Together they walked out of the kitchen. In the shadow behind the archway, Angie paused. "You see that girl?"
"She ordered the lasagna," Mama said. "Looks like she loved it. "
"I want . . . Im going to hire her to work nights and weekends. "
"Shes too young. "
"Im hiring her. And shes not too young. Livvy and Mira were waitressing at a much earlier age. "
Mama shifted and frowned, studying the girl. "She doesnt look Italian. "
"She isnt. "
Mama drew in a sharp breath and pulled Angie deeper into the shadows. "Now look here--"
"Do you want me to help you in the restaurant?"
"Yes, but--"
"Then let me help. "
"Rosa will feel slighted. "
"Honestly, Mama, I think shell be glad. Last night she bumped into the walls twice. Shes tired. Shell welcome the help. "
"High school girls never work out. Ask your papa. "
"We cant ask Papa. This is for you and me to decide. "
Mama seemed to deflate at the reminder about Papa. The wrinkles in her cheeks deepened. She bit down on her lower lip and peered around the corner again. "Her hair is a mess. "
"Its raining out. I think shes been looking for work. The way you did, remember, in Chicago, when you and Papa were first married. "
The memory seemed to soften Mama. "Her shoes have holes in them, and her blouse is too small. Poor thing. Still. " She frowned. "The last redhead who worked here stole a whole nights receipts. "
"Shes not going to steal from us. "
Mama pulled away from the wall and walked down the hallway toward the kitchen. She was talking, whispering, the whole time, gesturing wildly.
If Angie closed her eyes, she might have seen her father there, standing firm, smiling gently at his wifes theatrics even as he disagreed with her.
Mama spun around and came back to Angie. "He always thought you were the smart one. Fine. Hire this girl but dont let her use the register. "
Angie almost laughed at that, it was so absurd. "Okay. "
"Okay. " Mama turned on her heel and left the restaurant.
Angie glanced out the window. Mama was marching down the street, arguing with a man who wasnt there.
"Thanks, Papa," Angie said, smiling as she walked through the now empty restaurant.
Lauren looked up at her. "That was delicious," she said, sounding nervous. She folded her napkin carefully and set it on the table.
"My mother can really cook. " Angie sat down across from the girl. "Are you a responsible employee?"
"Completely. "
"We can count on you to show up on time?"