Malt Me (Liquor Cabinet Series #1)

by D. L. Gallie

  The band keeps playing Ruby Ruby Ruby by Kaiser Chiefs, and when they do, everyone goes mental and sings at the top of their lungs. If it’s this much fun when no alcohol is being consumed, I can only imagine what it will be like when the beer is flowing.

  The first beers arrive just after 12:00 p.m., our waitress, Helga, can carry twelve steins at once; she’s a rock star. I struggle to lift my stein, let alone carry twelve and dodge drunken fest goers at the same time. The day progresses and Jordan and I get extremely drunk and have a beertabolous time.

  I’m so glad that I decided to surprise Jor with this trip, and I’m even happier that Mike couldn’t come. By 9:00 p.m., we are all beer’d out and we head back to the hostel. We shower and fall into bed, ready to do it all again tomorrow.

  The next morning is a bit of a struggle, but apart from a queasy tummy, I feel fine. After a greasy brekky and a big ass coffee, Jordan and I walk back to the fest with the others. We start day two, or three if you count the day we arrived, in an outdoor beer garden. Once again the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky. This beer garden is similar to the one from the first night, timber tables and bench seats, adorned with red and white checkered tablecloths and mini timber kegs filled with cutlery, serviettes and condiments. Hanging along the fence are wooden planter boxes with amazing red, white and pink peonies.

  Sitting in the sun, drinking beer with the man of my dreams, I’m deliriously happy. This is what dreams are made of. Hours later, its getting pretty hot, so it’s perfect outdoor drinking weather.

  Jordan looks to me and slurs, “Kenz, I’m gonna make beer just as good as this, and we are going to open a brewery. Yep, you and I are going to open a brewery, and you and I are going to become the beer king and queen of Queensland, move over XXXX there’s a new Queensland beer coming for you.”

  I look over and laugh, “Whatever you say, dude, have another beer.”

  He places his hands on my shoulders, squeezes and looks me directly in the eyes and says, “No, Kenz, I’m serious. We are going to open a brewery. We are going to make amazing beers and live hoppily ever after.”

  Along with the rest of the group, I laugh at him. “Did you seriously just say hoppily ever after?”

  “I sure did, Kenz, and I’m serious. Babe, we are going to open a brewery, I can feel it in my bones.”

  I look over at him and smile; I know that if Jordan wants to open a brewery that it will definitely happen … one day.

  Seriously, I can’t believe that Kenz surprised me with a trip to Europe and the opening of the Oktoberfest. Boy, am I glad that she bumped into me on the first day of college. If I had my time over, I would have asked her out sooner. That way she would have never hooked up with Clint and maybe I could have prevented her from getting assaulted and hurt by that asshole.

  The Oktoberfest was so much more amazing than I ever thought it would be. I know Kenz thinks I’m joking about opening a brewery, but after saying that on the second day; I can’t stop thinking about it. I decide that I will chat to Kenz on the plane home and see if she would like to do it with me.

  After a rough cab ride from the hostel to the airport, we check in and decided to get some brekky while we wait for our flight. Kenz can only stomach a coffee, but I get the works: bacon, eggs, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, toast, and a big ass coffee. Her face turns a little green when my food arrives, and she takes off running to the bathrooms. Poor baby, I think to myself, before diving in and devouring my brekky.

  She comes back ten minutes later and has a terrified look on her face. “Kenz, babe, what’s wrong?”

  “So, umm, yeah. I was sick and when I flushed the toilet backed up and it overflowed, and I kinda vomited some more.” Spitting my coffee out, I can’t help it and I burst out laughing. Kenz doesn’t look too impressed with my laughter. “I’m sorry, babe, but that is so friggin funny, I can’t wait to tell Mike.”

  When Kenz sees me laughing, she starts to laugh as well. One minute she is mortified and the next, she’s pissing herself laughing and snorting, in the middle of the Munich airport.

  Man, I love this woman.

  Our flight is called and we make out way to the gate. We get seated and the flight takes off, I turn in my seat and look at Kenz. “Hey, babe, you know how I said I want to open a brewery?”

  “Yeah.” She looks at me curiously.

  “Well, I really want to do it, I can’t stop thinking about it. In my mind I can see it now, all my brewing equipment behind glass walls so you can see everything that goes into making your beer, an awesome bar along one side. Tables and booths around the place, I seriously can’t wait to start this. I’ve got it all worked out and I’ve only been thinking about it for thirty-six hours. I know which building in town I want. I have an idea for the layout, including a kitchen that serves kick ass food, and in honor of the Oktoberfest, and the creation of this dream, an outdoor beer garden, complete with timber bench seats, planter boxes, and flowers. Maybe I’ll plant a sunflower garden in honor of you. “

  Pausing, I add, “I want you and I to do this together. I know you enjoy helping me brew and you have a keen eye for everything. I can make the beers and you can manage the rest.”

  “Ooh my God, you seriously are serious about this.”

  “Deadly serious, Kenz. I think between the two of us we could make this happen and it will be amazing. Together, we can make beautiful beers and live hoppily ever after.”

  “Actually, if I’m honest, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it either. I’d love nothing more than to do this with you, Jor.”

  “Are you shitting me?”

  “I’m serious, Jordan, I think this will be incredible. You and I can make beers and live hoppily ever after, as you would say. Besides, we will be adding a wine bar once the brewery is up and running and I can stock all my fav wines. Its win/win in my eyes.”

  “You seriously are awesome, Mackenzie Merlot. I’m so glad you smashed into me eighteen months ago.”

  “Naw, you are too kind, Jordan McRoberts.”

  Kenz puts on her headphones and watches a movie. I, on the other hand, have a million and one ideas running through my mind. Before I can do this, I need to finish my course, so I can dedicate all my time to this venture.

  After we get back from the Oktoberfest, Jordan and I are stronger than ever. This is the happiest I have been in a long time. Jordan concentrates on finishing his degree, perfecting his already amazeballs beers, and setting up our brewery. He is so determined; I have never seen him like this before, and it’s kind of a turn on watching him.

  Sometimes I feel like I hardly see him during the week. He has increased the number of subjects he is doing each term, so he can finish his course quicker. However on the weekends, we both spend time together in the shed perfecting the beers. Much to my surprise, I’m really enjoying the behind the scene beer creation process. I mean, I like drinking beer but I never thought I would enjoy making it. My only wish would be that it smelled better when its fermenting, the hops and mash are disgusting, and when I comes to cleaning, ugh, I nearly vomit every time.

  Jordan finishes his course in record time and graduates in the top two percent of his class. I was so proud to see him walk across that stage and collect his degree. His graduation present from his parents is a two-week holiday in Mexico. They send us to this amazing, all-inclusive adult-only resort in Cabo San Lucas. It has its own 2.5km private beach, five restaurants and bars, a spa, and a golf course. We treat ourselves and upgrade to oceanfront suite with a butler, yes, our own personal butler. The room has a private balcony with unobstructed ocean views, and when we head to the beach we have our own dedicated cabana with butler service. This place seriously is heaven.

  For the first three days, we laze by the pool or swim in the ocean; it’s pure bliss. The ocean is an amazing blue colour and the sand is so fine and white; I’ve never seen anything like it. Jordan teases me as I love sitting on the shoreline, digging my feet into the sand, and
then I lie back and I stare up at the sky. Whether it’s sunrise, sunset, or the middle of the day I have not felt this peaceful in a very long time.

  On day five, I send Jordan off on a deep sea fishing trip, and I spend the day in our cabana reading and drinking margaritas. At one point, I must doze off because I wake up with Jesus tapping my leg, holding a silver box with a purple bow; reminding me of the one I received at graduation. He places the package on the end of the cabana and walks away.

  Smiling, I think Jordan has sent me something special since I sent him off fishing for the day. I quickly sit up, untie the bow, and quickly lift the lid off. Looking inside I see that it is full of yellow daisies. It’s similar to the one I received after graduation, again there is no note but something doesn’t feel right this time around.

  I keep an eye out for when Jesus returns with my margarita, as I want to ask him about the package. I see him approach the cabana, and after he has placed my margarita down, I ask, “Jesus, who delivered my package?”

  “I’m not sure Señorita. Someone from reception asked where you were and I offered to bring it to you. Is everything all right?”

  “Yeah, I was just curious, that’s all.”

  I pass the box to him and ask if he can deliver it to our room. With a smile he takes the package from me. Picking up my margarita I quickly chug it back.

  After I finish my drink, I signal to Jesus that I need another, and I order two shots of tequila as well. That eerie feeling I had earlier is back, I need to calm down and tequila will fix that…I hope.

  Jesus delivers my drinks and I immediately start to feel more relaxed. Looking to my left between the flapping cabana materials, I see Jordan walking towards me. My heart flutters, he has on his favourite Billabong boardies and no shirt. I clench my thighs as I get a tingly feeling in my girly bits.

  His aviator Ray-Ban’s cover his eyes and he has the most amazing smile on his face, I’m guessing fishing went well. Our eyes lock, I jump up and race over to him. Wrapping my arms around him, I hug him tight. Him being here is just what I need right now. Closing my eyes I savor this moment, as I rest my head on his chest, the beating of his heart instantly calms me.

  “Well hello to you, Kenz.” Pulling back he notices my uneasiness. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m probably being silly, but I got a package while you were fishing. I thought it was from you but I’m not so sure anymore.”

  “What was in the package?”

  “It was a box of daises, similar to the sunflower package you sent me after graduation.”

  Shaking his head, he replies, “Kenz, I didn’t send you a package after graduation.”

  “What?” I shriek, garnering the attention of a few other guests.

  “Kenz, I didn’t send you flowers after graduation. The only present from me was the dinner I took you to.”

  “Then if you didn’t send them, who did?”

  “I don’t know baby, maybe we need to check in with corrections and make sure that Clint is still locked away.”

  “That’s a good idea, I’ll text Mum and ask her to call. Actually, I‘ll text Sarah, I don’t want to worry Mum. She’s been through enough.”

  I have just finished texting Sarah when Jesus arrived with a Modelo for Jordan, and another margarita for me; seriously he is the best bar guy ever.

  Jordan leads me back to our cabana and we snuggle, enjoying our drinks and watching the sunset over the ocean. The sunset tonight is remarkable; each day’s sunset is more beautiful than the previous one. The colours are so vivid; oranges, pinks, purples, and yellows all meshing together.

  The sun has just set and we are still snuggling in our cabana. I look over and see Jesus and another guy walking towards us with dinner. Jordan sits up and says, “So, I had a great fishing day, and the chef has prepared a feast for us with my catch.”

  We dine in our cabana on fresh Mahi Mahi, Bonita, prawns, salad, and chips. It is one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Jesus comes and clears our plates, returning with churros for dessert. They are sooo good.

  He returns a few moments later with two tumblers of tequila, which apparently goes amazingly well with churros. I snort laugh as he places the tumblers down, Jordan thanks him and he heads off. Being the ever so nice girlfriend, I grab Jordan’s tumbler and have a sip. It is seriously the best tasting tequila ever and I moan. Jordan looks at me and I say, “We should grab a bottle to take home for Mike, and by Mike, I mean me.”

  Jordan laughs and I manage to convince him to try the tequila. He hesitantly takes a sip, after swallowing, he looks to me and says, “After drinking that, I think I might like tequila.” With his seal of approval, we ask Jesus to bring us a bottle. I see him smile in approval because Jordan has refused every tequila he has bought over to us to try so far. I, on the other hand, have knocked back every one offered, and have loved every single one of them.

  Just after dessert, Sarah texts me back to say that Clint is still locked up, and that he has not had any visitors except his cousin and lawyer; however she did say that he will soon be up for parole due to good behavior. I feel relieved to know he is still locked up, scared that he is up for parole and anxious about the flowers. I try and relax with Jordan, but the flowers weigh heavily on my mind. Jordan and I spend the rest of the night in our cabana drinking tequila and relaxing.

  Jordan puts me at ease, telling me it was probably delivered to me by mistake; after all there was no card so it could have been for anyone. That makes me feel a little better, and I relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.

  With the amount of tequila I consume, I soon forget about my anonymous gift and enjoy my time unwinding, with the man of my dreams.

  The next two days we spend at the resort lazing about. Jordan and I even manage a round of golf. Well, I would not call what I did golf but we had a blast together.

  I convinced Jordan to go to a local tequileria that Jesus recommended to us. This place had over three hundred different tequilas on offer. I had died and gone to tequila heaven. We each tried a few, but between us we didn’t even come close to trying them all. We both tasted one that was velvet on your tongue, and extremely smooth as it slides down the back of your throat. We bought a bottle to take back home, but this will be one that we hide from Mike. We did however find one that would be perfect for him.

  A week after we arrived, Jordan arranged a spa afternoon for me; while I’m being pampered, he’d play a round of golf. He was really nervous as I was leaving, but I was too excited for the bliss that I was about to enjoy. Leaning down, I gave him a kiss and headed off to the spa.

  I’m booked in for a Spa Indulgence Package, which includes a body wrap, facial, massage, and a glass of bubbles. I also add a spa manicure and a glam pedicure.

  Three hours later, I emerge feel amazing. My skin is as soft as a baby’s bum, and I have pretty toe and fingernails to go with it. Bright fuchsia pink for my toes and fairy floss pink for my fingers, they look amazing. The ladies back home need to come here for training, I think to myself on the way back to our room. As I pass the sports bar, I look at the time and decide to stop in and enjoy a glass of bubbly before heading back.

  After two glasses of bubbly, and a chat with Miguel, the bar tender, I look at my watch and guess that Jordan should be finished by now. Waving goodbye to Miguel, I head back to the room. I start thinking about what we will do tonight. Since I’m super relaxed from my spa afternoon, I’m thinking room service on the balcony and more bubbly sounds perfect.

  On my way to the room, I see a private table being set up in the Oceanfront Bar, and I think I will ask Jordan if we can do that one night before we leave; it looks so romantic.

  Arriving at our room, I open the door and I am left speechless. There are tea light candles everywhere and a rose petal path leading into the bedroom. On the bed, there is an amazing pink chiffon strapless dress and silver wedge strappy sandals in a box next to it. On top of the box is a note in Jordan’s handwriting. As I read the note
from Jordan, tears well in my eyes, and my face breaks out in the biggest smile. This is the most romantic thing anyone has done for me.

  My gorgeous Kenz,

  I have arranged a secret surprise for you this evening, complete with clothes and shoes. Your make-up artist will arrive at 5.30pm and I will pick you up at 6.15pm for a night to remember.

  There is a bottle of bubbly in the bathroom waiting for you, enjoy and I will see you soon gorgeous.

  All my love, Jordan XoXoX

  There is a knock on the door and I rush over; it’s Rosa-Maria from the spa, she did my nails. Smiling at her, I step aside so she and her trolley can come in.

  She works her magic, and twenty minutes later I look stunning, if I do say so myself. I have smoky eyes, rosy but subtle cheeks, and my lips look amazing. My hair is in a low bun that looks awesome. She then helps me slip on my dress and I put my wedges on, while she packs up her stuff.

  I stand up just as she walks out of the bathroom and she looks over at me, with a smile she says, “Te ves Hermosa.” She laughs at my confused look, I don’t speak Spanish, so I have no idea what she said but it sounded beautiful. Walking over to me, she places her hand lovingly on my cheek. “You look beautiful.”

  As I am not one for compliments I blush. She nods at me before grabbing her stuff and leaving. Looking at the clock I see that I have ten minutes until I will be collected, so I pour myself another glass of bubbly.

  With my glass full, I head out onto the patio and I watch the sun start to set while I wait. The sky is already filled with colour and I can’t wait to see the sunset tonight.

  Kenz just left for the spa, she thinks I’m playing golf but I’m not. Secretly I’m setting up the most epic proposal in the history of proposals, I hope. Before she left, I was so nervous; I felt like I was going to vomit, but I don’t think she picked up on it. Heading to the Oceanfront Bar, I meet up with Alejandro; he and I have been covertly speaking since we arrived to get this all arranged.