Part 6

Dorothea was sitting at her desk, her signature cup of tea next to her, writing out a business plan. Not that she needed it. She was Dorothea Bongiovi. She could just lay out money and voila! Magic, and she had what she wanted.

She wanted this project to be as perfect as possible and that it would be hers and Jon's. Legal, too. Dot wanted to make sure no one could take it from her.

Dot sat back in her office chair and looked out the window. She loved this house. It had truly served its purpose when it came down to raising her kids. She was blessed that the township was so understanding in not taking pictures of her kids when they were growing up. Also, Jon had an agreement with the paparazzi in that he would pose for pictures if they left the kids alone.

All of a sudden there was a fresh cup of tea next to her. She turned quickly to see her son Jesse.

"Sweetheart," she said, standing to give him a hug.

"Hi Mom," Jesse said, hugging her back. "I am done with school for the day, so I thought I would see what you were up to."

"Not much. Just working on something."

"Mom, you are practically glowing. What are you working on."

"Promise you won't say anything? I haven't even told your father yet," she said, trying to contain her excitement.

"I promise," Jesse replied, making a cross your heart, boy scout sign.

"I am going to start a program to help feed the homeless."

"Wow. Mom. Really?" Jesse replied, with a big smile on his face. "How?"

"Short version, I will provide food and people can either pay or work for their meal. It will be available for homeless and regular people."

"That is exceptional."

"Yes, and I have written a business plan and I am headed to the lawyers."

"May I go with you?"

Dot looked at her son. He was a lot like her. Partners in crime. He had a good head for business. "Yes, I would love that."

~~~

Jon pulled the car to a stop. He got out and went around the car to open the car door and help Dot get out.

"Dot. What do you think?" Jon asked her, as he swept his hand at the horizon. They had been searching for a grown up, mature person home. And they both loved New Jersey.

"Where are we? What exactly am I looking at?" she asked.

"This is eleven acres. Seven hundred and fifty feet of this is riverfront. I thought we could build our own home. Fresh. A 'no one has owned it' home."

Dot turned to Jon and smiled. "I love it. When can we draw up plans?"

Jon smiled and Dot was rewarded with his special 'I need a pair of sunglasses' billion dollar smile. "As soon as I can arrange it." Jon pulled her into his embrace and whispered, "You make me so happy."

~~~

Dot and Jesse decided to have lunch after visiting the lawyers.

"Remember, don't tell anyone. I want to do that."

"Of course, Mom. Have you decided where to open one?"

"Kind of. Do you want to go see?"

"Yes!"

"Great. It is about twenty minutes from here."

A half hour later found them outside of an old car repair shop.

"This is it?" Jesse asked.

"Yes. Just humor me," Dot said. "Picture this cleaned up. Large picture windows. Raised planting beds. I am hoping to get your grandfather to help cook."

"He totally would." Jesse walked around the front of the building again. "This is really a great idea Mom. What are you going to call it again?"

Dot smiled and said, "The Soul Kitchen."