Cross Roads

Gloria put her arm around Mori to console her. “Forget about them.  I have to give you credit, cowgirl, I know the despair you’re feelin’, and yet, you still sound strong. Let’s get on the phone and find some help.”

Outside, a car pulled up and a handsome cowboy stepped out, and headed for the back where Mori and Gloria stood, sizing up the damage. “Ladies,” he took off his hat to greet them. “I’m here to help, and some of my buddies will be here soon, so don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, we’ll have this place back like new before Cue gets out of the hospital.” Then Jimmy put his head down, and holding his hat in front of his heart, said, “We plan on giving Max a warm memorial in a few days. Can you two get over to his house sometime today, and pay your respects to Terry? And I think you should close your business for a couple of days.”

Mori was finding new strength with his presence, and said to Gloria, “He’s right, let’s hang up a sign that says we’ll reopen in a few days. After that, we’ll have to manage without serving food until the kitchen’s rebuilt. Jimmy, we can help plan a memorial for Max, but we can help here too. Just tell us what you need.”

At that moment, several cars and trucks pulled into the parking lot and a huge commotion could be heard. Several bodies and loads of supplies had come to their rescue, and it seemed that all would be ok.

“Mori, we’re going to drop off the supplies and we’ll be back to rebuild this as soon as the police and forensic investigators are finished here. It may be a couple of days, but we should be able to get started soon after the memorial.” Jimmy smiled at her, and again coaxed them to head over to see Terry.