by Charley Dee
‘Thanks for an enjoyable evening Tim, and keep working on that dream.’ I laugh.
‘You won’t let me forget that I can see.’ Tim places his hands on my cheeks and brushes my lips with his. ‘I’d like to see you again Lucy.’
‘I’d like that too, call in once we’re open.’
‘I’ll do that, chow sweetheart.’ With that Tim heads across the road.
I did enjoy Tim’s company, however I find his millionaire dream very amusing. I hope he didn’t think I was laughing at him, although I guess I was in a way. I was pleased he didn’t ask to come in for coffee, as I had no intention of inviting him on a first date. He’s easy to chat to and after the initial meeting the conversation flowed, I have a warm feeling about this guy. Considering I’ve only met three potential partners…. could I have possibly hit the jackpot so soon?
‘Oh yes Kate I certainly like that menu, I did chalk a few bits up in preparation for Tuesday, however we’ll set to and change them now.’ I suggest.
‘There’s also a list here of daily specials, what do you think?’ Kate asks.
‘Scrumptious you’ve made me realise how hungry I am. I’ll alter the chalk boards if you’d like to ring all the food orders through, I think a daily bakers, and greengrocers would be advisable as well.’
‘Definitely, shall I make a snack for us all?’
‘Perfect, Jena will be back soon she’s only at the hairdressers, and then she’ll sort your profile out.’
‘I’m apprehensive about it Lucy I’ve never done anything so out there before, did you feel like that at first?’
‘Kate I was terrified although I seem to have struck lucky with Tim, however it’s early days and only time will tell. By the way do you mind coming in on Monday as I’m trying to get all the staff together for a chat to make sure arrangements are spot on for the opening.’
‘I was going to suggest I worked on Monday so I can prepare dishes and make last minute orders. You must be feeling thrilled about the opening Lucy?’
‘I’d say enthusiastic and a tad emotional, fingers crossed and all that.’ I add.
‘Hair looks good are you pleased with it?’ I ask Jena as she comes in the bar.
‘Yeah maybe a bit too short do you think?’
‘No I think it’s great, Kate’s making us a snack then you can get the dreaded laptop out.’
‘I wonder if she’s got any photos on her phone.’ Jena asks.
‘I’ll get my camera at the ready just in case, we mustn’t give her any excuses or she may change her mind.’
‘No chance, in fact if you fetch the camera I’ll go ahead and take snaps before she realises. By the way you didn’t tell me about last night with Tim.’
‘Of course you left early for the hairdressers. Yeah it was Ok he’s good company and not pushy, I must mention his weird dream though. Remembering he’s thirty nine now, he plans on becoming a millionaire by the time he’s forty.’
‘What did you say in reply to that?’
‘Good luck and laughed a lot.’
‘So are you seeing him again?’
‘He’s coming in the bar some time.’
‘Cool then I can give him the once over.’ Jena gives her usual grin followed hastily by a wink.
‘Your opinion is always valued Hun, come on let’s go and get that snack I’m truly starving.’
‘Camera first please.’
‘Kate that omelette was so yummy I can see I’m going to put on weight with your cooking.’ Jena assures.
‘I’ll second that Kate it was delicious.’
Jena goes to the other side of the kitchen and points the camera at Kate ‘Sorry but it has to be done.’
‘Give me five minutes for a bit of slap and I’ll even pose for you.’
After the photo shoot we spent the next couple of hours on Jena’s laptop, wording Kate’s profile and searching through the photos of all the eligible guys in her age group. All our tastes are different and Kate is not opposed to a slightly older guy, so we searched from thirty six to fifty years of age. She found a few she thought who were interesting, so Jena hit the wink button.
‘Ok let’s have a cuppa and then we can take a look.’
‘Surely it doesn’t happen that quickly?’ Kate asks.
‘With your looks Hun I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a message already.’ I declare. ‘I was amazed how quickly they reply it’s like putting a guy in a sweet shop, he’s totally spoilt for choice.’
While drinking our tea Jena once again logs on to the dating site, Kate is amazed as she’s already had an email and two winks.
‘Do these guys actually sit at their computers waiting to pounce?
‘Some of them probably do.’ Jena agrees. ‘What type of guy do you usually go for Kate?’
‘Obviously the wrong ones, bad boys, bit of rough.’
‘I call them tart blokes.’ Jena advises. ‘Time you changed maybe.’
‘I’ve always gone for humour, and Tim has already shown his with his ridiculous dream theory.’ I offer.
‘Mm I must say it sounds a tad crazy, my trouble is I’m so gullible I have to toughen up.’ Kate adds.
‘We’ll soon toughen you up Kate, how about trying one date before we open?
‘I’ll tell you what Jena you choose someone for me; it’s what I need as all my choices have led to failure.’
‘OK Hun I’ll leave it until later and select someone special. ’Jena replies hastily as her mobile bursts into action.
After taking her call Jena was grinning from ear to ear, clearly good news from Andy.
‘Lucy he’s been relocated to work in London, how amazing is that.’ Jena says bursting with excitement. ‘There’s a lot of work around Victoria station and they’ve found him lodgings, how cool is that?’
‘I’m so happy for you Hun, when is he coming?’
‘Sunday, as he has a few loose ends to sort out before he moves.’
‘That’s great news for you Jena and he’ll be able to come to the opening evening.’ Kate offers.
‘I never dreamed he’d be re-located this quickly, will somebody pinch me so I know it’s for real.’
‘Hey maybe your luck is changing, you know what they say about new homes and all that.’ I tease.
‘Yes I know what they say new home new baby, well Lucy Ross I don’t want any of that.’ She giggles.
‘I’m convinced this dating site is working, so come on Jena find me a man.’ Kate declares.
After copious amounts of wine and laughter Jena selects a date for Kate on Sunday evening. I have a happy warm feeling inside of me, excitement about the opening, meeting a new guy and being surrounded by lovely people, what else could I wish for….
Chapter 6
Monday, at last the day before the grand opening, I’d asked all the staff to meet me at lunch time in the restaurant. Over the last few days we’d all worked hard to check everything was ready. The fitters had installed CCTV over the weekend and an alarm system for the bar. Kate was going to prepare a finger buffet today; I didn’t want food being displayed all day, so we decided to advertise the buffet for four o’clock. Me and Jena had managed to nip out on Saturday afternoon to buy a new outfit. No time for the hairdressers for me so I’m hoping for a long soak in the bath tonight and a hearty attempt to straighten my hair. (I’ll be lucky). I received a text message from Tim thanking me for a delightful evening and he’s looking forward to calling into the pub during the week. Today I’d also received a good luck card from my parents along with a pile of others from my friends. Almost time for the gang to arrive, so quick shower and change before I head down to the bar for my first staff meeting.
‘OK guys let’s sit in the restaurant, there are refreshments on the table so help yourselves, and thanks for coming in. Tomorrow’s a very important day for us all and I just want to go through a few details with you. As you know Jena is my assistant manager and Kate is the cook who is also in charge of the kitchen. Lucas is
Bar/Cellar man and therefore deals with all drinks. I have a couple of rules that we all abide by. Mobile phones are to be switched off while working; you’ll have plenty of time to check them during your breaks and strictly no alcohol to be drunk while you’re behind the bar. Punctuality is paramount as the bar is open for twelve hours everyday and shift times need to blend together. If for any reason you cannot make your shift or you’re going to be late please let me or Jena know in plenty of time. Jena has all the rotas and she’ll arrange your breaks and speak to you about tips. Let’s make this pub a happy one, tomorrow will be busy, and don’t worry you’ll all be fed. We open at eleven in the morning and there will be a lot of people from the brewery arriving at that time. Any questions fire away.’
‘What do we do if someone offers to buy us a drink?’ Emma asks.
‘Basically if you want an alcoholic drink you can take the money and place a chit in the till with the amount written on, Jena will show you how we work that.’
‘Do we have to wear uniform Lucy?’ Archie asks.
‘Black and white is great, however smart casual is fine.’
‘If you’re not in a rush have another coffee and get to know each other and again thanks for coming in.’
‘Shall I come in a bit earlier in the morning Lucy to make sure everywhere is sparkling?’ Mary asks.
‘If you like Mary, I’ll get you a set of keys and show you how to turn off the alarm, if you have a problem just ring my mobile.’
I thought the meeting went OK all though I felt a tad bossy; nevertheless it had to be said. Jena has a contract for them all to sign, anyway, you need to be covered these days for all eventualities, I’ve discovered that since I’ve been in this trade.
‘I’ve attached the rotas and a copy of the rules on a message board in the staff area?’ Jena assures.
‘Do you think the meeting was OK?’ I ask Jena.
‘Absolutely fine Lucy, now time to relax as tomorrow will be manic.’
I slowly stir and make an effort to open my eyes; glancing at the radio clock I could see it was only six o’clock. My thoughts are instantly switched onto my special day, at last it’s Tuesday and I’m about to open my new tenancy, all of a sudden my tummy is filled with butterflies….I smile to myself as I bounce out of bed, I feel like a child on Christmas morning and I don’t want this feeling to abate. After a shower I don an old pair of jeans and a baggy t-shirt and run quietly down to the kitchen, first a coffee to wake me up and yet another check that everything is ready for the opening. As I put the kettle on I detect I’m not alone, with a quick backward glimpse I see an extremely sleepy Jena hovering in the doorway.
‘Good morning Hun are you awake or possibly sleep walking?’ I ask with a grin.
‘Mm I’m getting there.’ She answers with a series of yawns.
‘Come and sit down and have coffee.’
‘I intended to bring you coffee in bed, I should have known you’d be awake early.’ Jena yawns again.
‘Far too excited Hun, I think we should both have a scrumptious breakfast as we have a long day ahead.’
‘Can I just start with coffee please?’
‘No problems.’ I add as I place a mug of steaming coffee under Jena’s nose. ‘What’s that noise, it sounds like someone’s in the bar.’
‘Calm down Lucy it’ll be Mary turning the alarm off.’
‘Another early bird I’m sure she’s going to be a treasure.’
‘Good morning girls I thought you might both be up.’ Mary greets us as she comes into the kitchen.
‘Good morning Mary we say in unison.’
‘Come and have a coffee before you start.’ I offer.
‘Lucy could I have tea darling I prefer a cuppa.’
‘Of course have a seat, the kettle’s already boiling.’
Following our first cuppa the three of us started to clean the bar, which I hasten to add was already clean, nerves had taken over I’m afraid. Without warning the back door bell burst into sound and Jena shot through to see who was there. She returned with a huge bouquet of gorgeous flowers and handed them to me.
‘Come on.’ She urged. ‘Who are they from?’
‘Tim, what a surprise, they are beautiful.’
‘Somebody’s smitten.’ She laughs.
Within seconds the door bell pealed once again, this time it was Lucas.
‘Someone else can’t sleep?’ I ask.
‘I just wanted to double check everything was OK.’ He offered.
‘Well as we all seem to be hell bent on double checking that the entire pub is clean and in working order, that’s lock, stock and beer barrels, I’m going to cook us all a full English breakfast.’ I declare.
Subsequently when breakfast had been gratefully savoured, and no less than three further bouquets had been delivered, it was at last time Jena and me took the time to embellish ourselves for the grand opening. As we headed upstairs to our respective rooms Jena gave me a big hug and whispered. ‘Good luck Lucy I know how much this means to you.’
‘I couldn’t do it without you honey, this is for both of us.’
As I slip into my new dress, I hope by the end of the evening I will still feel the same enthusiasm that I’m feeling now….
Chapter 7
Eleven o’clock on the dot I open the doors to The Frog and Toad for the first time, with all the staff in place we’re ready to warmly receive guests and customers alike. Within minutes there’s a steady flow of people heading towards the bar.
‘Good morning Lucy and many congratulations.’ Charles Emerson shakes my hand.
Charles is the area manager for City Ales Brewery, and my main contact with the company.
‘Thank you Charles, can I get you a drink?’ I offer.
‘A pint of your best ale will be fine Lucy; there are several other members of the company on their way.’
And so the day had started, and within a couple of hours I’d been introduced to so many people from the brewery and other businesses my mind was buzzing with names. Emma turned up at one o’clock in time to give the guys a break from the bar, and Jena was mingling with the crowds. I slipped into the kitchen to have a quick word with Kate and much needed glass of water. As arranged at 4 o’clock the buffet was laid out in the restaurant and immediately a queue extended back into the bar. There was a mish mash of customers of varying ages; possibly some had just come to suss the new bar out, where others may be punters from the old pub. I guess only time will tell on that score. I could see an elderly man making his way through the crowd towards me.
‘Hello darling are you the new landlady?’
‘Yes I’m Lucy Ross.’ I replied shaking his hand.
‘I’m Harry Miles love and I think I should have a word in your shell like.’
‘OK Harry fire away.’
‘There’s a woman you need to watch out for, she was well in with the last people, her name’s Vie Butler, and you can’t miss her ‘cos she always has a scruffy little terrier dog at her heels. That little lass you’ve got behind the bar is her niece and she’s been planted here to see what’s going on. Be on your guard love cos the whole family is trouble. I’ll tell you more when I can love.’ With that Harry toddled off towards the buffet queue.
I’m speechless, what’s all that about? When I get a chance to catch up with Jena I’ll see what her opinion is. Meanwhile I must keep circulating, they say there’s always a fly in the ointment and seems I found mine on the first day, thanks to the communicative Harry Miles. What sort of trouble could she cause? My mind is already working overtime….
‘Lucy is it OK if Jodie collects glasses for you, she’s just called in from school and eager to give a hand.’ Kate asks.
‘Certainly Kate of course she can, it’ll save the guys having to jostle around in the crowd.’
I was soon enveloped in more conversation, and for the time being the thought of impending trouble was temporarily shelved.
‘Hi Lucy you are looking absolutely s
tunning.’ Tim caught me totally unawares.
‘Hello Tim, thank you so much for my gorgeous flowers, let me get you a drink.’
‘You’re busy I’ll get a drink and have a look around, we can catch up later when the crowd subsides.’ He squeezes my hand as another customer starts to chat.
I can see Jena behind the bar and I really need to talk to her, however my duty today is to mingle with my new customers, so with renewed energy I continue to shake hands fervently.
By the end of a rather unusual, though interesting day the gang (apart from Emma and Grace, who had left much earlier) relaxed in the bar. Andy by now had joined Jena and Tim had stayed, so I hastily introduced them. I had made a firm decision not to mention Vie Butler to anyone but Jena at this stage, as I didn’t want to have a dark cloud looming over what had otherwise been a successful day. So with no further ado I went behind the bar to treat the troops to a well earned night cap.
‘So come on guys what’s your tipple?’ I ask with fervour.
The girls including the super diligent Mary settled for wine, whereby the guys favoured a pint. ‘Thanks guys cheers, you’ve all been amazing.’ We all chinked glasses.
Following a good half an hour of general chit chat about the events of the day everyone started to stifle yawns, and so the day was brought to a close. Andy and Tim decided to share a cab, with Tim saying he would ring me tomorrow. So once again it was me and Jena, still propping up the bar I hasten to add.
‘So come on Lucy Ross spill?’
‘You know me to well Hun.’ I then relayed my conversation with Harry Miles.
‘I knew something was bothering you, even though you’re a pretty good actress you can’t fool me.’ Jena declares. ‘Ok let’s wait until we meet this undesirable woman and see how the gossip pans out. For a start if her scruffy dog is not on a leash she won’t be bringing it in here, as there are notices on both entrances that all dogs are to be kept on a leash. Emma is a sly one, as we both thought she was OK, nevertheless it won’t be a problem to get shot of her will it, you’ve only given her ten hours.’