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.