Chapter 4
The next few weeks either went by too fast, or too slow, depending on my mood. Thank god work kept me busy, between training two new employees, and schedules, not to mention the daily goings on of a business, I kept busy. The holiday season was fast approaching, so I knew I would need to hire a few more more people, just wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it before I left or when I got back, something to discuss with Robert.
While I was at work I was able to keep my thoughts from wandering, but when I was home there seemed to be no controlling them. I was nervous, scared, and excited all at the same time. My mind was coming up with many different scenarios, “Would he remember me, if he does, will he act like he doesn’t know me?!” Then if he doesn’t remember me, how am I going to react? The anticipation was killing me! We did part on good terms, so that has to count for something. Right? We had agreed to absolutely no contact, no one else but us knew what had taken place between us. We did that for one simple fact, we were both married to other people at the time.
As these thoughts were running around in my head I poured myself a nice stiff drink. Sitting down on the couch, I wondered how the hell I was going to pull this off. A few drinks and some serious soul searching later, I made my decision. I was going to tell Reese, I just hope and pray she can forgive me for keeping this secret from her!
Ever since we were little kids Reese and I had always kept each other’s secrets, both good and bad. As time passed and we grew up we still kept the others secrets, only now they were bigger and juicier. Like the time Reese almost married some guy in Las Vegas, Mom and Dad still don’t know about that one! Or the time I was arrested for starting a bar fight and spent the night in jail. We are sisters, we protect each other no matter what.
Later in the evening Reese called to say hi,and to inform me she finally dumped her loser boyfriend. I knew she was hurting, so I didn’t let on how happy I was. I told her that one day her prince would come and sweep her off her feet, that she would live in a beautiful castle, and wear beautiful gowns. By the end of our conversation she was laughing hysterically. Music to my ears.
“Chin up Missy, remember, you are the daughter of a Marine!,” I playfully reminded her.
“Yes ma’am.” Reese laughed.
“You better be saluting me when you say that young lady.” I teased.
“ Oh, I am saluting alright.” Reese teased back.
“Uh huh, I just bet you are, you little shit!”
“Yeah, Yeah,” Even though we had other siblings Reese was always closer to Grace. They got along so well, they liked the same music, same football teams, same movies. Hell if they weren’t sisters they would be a great couple. Well if Grace was a man.
Realizing how late it was, and that she had a early meeting in the morning, Reese bid me good night to her big sister. Leave it to my little sister to make me laugh and forget my worries for a little while. After talking to Reese, I knew that I was right in my decision to tell her everything. It was just a matter of how and where. The clock is ticking!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Chapter 3
After fighting with midtown traffic, I finally pulled into the parking lot of Rob’s Firehouse Bar & Grill where I have been employed for the past three and a half years. I started working at the Bar & Grill after one of my good friends told me how her brother was looking to hire someone, train them for a management position. Seeing that I was interested, Dawn called Robert, and with a lot of hard work, and long hours, I made my way to Assistant Manager in just under a year!
The building itself used to be an old firehouse, but instead of tearing it down, Robert bought the building as it was and then did his own remodeling. The Bar & Grill is a two story building, the lower level is the business, the upper level is where Robert calls home.
Nestled smack dab in the middle of downtown, the bar does very well for itself. The building stood out among all the other businesses,from the red bricks, to the high glass windows, to the burnt wood front doors where old ax handles were used to open the doors. Customers were always surprised when they walked in the front door, the interior not what they were expecting. In the middle of the room was the dance floor, in the center of the dance floor is the pole originally used by the firefighters to slide down. Strategically placed around the dance floor are various tables, all are done in a light oak with matching chairs. In one corner of the restaurant is a pool table, surrounded by a variety of pinball and video games. In the opposite corner, was a small stage where local bands would come and play, or where you could belt out a song or two during our Saturday night Karaoke. TV screens were hung around the room for sports nights, the sound system could rival any concert.
What made the whole place was the bar, as soon as you entered the premises your eyes immediately went to the bar. Made of a deep mahogany with brass rails surrounding the entire length of the bar. Black cushioned high backed chairs placed along the bar for patrons to sit on. Behind the bar sat a stained glass mural of a firefighter holding a cold beer, etched in the glass was the old station #21. Various bottles of alcohol sat on shelves for consumption. On certain nights, the bartender would pick a bottle of his choice, place it on the bar as the beverage of the night.
Walking in, I could hear AC/DC’s, “Highway to Hell” coming from the speakers hanging in various spots around the room. Smiling at a few of the patrons that I knew, as well as Ryan, one of our bartenders, as I passed by. Motioning with my hands to Ryan, I asked him where Robert was? Ryan pointed to towards the back, with a nod, I continued towards the door leading to the back of the establishment. Two of our servers, Nina and Shelly, were busy with their customers, so I just waved as I entered the back area. The kitchen staff was preparing for lunch, so I didn’t bother them. Going down the hall I passed my office, Robert’s office was on the opposite side of the wall from me.
Standing in the doorway to Robert’s office, I stood there watching him for a moment. Robert was a few years older than me, he had jet black hair that was cut military style, dark brown eyes, and the cutest dimples! Well besides Richie Sambora that is. Robert really is a good looking man, but for some reason there was never a spark between us.
Feeling eyes on him, Robert looked up with a smile on his face”Well hello there.”
Smiling back I walked in and sat down in the chair across from his desk ”Hi.”
“Forgive me for asking, but aren’t you off today?,” Robert inquired, steepling his fingers underneath his chin.
With a laugh, I reminded him that he knew damn well today was my day off. Seeing the confused look on his face, I explained why I was there.
Robert’s expression quickly changed from confusion to amused. “So you would like some time off to go see this band, is that correct?,” he asked while leaning back in the chair.
Nodding my head “If it is possible, then yes?,” giving him a rather sheepish grin.
When Robert was done teasing me about the band, we discussed the time off I was you when I get home..love you!!
I had booked my ticket and hit the grocery store before heading home, the sun was just starting to set as I pulled in the driveway. Once the groceries were put away, I headed for the bathroom to start a nice hot bath. While the tub was filling up, I wandered out to the requesting. Not seeing any problems with the schedule, Robert granted me my time off. Thanking him, I made my way through the restaurant, bidding my goodbyes as I headed out the door. Climbing back in my car, I shot a quick text to Reese.
Grace: I have the time off, heading to travel agent now....so excited!!! I will text kitchen to pour me a glass of wine. I sent a text to Reese with my flight info, then turned on the stereo before walking back to the bathroom. Shutting the water off, I stripped my clothes off, climbed in and sank down in the bathtub, letting the heat from the water relax my muscles.
Taking a sip of wine I heard the intro to “Make A Memory” playing. How appropriate I thought. We did make some great memories, and in a few weeks we will be face to face again.
After fighting with midtown traffic, I finally pulled into the parking lot of Rob’s Firehouse Bar & Grill where I have been employed for the past three and a half years. I started working at the Bar & Grill after one of my good friends told me how her brother was looking to hire someone, train them for a management position. Seeing that I was interested, Dawn called Robert, and with a lot of hard work, and long hours, I made my way to Assistant Manager in just under a year!
The building itself used to be an old firehouse, but instead of tearing it down, Robert bought the building as it was and then did his own remodeling. The Bar & Grill is a two story building, the lower level is the business, the upper level is where Robert calls home.
Nestled smack dab in the middle of downtown, the bar does very well for itself. The building stood out among all the other businesses,from the red bricks, to the high glass windows, to the burnt wood front doors where old ax handles were used to open the doors. Customers were always surprised when they walked in the front door, the interior not what they were expecting. In the middle of the room was the dance floor, in the center of the dance floor is the pole originally used by the firefighters to slide down. Strategically placed around the dance floor are various tables, all are done in a light oak with matching chairs. In one corner of the restaurant is a pool table, surrounded by a variety of pinball and video games. In the opposite corner, was a small stage where local bands would come and play, or where you could belt out a song or two during our Saturday night Karaoke. TV screens were hung around the room for sports nights, the sound system could rival any concert.
What made the whole place was the bar, as soon as you entered the premises your eyes immediately went to the bar. Made of a deep mahogany with brass rails surrounding the entire length of the bar. Black cushioned high backed chairs placed along the bar for patrons to sit on. Behind the bar sat a stained glass mural of a firefighter holding a cold beer, etched in the glass was the old station #21. Various bottles of alcohol sat on shelves for consumption. On certain nights, the bartender would pick a bottle of his choice, place it on the bar as the beverage of the night.
Walking in, I could hear AC/DC’s, “Highway to Hell” coming from the speakers hanging in various spots around the room. Smiling at a few of the patrons that I knew, as well as Ryan, one of our bartenders, as I passed by. Motioning with my hands to Ryan, I asked him where Robert was? Ryan pointed to towards the back, with a nod, I continued towards the door leading to the back of the establishment. Two of our servers, Nina and Shelly, were busy with their customers, so I just waved as I entered the back area. The kitchen staff was preparing for lunch, so I didn’t bother them. Going down the hall I passed my office, Robert’s office was on the opposite side of the wall from me.
Standing in the doorway to Robert’s office, I stood there watching him for a moment. Robert was a few years older than me, he had jet black hair that was cut military style, dark brown eyes, and the cutest dimples! Well besides Richie Sambora that is. Robert really is a good looking man, but for some reason there was never a spark between us.
Feeling eyes on him, Robert looked up with a smile on his face”Well hello there.”
Smiling back I walked in and sat down in the chair across from his desk ”Hi.”
“Forgive me for asking, but aren’t you off today?,” Robert inquired, steepling his fingers underneath his chin.
With a laugh, I reminded him that he knew damn well today was my day off. Seeing the confused look on his face, I explained why I was there.
Robert’s expression quickly changed from confusion to amused. “So you would like some time off to go see this band, is that correct?,” he asked while leaning back in the chair.
Nodding my head “If it is possible, then yes?,” giving him a rather sheepish grin.
When Robert was done teasing me about the band, we discussed the time off I was you when I get home..love you!!
I had booked my ticket and hit the grocery store before heading home, the sun was just starting to set as I pulled in the driveway. Once the groceries were put away, I headed for the bathroom to start a nice hot bath. While the tub was filling up, I wandered out to the requesting. Not seeing any problems with the schedule, Robert granted me my time off. Thanking him, I made my way through the restaurant, bidding my goodbyes as I headed out the door. Climbing back in my car, I shot a quick text to Reese.
Grace: I have the time off, heading to travel agent now....so excited!!! I will text kitchen to pour me a glass of wine. I sent a text to Reese with my flight info, then turned on the stereo before walking back to the bathroom. Shutting the water off, I stripped my clothes off, climbed in and sank down in the bathtub, letting the heat from the water relax my muscles.
Taking a sip of wine I heard the intro to “Make A Memory” playing. How appropriate I thought. We did make some great memories, and in a few weeks we will be face to face again.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Chapter 2
I woke up to the sun peeking thru the curtains of my bedroom window, casting the room in a warm glow. Stretching my muscles, I laid back on the pillows, wrapping myself in the warm blankets as I let my mind wander back to las tnight’s conversation with Reese.
I wonder if he will remember me ? It’s been a few years, so maybe he won’t.
Stop it! You will not do this! You will not stroll down memory lane Grace, even if he does remember you. so what, doesn’t mean anything. Climbing out of bed, I made my way towards the bathroom, I couldn’t help but smile as I stood in the doorway, this was my oasis. After Gram had passed, Reese and I were left the house ,since Reese didn’t want to give up her posh apartment, I moved in after Brandon and I split up. With the help of my family, we remodeled various rooms, the bathroom being one of them. We knocked out a couple walls, enlarging the bathroom making it almost as big as my bedroom, but not quite.
I had installed all the luxuries any woman could want, from heated tile floors with an Italian design, a jacuzzi tub that could easily fit six. The cabinets were redwood, the counters were done in marble with his and hers sinks. Adorning the counters were various perfume bottles, lotions and hair products. My favorite thing in the entire room was the shower. It consisted of marble walls on the inside, on the outside I had a custom designed shower glass door with rain droplets to give it a tropical feel, which accented the light blue walls perfectly. The shower itself was a masterpiece, above the shower covering the entire length was one of the biggest shower heads I had ever seen. When you turn the shower on it feels like you are standing out in the rain. I love it!
After showering and drying off, I went to get dressed. Putting on my undergarments, I headed for my walk in closet. Even though the sun was shining beyond my windows, I knew it wasn’t that warm out so I pulled on my favorite black jeans, adding a dark blue sweater. Plucking a pair of socks from the dresser, I left the room. Entering the kitchen I put the kettle on for some hot water, while I waited for the water to boil, I opened the kitchen curtains above the sink, allowing the sun to come in and warm the room. The kitchen window allowed me a great view of the huge backyard, perfect for our family functions.
Once the water had boiled I made me a cup of hot chocolate, I am not a coffee drinker Shocking I know! . Hot cocoa in hand I wandered into the living room, opening the curtains so that the sun could pour in from the bay window that ran the entire length of my front porch. Sitting on the couch I looked around the room, done in light brown and beige colors,it was a huge room that could easily hold 40 plus, but the light colors gave it a cosy feeling. I had picked furniture in darker shades of brown, then added a few light pieces, like pillows for the couches.The pillows were perfect for curling up to watch TV, or read a book. A big screen TV hung on the wall across from the couches, the furniture perfectly angled for the perfect view, especially if football is on. Tucked in the corner of the room is the fireplace, a beautiful wood mantel carved by my grandfather resting above the fireplace. Various family photos graced the mantle, but hanging above the mantle was the true masterpiece. A family portrait taken just a year before we lost Gram. In the portrait Gram is surrounded by her 10 kids, 48 grandchildren, and her 68 great grandchildren, and her 4 great great grandchildren. Yes we are a big family! We have a blast during the holidays!!
There are so many great memories associated with this house. The many holidays, birthdays, and sleepovers and Bbq’s. So much fun had taken place here. Gram was always the life of the party, ever hear the song “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off?” by Joe Nichols, well that was Gram. I miss her everyday!
Giving myself a mental shake I climbed off the couch, I had things to do and sitting around here reminiscing was not going to get them done. Putting my tennis shoes on, I grabbed my bag and jacket, and headed out.
With the front door locked I bounced down the stairs to my baby, my dream car. I had purchased a dark blue 2008 Chevy Camaro as soon as I seen Transformers. I loved the movie, but fell in love with the car. It had black leather interior, bucket seats, and a top of the line stereo system. Everyone thought I was nuts when I bought it, but now everybody wants a ride in it....go figure. I was well known around town, but I think my car was more popular than me! Could be because of my license plates...my personalized plates, which read..JOVIKTN. With a need to talk to Rob, I backed out of the driveway with “Save A Prayer” blasting from the speakers.
I woke up to the sun peeking thru the curtains of my bedroom window, casting the room in a warm glow. Stretching my muscles, I laid back on the pillows, wrapping myself in the warm blankets as I let my mind wander back to las tnight’s conversation with Reese.
I wonder if he will remember me ? It’s been a few years, so maybe he won’t.
Stop it! You will not do this! You will not stroll down memory lane Grace, even if he does remember you. so what, doesn’t mean anything. Climbing out of bed, I made my way towards the bathroom, I couldn’t help but smile as I stood in the doorway, this was my oasis. After Gram had passed, Reese and I were left the house ,since Reese didn’t want to give up her posh apartment, I moved in after Brandon and I split up. With the help of my family, we remodeled various rooms, the bathroom being one of them. We knocked out a couple walls, enlarging the bathroom making it almost as big as my bedroom, but not quite.
I had installed all the luxuries any woman could want, from heated tile floors with an Italian design, a jacuzzi tub that could easily fit six. The cabinets were redwood, the counters were done in marble with his and hers sinks. Adorning the counters were various perfume bottles, lotions and hair products. My favorite thing in the entire room was the shower. It consisted of marble walls on the inside, on the outside I had a custom designed shower glass door with rain droplets to give it a tropical feel, which accented the light blue walls perfectly. The shower itself was a masterpiece, above the shower covering the entire length was one of the biggest shower heads I had ever seen. When you turn the shower on it feels like you are standing out in the rain. I love it!
After showering and drying off, I went to get dressed. Putting on my undergarments, I headed for my walk in closet. Even though the sun was shining beyond my windows, I knew it wasn’t that warm out so I pulled on my favorite black jeans, adding a dark blue sweater. Plucking a pair of socks from the dresser, I left the room. Entering the kitchen I put the kettle on for some hot water, while I waited for the water to boil, I opened the kitchen curtains above the sink, allowing the sun to come in and warm the room. The kitchen window allowed me a great view of the huge backyard, perfect for our family functions.
Once the water had boiled I made me a cup of hot chocolate, I am not a coffee drinker Shocking I know! . Hot cocoa in hand I wandered into the living room, opening the curtains so that the sun could pour in from the bay window that ran the entire length of my front porch. Sitting on the couch I looked around the room, done in light brown and beige colors,it was a huge room that could easily hold 40 plus, but the light colors gave it a cosy feeling. I had picked furniture in darker shades of brown, then added a few light pieces, like pillows for the couches.The pillows were perfect for curling up to watch TV, or read a book. A big screen TV hung on the wall across from the couches, the furniture perfectly angled for the perfect view, especially if football is on. Tucked in the corner of the room is the fireplace, a beautiful wood mantel carved by my grandfather resting above the fireplace. Various family photos graced the mantle, but hanging above the mantle was the true masterpiece. A family portrait taken just a year before we lost Gram. In the portrait Gram is surrounded by her 10 kids, 48 grandchildren, and her 68 great grandchildren, and her 4 great great grandchildren. Yes we are a big family! We have a blast during the holidays!!
There are so many great memories associated with this house. The many holidays, birthdays, and sleepovers and Bbq’s. So much fun had taken place here. Gram was always the life of the party, ever hear the song “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off?” by Joe Nichols, well that was Gram. I miss her everyday!
Giving myself a mental shake I climbed off the couch, I had things to do and sitting around here reminiscing was not going to get them done. Putting my tennis shoes on, I grabbed my bag and jacket, and headed out.
With the front door locked I bounced down the stairs to my baby, my dream car. I had purchased a dark blue 2008 Chevy Camaro as soon as I seen Transformers. I loved the movie, but fell in love with the car. It had black leather interior, bucket seats, and a top of the line stereo system. Everyone thought I was nuts when I bought it, but now everybody wants a ride in it....go figure. I was well known around town, but I think my car was more popular than me! Could be because of my license plates...my personalized plates, which read..JOVIKTN. With a need to talk to Rob, I backed out of the driveway with “Save A Prayer” blasting from the speakers.
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