Chapter 11

It wasn’t too late but I was starting to feel lonely when my phone rang. It was Cathy. “Hey, my boyfriend decided to take a long weekend and go to Pittsburgh to visit his mom and dad. I was thinking it may be a good time to come and see how your place turned out and if that Jacuzzi we had put in works.”

“The one out on the roof or the one in my private courtyard?”

“My bathing suit is packed away for the winter so maybe the private courtyard would be best.”

She showed up with an overnight bag and that girl was something else. We turned off all the lights in the apartment and sat in the Jacuzzi naked. We looked at the stars as she rode my cock. “I miss this cock of yours. I dream about it and crave it. When you get together with Jen or Casey, I hear about it the next day at work and want to just come over and feel it myself.”

“You’re here now and can tell them stories tomorrow.”

“Do you want to come to the club tomorrow night? I think Crystal is in town and will be singing.”

“Hemingways is opening downstairs and I have to be there. You should stop by before heading to work. You and your pretty face will make the grand opening that much better.”

“I’ll try to stop by.”

We had sex in the Jacuzzi, in the shower, in the bed and in the morning before she left for work with her sitting on the kitchen counter with her heels next to her ass and me standing in front of her. I think we both liked that position the best. I had my hands free to hold her ass or play with her any way I wanted.

Friday was the big day and there was a sign announcing that Hemingways was now open for business. There were things planned for dinner or after dinner but the lunch was just a normal lunch with specials for those that came in. I wasn’t expecting much with the location but there were quite a few kids from the college and doctors, nurses and staff from the hospital a few blocks away.

As the day went on everything was running smoothly. There was advertising that there would be live music starting at 6:00 after happy hour. There were a lot of kids that stopped by for happy hour and drank a few beers. The prices didn’t seem to bother them so either their parents gave them a nice allowance or we hit the mark.

When happy hour was over we had some problems. I wasn’t doing anything more than sitting at the bar all day sipping drinks and nibbling on food. I had a few people that I was hoping would stop by like Cathy, Casey, Jen, Ruby, Darren and Sin.

The stage had been built out with a sound system so people or bands could come in and set up their instruments and play without having to run a bunch of wires. We weren’t so large that we needed any more than what we provided. Ted had made sure to clearly mark what belonged to the restaurant like cables and mic stands. Gary stopped by to say hello and seemed happy with the day so far.

Eventually I asked, “So who is playing tonight?”

“One of Jay’s friends. He said they play a lot of clubs around the city and should help bring in a good crowd.”

“That’s great,” was my reply as we watched them set up.

Just after six, the lead singer stood in front of the mic and said, “Welcome to Hemingways. We are Giant Killers.” With that the electric guitar screamed into a solo that led the drummer and soon they were off and playing a cover from Black Sabbath. They were a good band but they were playing a concert and not background music for a restaurant. Jay was out of the kitchen and watching them. He was smiling and getting into the music. I was not happy with the atmosphere we were putting out for our customers and looked at Gary and Ted. Their faces had similar looks to mine. Ted went over to Jay and they had a brief argument and then they both approached the stage after the first song. The drummer was still doing a back beat and the guitar played quietly as the lead singer spoke with Ted and Jay. They were arguing and those that were close could hear what they were arguing about. Jay was quiet for the most part but Ted was being very specific about the music he wanted and the sound level he expected. The singer was calling him all kinds of names and talking about censorship and artistic freedom.

After this went on for a few minutes I walked over and said, “Excuse me. My name is Bull and I’m the one that is ultimately writing the check for you to be here. You have three choices. You can play what Ted tells you to play and get paid. You can do what you want and not get paid, or if your ethics are as deep as you say, you can get your shit and hit the door and you will get paid for showing up. I don’t know what kind of contract you have with Jay but this bar is not a concert, or club. This is a restaurant and the music is to help people enjoy their meals. If you can’t hear the person beside you, you can’t enjoy your meal.”

He just looked at me then said to me and loud enough for the band to hear him, “Pack your shit, we’re out of here.” Then he turned to me. “You’ve been advertising live music for the last couple weeks. Good luck finding someone now. I may get someone to sue your ass for false advertising.”

When that was over I turned to see the whole bar looking at us and a few were clapping. I’m not sure if they were clapping for his rant or for us getting rid of the loud music. Darren had walked in with a couple guys from work to catch the interaction. I went over to welcome him and his friends and led them over to a table that I had reserved for friends I’d invited.

As we sat, I looked up. Ted and Gary were standing at the table and Jay was going back to the kitchen. Gary said, “I don’t think we’ll be sued for false advertising but we did push the live music in our advertising. Do you have any ideas?”

Before I could say anything, Darren said, “Just have Bull play. He’s great. Just what this place needs.”

Everyone looked at me like I’d grown a second head. Ted asked, “You’re a musician?”

Shrugging my shoulders, I said, “I play guitar and sing. I’ve sung all over the world. Just never got paid for it.”

Gary said, “Play a song or two and I’ll decide if we let you play or go to the recorded music we normally play.”

The band was making a lot of noise tearing down their equipment but it was still early and they were making good progress. I went up to get my guitar. As I rode up and then back down the elevator, my nerves began to grow. I’d played my whole life and was comfortable but as far as playing for someone else my biggest crowds were the family after thanksgiving dinner or a couple friends around a campfire at the beach. When I got back down to the bar, the band was gone. There was a stool set up with a mic for my guitar and one for my voice.

I sat on the stool and checked for tune, then looked up and said, “Welcome to Hemingways. This is the grand opening which means that things don’t always go as planned but we roll with it and learn from it. Please enjoy your drinks and your meals.

My fingers played the notes like they had a hundred times. “Nibblin’ on sponge cake Watchin’ the sun bake All of those tourists covered with oil Strummin’ my six string on my front porch swing Smell those shrimp they’re beginnin’ to boil Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville Searchin’ for my long lost shaker of salt Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame But I know it’s nobody’s fault...”

When I got done with Jimmy Buffet’s famous Margaritaville, they all clapped and I went into Jim Croce’s, You don’t mess around with Jim, and since it was set in New York City, it was well received. As I finished that song and let people clap their appreciation, I looked at the door and saw Ruby. I knew she could only stay for a while but pointed to Darren’s table to sit and enjoy. As she started to walk from the entry towards the table, she was still watching me and was surprised to see me on the stage. I started with James Taylor’s, There’s Something in the Way She Moves. The smile on her face was perfect and I saw Darren order her a drink and explain what was going on.

Two songs later, Cathy, Casey and Jen were in the doorway and I waved them over to Darren’s table. I was playing Gordon Lightfoot’s, Sundown. I played one or two more and then looked over at Ted and Gary, they both just gave me the thumbs up and smiled. Jay was with them and nodded his head. I told the crowd that I was taking a short break.

I went over to the table and got a lot of back slaps and compliments. Ruby was sorry that she had to leave but had enjoyed watching me play. She was just finishing giving me a hug and started for the door when Sin came in. They passed as one entered and the other left. Sin took Ruby’s chair and I explained what had happened. She thought it was funny and I made sure everyone knew everyone before I walked over to the bar.

Ted and Gary were there and said, “You’re hired. I had no idea you could play like that.”

“Living on a boat with no TV or radio gives you plenty of time to read books and practice your guitar.”

“Your voice sounded great as well. You really can play here whenever you want.”

“How’s Jay?”

“He was a little pissed at first but when he saw and heard the difference he saw what we were looking for and saw how far he missed the boat. He was trying to get people in to see the band and we were trying to get people in to eat his food. He’s friends with the band and will have some mending to do with them but he sees that what we did was best for his restaurant.”

“How is the rest of the opening going?”

Gary said, “The dining room is full and the bar is standing room only. The kitchen is running well and the guests have only said good things so far.”

Ted replied, “And it’s time for me to make my rounds and check on the guests. Thanks for stepping in, Bull, it worked out great.”

So my night hanging out with friends and drinking turned into me on stage sipping a beer between songs. My friends seemed to enjoy the company of each other and were all happy when I picked up the tab and apologized for not being able to hang out with them. They all loved the look and feel of the bar. They thought the food and cocktails were all great. Cathy had left to go to work sometime during the night. I had my guitar case in my hand and Sin took my other to let me know she was coming home with me. Jen and Casey both saw this and wished me a good night as did Darren and his friends.

As Sin and I were walking out around 11pm, I heard Darren say, “Do you want to order another round here or go somewhere else?”

Sin said, “I’ve heard you play before in your living room but that was great. Your voice made me melt and my panties wet. I could see all those other girls at our table and around the restaurant wanting you but I wanted to be first in line tonight. I’ve missed my Bull in more ways than one.”

We eventually wore each other out and fell asleep. In the morning she was playing with the few fine hairs on my chest and asked, “Who was the redhead that was leaving as I came in last night?”

“That’s Ruby, she lives here in the building?”

“Is she one that you’re fucking?”

“No, not that it’s any of your business. I live in a building with three hundred and sixty girls and haven’t fucked the first one.”

“Are you losing your touch, my big stud?”

“Just lazy. I want them all but it’s so late in the school year that I don’t think I could do it. So I was going to wait for next semester, then one by one work my way through the dorm.”

“You’re so full of shit. When it gets warm and they start laying out on the roof in their bikinis, you won’t have a chance.”

“Sin, I’ve been lucky so far but do you think I could actually hurt someone with the size of my cock?”

“That’s an interesting question. You can always hurt someone if they aren’t ready, in the mood, lubricated or whatever. You’re right at ten inches and some girls aren’t that deep. Most girls aren’t that deep so if you just pound for all you’re worth, you can bruise a cervix pretty easily. The girth is bigger than normal but again, a woman passes a baby through that opening. It takes a while and is very painful but it happens everyday. There are some women that couldn’t take it, but they’re the exception and unless they’re a virgin, they should know what they can and can’t handle.”

“I see a lot of women and sometimes I wonder or worry.”

“It’s good that you care about us. I could feel you adjusting your strokes last night when you hit my cervix. It just came naturally, like driving a car. But if you need some practice, I’ll let you practice on me.”

We had sex again. After lunch, she was going to go home and take care of some things around the apartment like laundry from her last trip. She said, “Let me know if things progress with Ruby.” as the door closed behind her.

Where that came from I had no clue but it was the weekend and I needed to clean the apartment and do some laundry. At least I had a washer and dryer in the apartment and didn’t need to go to the basement. When the place was clean it was time for dinner so I went down to Hemingways. I was surprised at how busy it was and there was a wait for a table so I went over and sat at the bar.

Pete was working with a couple other bartenders and he said, “Hello Bull. You sounded great up there last night. What can I get you?”

“Surprise me,” was my reply.

He smiled and looked at me and then pulled down a bottle of rye and a bottle of something called amaro. He poured a heavy dose of the rye and a smaller portion of amaro. A few drops of bitters and then stirred and poured it into a rocks glass over ice. He slid it in front of me and I took a sip. “Very nice, what do you call it?”

“You could call it a Rye Old Fashioned, a Twisted Black Manhattan, or The Bull,” he said with a smile.

“I’ve never had a drink named after me but I like the drink.”

“I’ll put it on the menu. It isn’t too sweet but easy to drink.”

“What else have you created?”

“I came up with one and I’ll kind of like a Long Island Iced Tea, where you don’t really taste the alcohol but there is a lot in there. It has Jameson Irish whiskey, peach Schnapps, and whiskey sour mix in equal parts. Then you hit it with a splash of Sprite. It tastes like cold green tea and you don’t taste the whiskey or Schnapps at all.”

“Interesting. I’m not sure if it’s one for me but I’d like to taste it sometime.”

“I’m sure I’ll see you around. I also have a Hemingway Daiquiri. It isn’t a slurpee like most people serve but like the original rum drink that Hemingway had down in Cuba when he hung out there.”

“I’m sure that I’ll try all of the drinks on the menu before too long. What’s good for dinner tonight?”

“The crispy duck with caramel sauce is tonight’s special and amazing.”

It came served with roasted brussel sprouts with a bacon and balsamic glaze. I wanted to order a second one for the taste but it was super filling and I would have had to leave most of it. I did have a Hemingway Daiquiri and it was very good. I figured I would order the green tea for a girl some time and take a sip.

After I was done and paid my bill, I went back into the kitchen. Jay was out in front of the cook line calling out orders and inspecting plates before they left the kitchen. He was like the conductor leading the symphony. He looked up and said, “I didn’t see you before you left last night. I’m sorry about the band. I kind of screwed that up.”

“It all worked out. We learn and move on. I just came back to tell you that I had the duck for dinner tonight and it was amazing. I loved it and the sprouts.”

“I’m glad. It’s something you don’t see on every other menu in town.”

“Well, keep up the good work.”

He was working and called out an order as I backed away. He smiled and waved as he got serious and back into his job. Ted was walking and talking with the guests. I saw Mandy the realtor eating with a guy. I walked over to say hello. She was smiling so big. “Bull, I want you to meet my husband, Jerry. We wanted to come to the opening last night but our daughter had a play at school. The food is great. I told you he could cook.”

“It’s nice to meet you Jerry.”

Jerry said, “I’ve heard a lot about you Bull. Each story starts out awkward but ends up perfect. I heard Mandy complain about the short lead time and the open house and then heard her praise the results as if it were a miracle from heaven. She loves working with you but also loves to complain.”

“Jerry you be quiet, Bull is my customer and one of my favorite customers.”

I just smiled. “I saw you over here and wanted to say hello. Thanks for suggesting Jay, he really is a great chef. Enjoy your dinner, it’s on me tonight.”

Ted was standing and watching the flow of the restaurant. I walked up beside him and pointed out Mandy and Jerry. “I want to pay for their meals and drinks. Do I have a tab here or do I need to leave some cash to pay for it?”

“You’re the owner but I’ve worked places before where the owner ate meals, bought friends meals and bought drinks for people in the bar. If it’s a one time thing it’s no different than me comping a meal for a mistake the restaurant has made. If it becomes a common thing it can really hurt the bottom line. I’ll write theirs off and charge it to pay for the backup band last night. I’ll also have a talk with Jay and Gary to see what they want to do. You and Jay are both younger and it’s easy to impress your friends on someone else’s dime. You’re one of the owners but I saw you pay for the table last night and for your dinner tonight. Wasn’t that duck crazy good?”

“It was. Did everybody that works here have one?”

“Jay made up two before the shift and everyone got a forkful so they would know how to sell it to the customers. They’ve done that with most of the things on the menu. This was a special so it hasn’t been on the menu before. We sold quite a few of them. That means the wait staff liked it and their love of the dish sold it to the guests.”

“Ted, I’m happy with what I see so far. Are you happy?”

“Bull, I’ve known Gary for a while. When he told me that he was in a restaurant with two young guys, I was hesitant but decided to give it a shot. Jay has let me run the front of the house and the restaurant. You’ve been more of a help than someone telling me what to do. I didn’t thank you for stepping in with the band yesterday but the money changed their tune in a hurry. I’m having fun and if the food keeps coming out of the kitchen the way it does and my staff keeps doing what they were trained to do, this place will be packed almost every night.”

“We do have a basement and sub-basement if you need to expand,” I said with a laugh.

“We may just need to explore that someday. Let’s get through the first week first.”

Sunday, I started to think about what I was doing and what I wanted to do. Hemingways was up and running, the yacht club was up and running. The condos by the yacht club, university building and retail spaces were all rented. They were working on Ron’s building and the new timeshare in Florida, but Amy and Mark were running that and had it under control. I wasn’t needed anywhere and didn’t need to do anything. I made a few phone calls and was on the 4pm flight out of JFK.

I took a cab from the airport and walked into my parent’s house at 7:30. I heard some scrambling around and saw Kari pop her head out to see who was there. “Bull, what are you doing here? I didn’t know you were coming back today.”