by Charley Dee
‘Yeah he said if you need him before just send him a text and he’ll come round straight away.’ Jena adds.
‘Eager beaver I like that, I think he’ll be good.’
‘If he’s on his own I bet it’s not long before someone gets their claws into him, he’s pretty hot.’ Jena declares.
‘You’d better not let Andy hear you saying things like that.’
‘No he’s not my type; however you have to admit he’s fit.’
‘I’ll agree he’s pleasing to the eye, although also not my type.’ I add.
‘Shall we start by unloading all the dining equipment first; they appear to have sent far too much.’
‘That’s OK there’s heaps of storage space. I must admit I quite like the china design, now we need to find the perfect matching napkins from the catering catalogue, or we could nip to the local cash and carry.’ I add.
The morning passed quickly and at lunch time the guys went out for fish and chips. We all sat around the large kitchen table eating them the correct way, out of the paper! After lunch we decided to sort out the staff rotas, it’s always best to work two weeks ahead.
‘Is it alright if I nip to the supermarket Hun as one of us needs to stay here.’ Jena asks.
‘No problem, can you get a few bits to keep us going?’
‘Yeah I thought I’d get enough to last over the weekend. Is it OK if Andy stays over?’
‘Of course Jena this is your home now honey.’
After Jena left I made my way upstairs. On the first floor there were two large bedrooms, one which was en suite, and a single room, a lounge and a bathroom. Jena had chosen the room nearest to the bathroom and lounge as this would make more of a flat for her. The second floor had been made into a self contained flat for me, comprising of two bedrooms a large lounge, bathroom and small kitchen. This was ideal, in fact the layout of the two upper floors were perfect as you didn’t have to go through the bar at all, hence the bar would be closed and securely alarmed at night. This made it far better for Jena as she could invite Andy to stay and it wouldn’t interfere with the running of the pub. I intend to keep the single room made up just in case one of the staff needs to stay over at night. As for the other large en suite bedroom I’d made no plans for that one as yet. I’d bought some of my furniture with me from my previous pub; however I intended to buy a new suite for my lounge and a decent size television, as after working long hours it’s good to be able to enjoy a few comforts. Everywhere had been painted white, it was a tad clinical although very clean, and so at some time in the future I may have the lounge decorated. The bedroom was not a problem as by the time I get to bed I’m virtually asleep as my head touches the pillow. In both of the bathrooms there was a bath and shower which was brilliant as the shower is quick, but a long lazy lay in the bath was pure luxury…..Walking into the lounge I noticed there was a door in the ceiling which must be the entrance to a loft, one thing’s for sure I won’t be venturing up there as spiders are definitely not my best mates. While I was in the flat on my own I decided to log onto the dating site, although I’m loathe admitting that I’m becoming fascinated by the whole encounter. I found the three guys who I’d selected as maybes and once again read through their profiles. I realise that unless I actually meet them I’m never going to know if we have chemistry, so without further thought and being lead by my impulsive nature I reply to the messages and agree to meet them. (One at a time of course) Jena will be shocked when I tell her. I’m sure I can fit in three dates before our grand opening, being as they all live within this area it should be easy enough to arrange. Feeling rather pleased with myself I make my way back to the kitchen as the guys are probably desperate for a cuppa.
‘You must have smelt the tea pot.’ I say, as Jena makes her way back into the kitchen loaded with Sainsbury’s carrier bags.
‘Everyone and their aunty were in that blooming shop I swear.’ Jena moans.
‘So long as you’ve got biscuits we don’t give a damn.’ Len teases.
‘I wouldn’t dare come back without them.’
After the tea break I opt to tell Jena about replying to the three guys….
‘So what did you say?’ she asks.
‘I only agreed to meet up for a coffee, so now I have to wait for a reply. I really couldn’t see the point in exchanging loads of emails with someone I didn’t know and possibly wouldn’t want to know, so I thought let’s meet and see how we get on.’
‘Wow Lucy Ross that’s very brave of you, I thought you were going to be a hard nut to crack.’
‘Who me darling, never I’m as soft as treacle.’ I laugh. ‘Well I should be able to fit three mini dates in before we open, as I sure won’t get much time afterwards.’
‘Who do you think you might prefer? Jena asks.
‘No idea yet Hun give me a chance. People usually look different to their photos anyway, let’s face it one mug shot and all that.’
‘Well when we’ve finished in the restaurant we’ll have another look and see if anyone’s responded.’
‘Ok if it’ll keep you happy.’ I reply.
By the time we’d finished the restaurant and the guys had fitted all the equipment in the kitchen it was six thirty, so once again it was going to be a quick snack of the Heinz fifty seven variety.
‘There’s nothing like beans on toast when you’re starving.’ I declare.
‘Now it’s time to check Perfect Partners.com.’ Jena swiftly opens her lap top.’ Wow Lucy you’ve already got two messages.’
‘What do they say, read them out Hun?’
‘Cool, they both want to meet up as soon as.’ Jena declares.
‘Which two Hun, I’m beginning to feel just a tiny bit nervous?’
‘The first one is from Steve who says he’s free to meet up any evening except Friday, and the other one’s from Tim who is free any evening, or afternoons at the weekend.’
‘Oh well Hun there’s no time like the present as they say, let’s arrange the meetings now before I lose my nerve. You write the replies Jena make one for tomorrow night and one for Saturday, best not muddle their names up so I know which is which.’ I laugh.
‘OK I’ve made both meetings for seven thirty. The first one is in Starbucks at Belgravia, the Saturday one in the Corkscrew. Didn’t want you being seen at the same venue with different guys, we don’t want to blemish your reputation.’ Jena giggles.
‘I still can’t believe I’ve been talked into this, let’s hope I don’t live to regret it. I don’t have to wear a red rose in my hair do I?’
‘Only if you want to, positive thinking Lucy it could change your life forever.’…..
Chapter 4
Monday morning and I’ve now met all three of the guys from the dating site, Steve, Tim and Paul. I must admit they were all pleasant and polite and I spent over an hour chatting with them, is there one I would like to meet again? It has to be Tim as I felt there was a definite connection between us; he gave me his card so I now have his mobile number, time for me to decide whether I use it or not. Jena has been checking out my profile and has told me there have been more messages and winks, however I cannot envisage going on numerous one night dates. I politely declined Steve and Pauls offer of another meeting, which takes me back to Tim and should I contact him….
‘Hi Lucy have you decided what you’re going to do?’ Jena enquires as she pours the hot water into our coffee mugs.
‘I’ve thought of little else Hun. As I took the plunge and tried out the dating site I believe I should try the second meeting to see how it goes, what do you think?’
‘Be churlish not to, give the guy a chance you said there was a connection, go for a meal or a walk in the park, what about meeting up with a few more?’
‘No three’s enough Hun I don’t want to make a hobby out of it; I’ll send him a text message later and take it from there.’
‘The brewery rang and they’re delivering all of the wines and spirits this morning.’ Jena adds.
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‘Great I’ll ring Lucas and see if he’d like to call in and sort the order out, being as he’ll be doing most of the orders. If he comes in then we could take a trip to the cash and carry.’
‘The fitters are in the cellar all day today, they came in early.’ Jena adds.
‘You must have got up early Hun?’
‘Yeah Andy didn’t leave until this morning, he didn’t want to go bless him.’
‘I’ll ring Lucas and then get changed, can I smell toast or am I imagining it?’
‘Cheeky I’ll have it ready for when you come down.’ Jena laughs.
I rang Lucas and he seemed eager to come in, and said he’d be here within fifteen minutes. I also decided to send Tim a text message saying I would be able to meet up again during the week. Kate contacted me over the weekend to say she’d be able to come round on Wednesday or Thursday evening, I need to discuss that with Jena. While we’re out today I’d like to find time to look at suites for my lounge, as once we’re open that will go to the bottom of my to do list. I was fortunate with the television set. The fitters have fixed two huge sets on the walls in the bar and were kind enough to order and fit one for me, they so deserve an extra beer for that favour. As I got back to the kitchen I saw Lucas had already arrived.
‘Hi Lucas that was quick, thanks a lot for coming in, join us for toast and coffee, Jena makes yummy toast.’ I laugh.
‘What she really means Lucas is toast is about the only thing I cook.’ Jena declares.
‘Your kitchen skills are about the same as mine, thank goodness for microwave meals.’ Lucas adds.
‘Once you start working you can eat here Lucas, not much fun eating a micro meal on your own after a hard day.’ I suggest.
‘That sounds great Lucy thanks.’
‘The beer order will arrive on Friday morning, so if you want to start work from that day it’ll be good for me; obviously you won’t need to work all weekend.’
‘No problem I’m looking forward to it.’ Lucas adds. ‘I’m sure I can make myself useful.’
‘Mm however hard we try to prepare everything, you can bet there will be something we haven’t thought of.’
‘Is that toast on it’s way Hun or have you managed to burn it.’ I shout out to Jena.
‘Not just toast bacon too.’ She laughs as she hurries into the restaurant.
‘Wow I’d better mark this down on the calendar, wonders will never cease.’
Just as we’d finished our snack the draymen turned up with the order, so I handed the delivery sheet over to Lucas and me and Jena made a hasty retreat. We went to the furniture warehouse first, I found the very suite I was looking for and Jena ordered a dressing table. Then we spent an hour in the cash and carry searching for essential stuff for the kitchen.
As I elbowed the back door open, laden with copious amounts of bags I managed to squeeze into the kitchen virtually unscathed. Lucas rushed over to give me a hand. ‘You girls certainly know how to shop.’
‘Not a good idea two women and a credit card.’ I hastily replied. ‘Oh leave the door please Lucas, Jena’s parking the car.’
‘Shall I put the kettle on; I make a pretty good cuppa.’ He adds eagerly.
‘Now that sounds like an offer I’d be foolish to refuse.’
‘I’ll have to go back, there are still more bags in the boot.’ Jena sighs as she piles bags onto the kitchen table.
‘If you give me the keys I’ll bring the rest of your parcels in while the kettle’s boiling.’
Jena throws the keys over to a rather amused Lucas.
‘An organised man at last, where the hell did you find him Lucy?’
Undoing bags I glance over at Jena, ‘And he’s making us tea.’
‘Priceless.’
Today has been productive and everything seems to be taking shape, Lucas is an asset, long may that continue. I’ve received a text message from Tim inviting me for a meal tomorrow evening. Acting impulsively I accepted without consideration, one of my seriously bad habits. I don’t have the time to pussy foot around as opening day is imminent. There are still many items on the schedule that have to be fulfilled although by the weekend everything should be ready. On the day before we open we can do a complete check as the last thing I want are faux pas on the day. My suite won’t be delivered for a month so I intend to have the lounge decorated before; all I have to do now is find a decorator.
I’ve been wondering what this pub was like previously. According to the brewery it had been run by an elderly Irish couple and just before it was closed down the trade had dwindled considerably. The brewery have advertised the reopening quite extensively plus the restaurant will be a bonus, as will the TV’s. I also intend to have live music, maybe karaoke if there seems to be sufficient interest, I have to be patient and see how it all pans out. I’ve invested a great deal of money into this project and I really need it to work. Let’s hope I haven’t bitten off more than I can chew….
Chapter 5
‘Where are you meeting Tim then Hun?’ Jena asks as we’re carefully chalking out the menu boards.
‘Sloane Square outside the tube, he’s suggested the Cote Brassieres that French restaurant.’
‘I’ve never been there have you?’
‘No, although the reviews on Google are reassuring, anyway I’ll let you know in the morning.’ I add easily. ‘By the way Kate’s calling in tomorrow to sort out the menus, I suggested she stayed for a bite to eat and then you can work your magic with her profile on the dating site.’
‘That’s great should be a fun night, me thinks a couple of bottles of wine would go down well.’ Jena suggests with a grin.
‘Absolutely, could you pass me that red chalk Hun this one’s all scratchy.’
During the afternoon the fitters hung all the pictures and mirrors in the bar, there was now an aura about the building, it was beginning to resemble a trendy bar. As I was going out for a meal Jena shared fish and chips with the fitters, they were working later tonight as they still had quite a bit to complete before the weekend. After numerous changes I eventually settled on a khaki outfit which blends well with my mass of flame coloured hair, just one problem I can’t seem to straighten it tonight so I’m looking a tad wild…
Getting out of my cab I can see Tim is already outside the station, he greets me with a peck on the cheek. ‘Hi Lucy you’re looking stunning.’
‘Thank you I hope you haven’t been waiting long?’
‘Not at all, shall we take a look at the menu?’ There was a menu on the wall outside of the restaurant and it looked appetising. ‘Anything you fancy?’ Tim asked.
‘Mm lots shall we go in.?
Why is it when you first meet you’re both on best behaviour and conversation always appears a trifle stilted, give me a glass of wine and I’ll let my hair down. We’re shown to a table for two. ‘What would you like to drink Lucy?’ Tim asks hesitantly.
‘I’d prefer a medium white wine, chardonnay would be fine.’
‘Can we have a bottle of chardonnay then please?’ Tim asks the waiter.
We both ordered grilled lamb loin chops with gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. The food was delicious we chatted a lot throughout the meal. With the help of the chardonnay I felt far more relaxed.
‘So what do you do Tim?
‘I’m an IT consultant in the city.’
‘That sounds interesting, however I must admit I’m rather self taught on my computer.’
‘I’ve been doing this since I left university so I guess you’d say it’s all I know, what do you do Lucy?’
‘I’m a publican, in fact I’m opening my first tenancy next Tuesday. I started with City Ales Brewery as a manager, although my dream was to have my own tenancy.’
‘Wow, now that does sound exciting, what pub are you taking over, is it local?’
‘It’s just been re-furbished and renamed The Frog and Toad.’
‘Oh I know exactly where it is, such a great name as well.’
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‘Yes we’re just getting all the finishing touches done.’
‘You say we?’ Tim enquires.
‘I have an assistant manager who lives in, who just happens to be my closest friend, she worked with me in the other pubs.’
‘That obviously works well for you both, I apologise would you like dessert?’
‘Not for me thanks and yes it does work well for us both.’
‘Would you mind if I called in to see you some time?’ Tim asked.
‘Of course, although I’m sure Tuesday will be extremely busy.’
‘Taxi home or would you prefer a walk? Tim asked as he settled the bill.
‘Oh a walk definitely, it’s not far and it’s not raining.’
‘You seem to have fulfilled your dream then Lucy, or do you have others?
‘Well the ultimate would be to buy my own free house, ever the optimist that’s me.’
‘And why not, my dream is to become a millionaire by the time I’m forty.’
‘Mm don’t you think you’ve left it a bit late with only a year to go, unless you’re planning on robbing a bank?’ I laugh.
‘I guess I asked for that, actually I have high hopes of designing an internet business that will make me filthy rich.’ Tim says with conviction.
‘Good luck with that then.’ I add with a giggle.
‘Oh most people think it’s a joke, nevertheless I intend to keep working on it.’
‘Great stuff; I like a man with grit and determination.’
‘Have you managed to get staff yet?’ Tim asks.
‘Luckily a full compliment as I advertised well in advance, although in this trade they have to prove their honesty.’
‘Do you find it difficult to find responsible staff?’
‘I have my ways of dealing with untrustworthy people.’ I smile as I look towards him and tap my nose.’
‘Good for you Lucy that’s what I like to hear; well I’ve managed to get you home safe and sound.’