Howie made some business calls for both Backstreet Boys, and the Lupus Foundation.  He just got off his last phone call, when he realized he was on the phone for 3 hours.  His stomach was growling when he got the signal for lunch.  He was going to go in the refrigerator when he got a flash of an idea.  He grabbed his keys and left his house. ~*~ Essence had just finished the “lunch rush” as Ally called it, and they had just cleaned up.  “Got everything done?” asked Ally. “Yup, looks like we’ll be slow for a few hours and all the inventory is done,” Kira was wiping the tables. “Hmmm, looks like we wait around,” Ally scratched her head. Kira and Ally sat at one of the tables, when they heard the bell ring.  They turned around to see Howie standing there.  “Hi.” “Hi,” said Ally.  “What are you doing here?” “Well, since this is a food shop, and I am hungry, thought I would eat.” “Sure,” said Ally.  “What can I get you?”  Howie looked at the menu.  “The chicken cordon bleu sounds good.” “Coming up,” Kira got up and prepared the food.  She looked over at Ally.  No daggers for eyes, she actually seemed… happy. “Mind if I sit?” Howie pulled out a chair. “No, join me,” Ally put her hand out and Howie took a seat.  “So what’s up?” “Just finished up for the afternoon.  Made a lot of calls, same old business shit.  You?” “Same,” said Ally.  Kira brought the food to Howie with a bottle of water. “How much?” he took out his wallet. “On the house,” smiled Ally. “Now I know where I can eat out,” winked Howie. Kira looked at the two of them.  “Uh, Kira, there’s some boxes that need to be opened up in the stock room.” “No problem.” “Oh, Kira?  What’s your sister’s name so I can get the picture?” “Wow you remembered?” “Howard never forgets, he’s like an elephant.” Ally laughed. “Lisa.” Kira responded. “Thanks,” said Howie.  Kira went to the back.  “You know, you can call me Howie like everyone else.” “I’m not everyone else,” responded Ally.  “That still feels weird to me when people call you Howie.” “Fair enough,” he took a bite.  “Mmm, that is really good.” “Glad you like it.” “So, when did you open this place?” “Last year.  I saved up when I was working at this PR firm, then I decided to quit and start my own business.  I went to college with Kira and asked her to help me run this place.” “And from the taste of this food, I can tell you’re doing real well.” “Can’t complain, I make my own way.  How’s the foundation coming?” “Real good.  We got a big fundraiser coming up, you know, celebrities donating items, and some performances.  I’m hoping to get a couple of grand off of it.” “Well, if there’s anyway that I can help out, let me know.” “Will do.” Howie and Ally had a longer conversation when Ally looked at the clock.  “Listen, I have to get ready for the dinner crowd.” “OK, I should get going.” Howie got up.  “Say goodbye to Kira for me.” “No problem.  Bye.” “Bye,” he left the store.  Kira ran from the back.  “OK, he’s gone, now tell.” “Tell what?” “Whoa!  You come in a few weeks ago and tell me to kick this guy out, and now you want me to give him a free lunch?” “Well, we kind of worked things out, and we’re trying to have a friendship again.” “That’s my girl.” Kira ruffled Ally’s hair. “You are so fired for that.” “Yeah, yeah,” laughed Kira. Chapter 9 Contents Chapter 7