Lucy broke down in tears and rushed over to hug Sandy.

"Every time... Every time I close my eyes I see him. His innocent eyes. I can't sleep. I can't Sandy!"

she spent a minute or two letting it all out. then she let go of Sandy.

"God I can't be seen like this *sniff*. I'm made. Nuccio is gonna kill me." she said, wiping her tears.

She drank some more coffee and sat back down. Her head was throbbing but she didn't care.

"I haven't eaten since yesterday evening. Could I get a southern style tea cake before I come upstairs?"

It broke Sandy's heart to see Lucy feeling this way, but she was relieved that the woman felt comfortable enough to come here. That's exactly what Sandy wanted this place to be. 

"Of course, sugar. We'll go on up and I'll have Jane bring some upstairs, and we're going to talk this out and get you feeling better."

She stood up and took the coffee pot and Lucy's cup, then grabbed the second one off the table for herself.

"Jane, can you please bring up a tray of...hell just bring some of all the sweet stuff. And a few extra tea cakes. If you and Miss Helen can hold down the fort this morning, I'd really appreciate it."

Turning back to Lucy, she nodded toward the stairs.

"Come on, let's get upstairs and get some food in you. You'll feel better then."

Lucy slowly stood up and followed Sandy upstairs and into Sandy's office.

"Last time I walked in here I was all serious. Now look at me. I'm pathetic."

She took a seat and stared at the window.

"I'm sorry about this... I didn't wanna ruin your day with my bullshit. I'll pick up my gun and just go."

Lucy was devastated. If she got a gun now, one would assume she might just turn it to herself and pull the trigger.

Sandy was untying her apron at the door when Lucy mentioned leaving, and looked up quickly while she reached out and shut the door to the office.

"No ma'am, you're gonna sit right back down there and take a breath. You look like you got rode hard and put up wet. At the very least you need some food, but where I come from we don't let our folks go when they're still draggin' like this."

Taking her chair from behind the desk, Sandy pulled it over to where Lucy was and sat down, smoothing her skirt over her legs and smiling.

"Now first thing you need to know is that I got up at 3:30 this morning and had to take my neighbor's dog downstairs and walk it nearly all the way down the block before it did it's business in the freezing cold before I could go back in to get ready for work this morning; so believe you me, there ain't no amount of bullshit you could bring that could be worse than that. I've already done the worst thing I could have had to do today. Talking with a friend who needs an ear is faaar from that, Miss lady."

There was a knock at the door, then Jane came in with a tray loaded with tea cakes, tarts, and cookies. She left them on the little coffee table then disappeared again, closing the door. Sandy reached over and took a pecan tart then sat back. 

"Now, you go on and eat something, and you tell me whatever you want to- or don't. But I can tell you for sure that neither Gio or Mr. Nuccio are chewin' any nails about what happened with that tailor."

Lucy took a deep breath and grabbed a plate from the tray.

"The guy has... a family..."

She pulled out an envelope full of cash from her jacket's inner pocket and threw it on the ground.

She couldn't help herself and started tearing up again.

"I was supposed to bring... *sniff* this envelope to his family... I couldn't do it Sandy. I couldn't find them. I couldn't sleep so I searched for them... All night I was up..."

There was a long pause.

"I went to the church this morning... The father saw me like this and suggested I confessed to him... I didn't do it. I can't."

She took a bite from the cake. It tasted bitter than she remembered. But she didn't care. She was hungry.

Looking at the envelope on the floor, several thoughts were coursing through Sandy's mind at a hundred miles an hour. She had an idea already forming. 

"You leave that to me, Lucy. I'll take care of the cash, and the family. I'm going to see that they are taken care of, and they don't need to know where it came from- just that they are gonna be alright."

Momentarily, she rolled her eyes a little and smirked.

"And don't you worry about that priest. Listen, my family was protestant, we don't believe you have to tell some preacher in a box everything you did to be forgiven. God already knows what we did, all he cares about is what's on your heart about it."

Sandy poured herself a cup of coffee and sat back, looking at Lucy with the face that an older sister might give when she knows something.

"I think it's pretty obvious what's on yours, honey. You chose a hard business for yourself; but you're one tough cookie with a good heart. You still did what you were asked to do for your family, don't forget that."

Lucy lets out a sigh of relief.

"Thanks Sandy. You know you don't have to do anything."

Lucy reaches into her pocket and pulls out a piece of paper. She then grabs a pen from Sandy's desk and writes down a number.

"This is the number for my apartment. If you ever need anything... And I mean anything... Money, a favor, top-tier coke, a car bomb whatever. Call me."

Lucy grabbed some tarts and cookies and stuffed her face with them.

"What do you put in these anyway? They're so tasty."

She felt a tiny bit better. Getting some things off her chest really seemed to help her out.

Grinning, Sandy took a sip of her coffee and shrugged.

"Butter. It ain't all that special, really; it's just using real ingredients rather than that fake stuff people are using nowadays. Don't get me wrong, there's a place for margarine in cooking, but it ain't baking.
 

She was glad to see Lucy starting to relax a bit. Hopefully she would want to sleep soon. A full belly and weight off her shoulders would likely do the trick.

"While you're here, I have a question you might be able to help me out with. I've been thinking of getting a car. I haven't driven much myself, and when I did it was just Daddy's old farm truck. But now that I'm doing more work here and possibly for Mr. Nuccio, I have been thinking I might need something for myself rather than getting cabs all the time. I don't want something real big and hard to maneuver, but I don't know a thing about driving when the streets are icy or snowy. I really don't know where to begin. Have you got any suggestions?"

"Well I am thinking a Chevrolet Bel Air would serve you just fine. Unless you'd like a convertible? If you want people to stare at you then you can get a Porsche 550 Spyder..."

Lucy stopped for a minute.

"Oh and don't worry about the budget. I can lend you all the cash you need. You can pay me back whenever."

Lucy continued to stuff food in her mouth.

"Man these are worse than coke. I can eat forever."

"A convertible, oh my goodness, I don't think so. Just something...practical. I certainly don't want or need anyone staring at me."

Sandy gestured around.

"As many funny looks as I get sometimes, this little old place is doing pretty well, actually. That's awfully kind of you, but I'll be able to manage the cost. Your advice is extremely valuable, though. I think I might go look at one of those Bel Air cars."

She giggled at Lucy's comment on the food.

"Well, they do keep folks coming back, so maybe I've got my own little empire started. Who knows?"

Lucy spent the next few minutes chatting with Sandy. She then looked at the time.

"Oof look at the time. I better go."

She stood up.

"Even after so much coffee, I'm still half asleep. Wouldn't wanna pass out in your office. I'll probably be off for the day and won't be answering my phone. If Nuccio calls, please let him know."

Lucy was just about to leave when she suddenly remembered.

"I almost forgot. My gun."

Sandy got up and went to her desk, reaching underneath for the shoe box. As she brought it over to Lucy, she looked the young woman in the eye.

"You sure you're good to take this back? No one looking for you now? I can keep it a bit longer if needed. It's no trouble. I just want to make sure you're alright."

Her expression let Lucy know that there was a double meaning to the last part of her words.

Lucy opened the shoe box and looked at her gun. She then took a deep breath.

"I'll... I'll be alright. I promise."

She took the gun and made sure the safety was on as she shoved it in her jacket's pocket.

"Thank you Sandy. You're a good woman. I really appreciate what you did for me today."

Lucy was about to step out when she suddenly turned around to say one last thing.

"Hey. I am serious. You have my number. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to give me a call." she said, then left.

As she walked downstairs she bumped into Jane.

"You look much better miss." Jane said.

"Yeah... Your boss really knows what she's doing..." Lucy said.

She then gets $150 out of her pocket and hands it to Jane.

"Do me a favor. Take care of her." she said, then stepped outside.

With a clearer head and a full stomach, Lucy got on her bike and rode off.

Two Months Later

The Tea Room had become quite the bright spot in the cold of a late Detroit winter. The coffee was hot, the service was warm and hospitable, and the food was something to write home about. Thanks to the growing popularity, some new menu additions, and some wise investments in equipment and building upgrades, Sandy was able to bring Remi, Norris, and Jane on as full-time staff. Miss Helen opted to remain part-time due to her age, but was happy to accept a raise. 

With the brothers now full-time in the kitchen, the menu had expanded to offering lunch specials alongside the regular menu. The newest additions included:

Aunt Nancy's Fried Chicken
Pulled Pork Shoulder (Sandwich or Carolina Style)
Shrimp & Grits w/ House made Andouille Sausage
Potato Salad
Coleslaw
Seasoned Black-eyed Peas

Beignets
Banana Pudding

The new menu items brought a lot of curious and hungry customers, and the need for more seating quickly became apparent. With some good advice from friends, Sandy decided to purchase the building directly behind the tea room and expand that way. It would take some time, but eventually there would be plenty more seating, and a much larger kitchen. Construction began shortly after, with Sandy's insistence that it not disturb her current customers. 

The additional space of the new building included a rather large basement- a feature her current building didn't have. This was something that Sandy, now a Made member of the Cararra crew, considered use of carefully. Her job as a front for a wildly successful money laundering operation and information clearinghouse thus far had been working fine; but she had always felt that she should be doing more. With limited access to this large, empty space, she figured it had to be good for something else. Just...what?
 

Lucy had been a regular by now and was excited to hear that the place was going to be expanded. When she got there, it was even fuller than she remembered. The quiet mornings where Lucy enjoyed a cup of coffee with barely anyone around were now a thing of the past. She was also excited to hear about the new menu and wanted to give it a try. When she arrived, she was greeted by Jane with a smile.

"Jane how are you? I heard you turned full time now!"

"Hello miss Lucy! Yes I did. So did the kitchen staff. You gotta try Aunt Nancy's fried chicken and the Banana Pudding. They're so good."

"Really? I'll have those two then. How's Sandy?"

"She's doing well. Keeping busy... Now if you'll excuse me."

"Of course." Lucy said.

She lit a cigarette as she awaited her order. Even though the place was full of people, the warm and welcoming vibe stayed the same, just as she liked it.

Entering Mrs. Ruthies Palmetto Tea Room. Sonny leads and Duchess and makes sure she can get her coat hanged by calling over one of the staff. While awaiting being lead to a table his eyes scan for Sandy-Sullivan Turning his head to the young lady at his side he smiles and says.

This place is really looking flashy, those Palmetto trees really sets the atmosphere dont they? With this sort of effort put into the interior i cant wait to taste their food. Oh seems theres a table for us now. Lets go miss Duchess 

Sonny walks to the table and takes out the chair and awaits she sits down.

Remi pulled two baskets of fried chicken and called out.

"Two out, two more goin' in!"

That was shortly followed by the sound of hot oil crackling and popping as two more baskets of hand-breaded chicken went down into the brand new fryer. Norris was across the kitchen elbows-deep in a pan of pork shoulder that had just come off the smoker out back, and the luxurious smell of smoked meat was wafting from the kitchen clear through the whole place. Grinning, Sandy couldn't help but think of her Grandaddy every time she smelled it. Taking a big bowl of the new banana pudding in one arm, Sandy headed out to the dining room to serve guests with a sample. As she liked to do, she spoke to each guest for a few moments; the ones she knew and the ones she didn't, like they were old friends. 

"Hey there, darlin!" She said when she came to Lucy's usual table, finding her friend enjoying some time there. "I want to talk to you about something. Give me a minute or two and I'll come back and set a spell with you."

She left a big helping of the banana pudding on Lucy's plate, even though she already knew Lucy loved it. Coming around the corner, she spied another member of her family. 

"Why Mr. Trabiotti, what a pleasure to see you here! Welcome to the Palmetto Tea Room!"

Sandy smiled and nodded to the lady at his side.

"Hello, Miss. My name is Sandy. Y'all just relax and have whatever you like- Remi is on fire with the chicken today, and Norris just took some pulled pork off the smoker and it's to die for. Has Jane come for your drink orders yet?"

I hardly knew Sonny_Trabotti, but it was so cold outside that I found my arm under his, pulled down my hat, pulled up my collar, and snuggled next to him. 

Walking into Mrs. Ruthie's Palmetto Tea Room was like entering royalty. From the light lemon yellow décor, the framed black-and-white photos on the walls, the crisp white linen tablecloths, the finely polished flatware, and the Blue Willow China made me feel I should have come better dressed.

To top things off, Sonny escorted me to a table, and as we sat down, Sandy-Sullivan came over and greeted us.

I’m Duchess Ms Sullivan.  It’s so nice to meet you; I heard wonderful things about your restaurant and frankly have to admit they were all true.  This place is stunning.

A young lady came over to the table, introduced herself as Jane asking if we were ready to order.  I already knew what I wanted.  I had heard that the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad was awesome.

Svetlana had made her way to Detroit to see the shipment of a valuable piece of artwork. The artwork was a one of a kind and rather very expensive. As it was packed and ready to be shipped, she had decided to spend the night since the truck would not leave until the early morning the following day. As she walked about the city's Business District she noticed a particular Tea Room that was rather busier than the rest of the establishments. 

Mrs. Ruthie's Palmetto Tea Room was really something to admire. Along with the various customers in the fine place, was the owner Sandy-Sullivan ensuring her customers were being taken care of. Svetlana had never had anything from the South as she stayed primarily in Philadelphia and Chicago, but she was very intrigued to try some deviled eggs and even some Cajun cracklings. 

"Hello mam, can I please try some hot tea with those deviled eggs and cracklings please? I've never had these before..."

Sterling stepped up the white plank steps of Mrs. Ruthie’s Palmetto Tea Room, his polished boots making a soft tap against the wood. The bright coral building and haint blue porch ceiling brought an unexpected charm to Detroit’s downtown, but it was the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed tea that truly piqued his interest. He adjusted his tie, a wry smile creeping across his face as he surveyed the scene.

“Well,” he muttered under his breath, “if this doesn’t feel like I’ve wandered into Charleston by mistake.”

Inside, the Blue Willow china glinted under the light as Sterling found a seat near the window. The lemon-yellow walls and polished silverware were a far cry from the dusty tents of his tours in India, but the ritual of tea was universal. With a measured grace, he lifted the cup brought to him, inhaling the familiar warmth of a robust brew before taking a long, slow sip.

“Ah, that’s the stuff” he murmured, placing the cup down gently.

“Reminds me of the afternoons we’d sit under the banyan trees, sipping chai between campaigns. Simpler times, though the company was never this charming.”

He glanced toward Sandy and tipped his head in respect. “A fine establishment you have here, Miss Sandy. You’ve done your mama proud, I’ll say that much.” Turning his attention back to his cup, he chuckled softly.

“Proper tea, proper company—Detroit might just surprise me yet.”

With that, Sterling leaned back in his chair, content to savour the moment, his mind drifting between memories of far-off lands and the newfound comfort of Mrs. Ruthie’s southern charm.