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Chapter Eight
Sylvia’s dining room would be opening to the public that evening, so Eddy began preparations before dawn. There were cakes to make and chickens to pluck. She peeled potatoes and shucked corn and sat outside with a bowl in her lap and shelled peas. By the time she took the cornbread out of the oven just before the diners arrived, she was more tired than she’d imagined she’d be. Luckily, she didn’t have to serve, too. Sylvia had hired help for that, a Paiute woman named Maria Valdez and her adolescent sons, Jonas and Wilson. The Indian family was both friendly and efficient.
The number of diners was small, but like the boarders, must have found the food very much to their liking because Maria kept coming into the kitchen for more servings. At one point Eddy told her, “This is the very last piece of cornbread, Maria.”
“Mr.Granger the fishmonger isn’t going to be happy, but I’ll let him know.”
Sylvia came in while Eddy was slicing the last cake. “Eddy, honey. The people want to meet you.”
Eddy glanced down at the food-stained apron covering her skirt and blouse.
Sylvia wouldn’t let her beg off. “Just come. It’ll only be for a minute or two.”
Giving her hands a quick rinse under the tap, Eddy stepped out into the dining room. Boisterous applause greeted her entrance, which filled her with both embarrassment and appreciation. Carpenter Zeke Reynolds was among them and she sent him a shy smile. Then one by one the diners introduced themselves, telling her how much they enjoyed the food and welcoming her to Virginia City. She already knew Mr.Granger and Zeke, but she didn’t know the others and hoped she’d remember their names. She would, however, remember this special evening and how they made her feel. They promised to spread the word about her great cooking and that they’d be back on Sunday with friends.
As people paid their bills and departed, Eddy began clearing the tables. Zeke walked over to her. “I may have to marry you, little lady. Your food was outstanding.”
Eddy laughed. “Is that the only qualification you’re looking for in a wife, Mr.Reynolds?”
“Call me Zeke.”
She nodded. “Okay, Zeke. Is it?”
“Hmm. Let’s see, good cook, beautiful, well spoken, likes baseball.”
Eddy chuckled. He was indeed a charmer. “I need to get back to work.”
“I understand.” But for a moment he simply stood there, his interest in her on full display. “I’ll see you at the big game.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Basking in her triumphant first outing and brimming with happiness over the nice encounter with Zeke, she joined Maria and her sons in the kitchen for the cleanup. When all the dishes and pots were put in their places, they went home. Maria did the housekeeping so she’d be back in the morning.
On the heels of their departure a smiling Sylvia breezed into the kitchen. “You made the house quite a bit of money this evening, Eddy Carmichael.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“And the food was delicious. My old cook was good but he can’t hold a candle to you.”
It had been a long time since Eddy had been praised for anything, and she hadn’t realized how much she’d been craving a kind word until then. “I enjoyed myself.”
“So did the men, especially Zeke. I saw him talking to you.”
“He’s nice.”
“That he is. Did I mention he was unattached?”
Eddy laughed. “Yes, Sylvie, you did.”
“I wasn’t sure. Now, did you get a chance to eat?”
“Yes, ma’am, I did.”
“Then go on up to your room and get some rest, you’ve earned it.”
“I’m going to get the kitchen ready for breakfast in the morning and then go up.”
“Okay. So pleased to have you here, honey.”
