonja started to get a headache. She’d been quietly seething about the pompous attitude with which Shakeman had presented himself like he was better than her.
She knew he was trying to rub it in, that he had purposefully targeted her and her business. Thankfully, after taking a few deep breaths and reminding herself that she was here to be with Frank and Maddy—not to be angry and confrontational with Tanner—she calmed down some. The headache began to slowly dissipate as well.
“Are you sure about what you ordered?” Frank asked, whispering in Sonja’s ear.
“What’s wrong with what I ordered?” she shot back.
“You got the Steak, Egg, and Waffle. Are you sure that won’t make you more angry?”
“I’ll be fine,” she responded, smiling and placing one hand on her boyfriend’s knee under the table.
He smiled back. “Okay, I just don’t want you to stress yourself out. We’re here to have a good time, remember?”
“And I am having a good time,” she told him.
“Good, because you’ve been off in your own little world ever since we sat down.”
“I’m fine, really.” She waved a hand dismissively at him.
Frank shook his head. “I’m really sorry that Tanner was acting so cocky. I really appreciate your cool attitude through all of this. I’m not sure a lot of people could have kept things under wraps like you did.”
She squeezed his knee. “Thanks.”
“Oh, here comes our food,” Maddy interrupted their whispered conversation.
The waiter walked out with a large tray in tow, balancing it miraculously on one hand. Unfolding a wooden stand, he set the tray down. “A Classic Steak and Potato dish for the gentleman,” he said, placing the steaming plate in front of Frank. “Lemon and Herb Fish with a side of Truffle Fries for the young lady,” he placed the food in front of Maddy. “And last but not least, a Steak, Egg, and Waffle for the beautiful woman.”
Sonja eyed the dish carefully as it was set in front of her.
“Enjoy.” Gathering up the now empty tray and stand, he walking back toward the kitchen.
The first thing she noticed about the plate was the presentation. The steak had the perfect seared lines you often saw in catalogs and cookbooks, along with a sprinkling of herbs along the top. A sprig of rosemary acted as a green garnish to set off the delightfully browned meat. Next to the steak was the most unbelievable fried egg she’d ever seen. She couldn’t even comprehend how they cooked it so evenly with a bright yellow middle, white border, and the exact amount of crispiness on the edge. Vic had fried eggs down to a science, and they were delicious, but they never looked like this.
Finally, she got to the waffle. They’d included two triangles stacked one on another, a perfectly square pat of butter adorning them. A small ceramic dish of jalapeno-raspberry preserves, with seeds still in it, sat on the side.
The appearance of the food was leaps and bounds above her own, but that was to be expected. This was a fancy restaurant and steak house, hers was a quaint diner.
However, this still didn’t help her to feel better about the situation. She instantly found herself wondering if there was a better way to present her own dishes.
She noticed Frank was eyeing her, making sure she was okay. While Maddy and Frank had just started in on their food, Sonja had just sat there and starred at hers.
She let out a quiet laugh and unrolled her napkin, exposing her fork. Time for the taste test. Picking up the utensil she carefully cut into the waffles. Dipping it into the jam, she lifted it to her mouth.
She paused there, her mouth hanging open, when she spotted Shakeman across the room staring at her, a sickening smile on his face and one raised eyebrow—anticipating her first bite.
“Sonja?” Frank asked, wondering what his girlfriend was doing.
Without another word, she shoveled the forkful of waffle into her mouth. Chewing slowly, savoring the mixture of flavors. Groaning inwardly, she was disappointed that it tasted so good. The perfect blend of buttery flavor along with the crisp outer layer and the fluffy inside made for a delightful experience—and Sonja hated it.
If she didn’t know any better, she’d guess that he somehow had completely duplicated her own waffle batter. How was it even possible?
Smiling triumphantly, Tanner walked off behind the bar.
“Mind if I try some?” Frank asked, leaning over and pointing his fork at the waffle.
Sonja pushed the plate away from herself with a quiet grunt. “Go ahead.”
Cutting into the waffle, Frank ate it without the jelly. After chewing for a second he shrugged. “It’s okay. Not as good as yours.”
She couldn’t help but roll her eyes. She knew he was just being nice, but it did make her feel better.
“I’m serious,” he pointed his fork at her, “These weren’t made with the same love you put into yours.”
“You’re such a goof sometimes.”
“Can I try it, too?” Maddy asked.
“Go right ahead,” Sonja offered. “Enjoy.”
Maddy dug her fork into it, dipping it into the jelly and coating her bite in the purple condiment. Taking the bite, she chewed and savored it. “It’s tasty, but it just isn’t The Waffle.”
“You guys,” she laughed. “You don’t need to lie.”
“We’re serious, Sonj’. It may scratch an itch for some people, but it simply doesn’t compare to yours,” Frank insisted.
“He’s right,” Maddy added. “He’s absolutely right.”
Sonja couldn’t help but smile. “You always know how to make things better,” she told them.
Unfortunately, their moment of peace didn’t last long.
“Where the devil is that darn host?” Came the irritated question from behind the bar. Tanner had emerged from the back and was looking at the front entrance. Another group had just come in and was waiting around for the host to seat them.
Running forward, Shakeman greeted the guests and apologized. “Please, let me show you to your table.”
Before he could lead them off, however, a young man with a mop of blonde hair and a shaggy looking goatee approached the podium. Despite his disheveled appearance, he wore the outfit of a host.
“There you are,” Shakeman exclaimed. “Where have you been? We have customers waiting.”
“Sorry, Mr. Shakeman. I’ll get right on it,” he mumbled in an unsure tone.
“No, absolutely not. I will not be kept waiting by some raggedy haired young man who has no respect for me as a boss or his position here at my establishment.”
The host looked like he might be sick. “You mean, I’m fired?”
“Dismissed, yes,” Shakeman insisted.
“B-but, I need this job. I don’t know what else I’ll do.”
“That is hardly my problem.”
The group who was waiting to be seated looked uncomfortable with the situation, and Sonja could hardly blame them. Even if one of her employees had acted completely incompetent, she would never fire them in front of a dining room full of patrons. It was simply rude if not completely unprofessional.
“Please, Mr. Shakeman. I’ll do better. Just don’t fire me,” the host begged.
“No, you’re done. Get out of my sight.”
The boy looked down at his feet, prepared to leave when another voice intervened.
“Mr. Shakeman, please. This was all my fault,” said another man, tall and buff like a sailor, who had just come from the kitchen. He wore a white apron and a chef’s hat.
“Mr. Handy, get back into the kitchen. This is none of your concern,” Tanner insisted.
“It is, sir,” he insisted. “This is my fault. I asked the boy to come back and help me for just a minute.”
“And he chose to follow you, didn’t he? Therefore, it is his fault and he must face the consequences,” the boss asserted himself.
“Mr. Shakeman, please,” the host put his hands together pleadingly. “Really, I can do better. I really, really need this job.”
“See? He’s sorry and willing to work harder. It won’t happen again,” the cook motioned to the young man.
“It won’t, honest.”
Shakeman looked from one to the other. “I’m not changing my mind.”
“Mr. Shakeman,” the chef pleaded.
“Mr. Handy, get back in the kitchen. I will deal with you shortly.”
The cook looked like he might say something more, but decided against it and headed off toward the kitchen.
Tanner turned back toward the host. “Goodbye, Mr. Pitman.”
A tear ran down the young man’s face. “She was right about you,” he whispered. “You’re nothing but a tyrant.” Turning, he ran from the restaurant.
CHAPTER 5
* * *
“My apologies everyone,” Shakeman announced to the dining room. “Everyone can have a free drink on the house.” With that, he turned to guide the waiting guests to their table.
High Steaks Waffle (The Diner of the Dead Series Book 16) Page 2