Taking Charge

by Bridgitte Lesley

  “And that is it?”

  “Stay out of my kitchen Mister Lewis!”

  Jordan grinned and Sarah chuckled. Frank smiled.

  “I have never had such a nice tasting biscuit. This barrel is going home with me!” Jordan smiled and shook his head.

  “I am not stepping on a scale.” Craig opened his barrel of biscuits and took one out. Frank and Jordan both put their hands inside and took one. Craig grinned.

  “Going home! Breakfast, lunch and supper.” Tanya walked in.

  “Now let me have one of those!” Craig grinned.

  “One!” She took her biscuit and Craig sealed his tub.

  “Oh these are so nice. Where did they come from?”

  “The naval bake!” Tanya roared with laughter.

  “I need to relax. May I use your suite?” Jordan nodded and smiled. Tanya walked down the passage and ran up the stairs.

  “Oh it smells divine!” Joy smiled. Tanya took a biscuit and sat down.

  “I like what you have done in here. You don’t have to fall over a chair when you walk up here. Very nice!” Joy chuckled.

  “Much better.” Joy nodded.

  “And don’t forget your barrel of biscuits.” Tanya grinned.

  She took a seat in the lounge.

  “I like the table over there.” Joy smiled.

  “I am going to buy those chairs. Without Jordan knowing.” Tanya giggled.

  “Are you going to smuggle them in here?” Joy nodded.

  “Lime green. I ordered six.”

  “Six! You will never fit them around that table.”

  “Yes well I ordered a table too!” Tanya roared with laughter.

  “You did what?”

  “Oh they were on special!”

  “Specially for the lounge!” Tanya gurgled with laughter.

  “Serious?” Joy nodded.

  “Lime green!” Tanya giggled. She got up.

  “Have to head home. Mum is suspicious!” Joy roared with laughter.

  “I made a barrel of biscuits for you. You might have to fight off the men.” Tanya giggled. She soon walked downstairs with her barrel. Jordan roared with laughter.

  “She can’t get rid of them fast enough. Joy baked for the town. And the neighboring community.” Tanya giggled and ran out.

  CHAPTER 13

  Joy made their supper and Jordan walked up stairs. He smiled.

  “And what treat are we having for supper?” Joy smiled.

  “Tonight. Plain old Seafood Paella.” Jordan groaned.

  “You are not serious!” Joy smiled.

  “Afraid so!” Jordan sat down and ate two plates full.

  “Oh this was divine!” Joy smiled as he kissed her.

  “I think a shower. I have no idea what is in store for this evening.”

  “No?” Jordan smiled and shook his head. He had his shower and kissed Joy.

  “See you later. I would like you down there. The whole town knows we are dating.”

  “But I can’t sing before Monday. I have to.” Jordan smiled.

  “I know. Reputation.” Joy smiled.

  “Very important. But what if I see you at nine?” Jordan grinned and nodded.

  “Jordan. Can I wear A T-shirt?”

  “Yes.”

  “But my tattoo.”

  “Not permanent. Yes. Absolutely!” Joy chuckled.

  “See you at nine. Oh be ready!” Jordan roared with laughter. He ran down the stairs. Sarah stood at the door of his office with her hands on her hips.

  “Problem!” He looked at her.

  “We can’t have problems!” Sarah nodded.

  “Huge! I have run out of biscuits. Frank won’t part with his. Craig is all protective of his barrel. I need biscuits! And I need them now!” Jordan roared with laughter.

  “Wait!” He ran upstairs. Joy smiled. She handed him a tub of biscuits. Jordan ran downstairs.

  “Problem solved. I found a few.” Sarah roared with laughter as she opened the container.

  “Perfect!” Jordan roared with laughter. Sarah chuckled.

  It was just on eight. Tanya walked in. She kissed Jordan on the cheek and ran up the stairs.

  “I am starved!”

  “Fridge!” Tanya opened the fridge and groaned. She had a bowl of Seafood Paella. She looked up and looked at Lloyd.

  “Hey Dad!”

  “I am starved! What has Joy cooked up for supper?” Tanya grinned.

  “Seafood Paella?” Lloyd groaned and nodded. Tanya chuckled as he sat and had his hot bowl of food.

  “Is that the family?” Lloyd roared with laughter.

  “Guilty!” Joy walked through.

  “Where is Mum?”

  “Oh she met an old friend. I think they call him Vodka Caramel!” Joy roared with laughter and shook her head. Lloyd smiled.

  “Will we see you later?”

  “Most definitely!” Lloyd and Tanya roared with laughter as they headed downstairs. Lloyd smiled as he stood next to Jordan behind the bar.

  “Paella was good!” Jordan roared with laughter. He shook his head.

  “Is there anything left?”

  “A little.” Zeba walked over.

  “Could I please have a tiny glass of Vodka Caramel?” Lloyd smiled.

  “Money first sweet cheeks!” Zeba grinned and winked.

  “Pay up Lewis!” He grinned as he poured her glass. She winked as she walked off.

  “How many glasses from a bottle?” Frank smiled and gave him the number. Lloyd handed over the cash.

  “This is my Zeba’s bottle. About time she found her drink.” They all roared with laughter. Jordan grinned.

  “Now we are selling by the bottle?” Frank grinned.

  “By the glass.” He put a label with Zeba’s name on the bottle. Jordan grinned and shook his head.

  The pub started filling up. The band all arrived. One by one they picked up their instruments and played. It was a little jamming session. Jordan grinned as he played with Chase and Clyde. Roger walked in and grinned. He walked over to the keyboards and smiled. They started jamming.

  Frank smiled.

  “I feel something in my bones. Something good is going to happen.” Jordan and Lloyd looked at him.

  “Really?” Frank nodded.

  “Oh yes. Tonight is going to be out of this world. We are going to be hitting that till so many times we are going to have an absolutely fantastic evening.” Lloyd grinned. Ruth walked over.

  “We would like to buy the bottle like Zeba did.” Frank rang up the bill and put the bottle on the counter. Ruth smiled.

  “And I want a label on it. And keep it there.” She pointed at Zeba’s bottle. Frank smiled and poured the two drinks and put the bottle on the shelf. Ruth smiled.

  “Is that lady coming tonight?” Frank smiled.

  “Not sure Ruth.” She nodded.

  “I hope so!” Frank grinned.

  Jordan stood fiddling with the microphones.

  “Do you know how this works Dean?” Dean fiddled about. They both grinned.

  “No!” Jordan grinned.

  “There is the possibility.” They had the head microphone ready. You didn’t have to hold it. It hooked over the ear. Dean grinned.

  “Oh so hoping!” Jordan grinned.

  Joy walked through the front door. She took off her jacket and handed it to Frank.

  “Keep safe Frank. And we want a bottle of that cool stuff!”

  “Which one?”

  “Mmmhh. Make that Amarula. Give the band each a glass. Oh hello here we go!” Frank roared with laughter as she paid for the bottle and he put it on the shelf. He grinned.

  “Miss?”

  “Miss. You got it right!” As she took off her jacket Frank stared. She whispered.

  “Wash off! Henna.” Frank roared with laughter. Joy walked over in her mini and her T-shirt with her tattoo plain to see all the way up her arm. She grinned. She winked at Jordan.

  “Hello boys.” Dean handed her the mi
crophone and she put it on her ear.

  “Hello everybody! Has everyone got a drink?” They all stared. She heard the shrieking. Joy took the guitar.

  “Evening Jordan. Evening Dean. Evening Chase, Clyde and Roger. Hello boys!” The band roared with laughter.

  “What do we want to hear first tonight?” Joy grinned.

  “Drive by? By Train?” Joy grinned.

  “Oh we will try!” Jordan grinned as she stood in front facing the band.

  “Easy. Follow me. When I change just go a little faster. You will pick it up soon enough.” Joy started strumming and singing. She sang the song and smiled.

  “Okay with this Henry?” Henry whooped. The dance floor started filling up. The band suddenly started singing with Joy. She grinned and nodded. Dean smiled. He whispered.

  “I heard this on the radio this morning!” Roger grinned and nodded.

  Joy danced, sang and played the guitar. She smiled as she danced up and down. Zeba danced up and down singing along. Joy grinned. They finished the song and Joy smiled.

  “Can you rap?” Everyone roared.

  “Yes!” Joy grinned.

  “This one is for our rappers out there. A little Rappers Delight.” She turned to the band.

  “Anybody?” Roger nodded.

  “Verse two.” Joy nodded. Frank walked over.

  “I can do three.” Jordan stared. Frank nodded. Jordan grinned.

  “Get Tanya behind the bar.” Frank nodded.

  “I will open up.” They all stared and Joy winked.

  The band all smiled as they started playing. Joy started singing. Jordan stared and she winked. He strummed on his guitar. Everyone started to clap as they followed Joy clapping. She stared singing and everyone roared. Joy grinned as she sang. She sang the first bit of the song and pointed at Roger. Roger walked to the front of the stage and sang. Joy hit her hand against the guitar. Jordan kept on with the guitar. Roger sang his bit and pointed at Frank. Frank got on the stage and sang his bit. The crowds roared. Frank grinned. Joy smiled and winked at Jordan. He had the biggest smile. They finished the song and the three of them sang the next bit of the song. The crowds clapped and clapped. There was loud whistling.

  Joy grinned.

  “Queen. Hit it. Fast.” The band grinned. Frank smiled as he went back to the bar. Tanya smiled as she stood. She stayed where she was and helped Frank. He smiled as she helped him pour drinks. He shook his head and smiled. The pub was humming. It was so loud. Joy stood in front and sang. Jordan grinned. She stood and stomped her foot and clapped as she sang. Tanya smiled as she watched. They poured drink after drink. The women bought bottles and had them put on the shelf with their name on the label. Tanya roared with laughter. Frank shook his head. He stared at Tanya.

  “ACDC! Whoa!”

  Jordan stared at Joy. She nodded. He played the guitar until it almost sang. He grinned. He tapped his foot. Joy started clapping. The band stared singing. Chase was on the Drums. The band was over the moon. They started singing with Joy. The whole pub came alive. Joy pointed at Roger. He started to sing. Jordan grinned and looked at Roger. Roger sang the song perfectly. They filled in with the chorus line. The dance floor was full. The pub was full. Everyone was up and they were singing. Joy nodded as she looked at Roger. He had the biggest smile. Jordan smiled as he sang ‘yeah.’ Joy grinned and nodded.

  The song ended and Joy grinned.

  “Crimson and Clover.” Joy smiled and started singing. The band all smiled. It was ending up as a rock and roll evening with a difference. Joy danced up and down and sang. Jordan smiled and shook his head. Jordan listened to the song and smiled. Joy was getting her breath back. It was a slow song. But there was so much impact. There was a lot of instrumental back up. Joy sang loud. The band sang with her. Everyone sang. They got to the end of the song and Joy whispered. They went straight to Sexy Lady by Shaggy. They all stood and sang. Clyde took over with the lyrics which he sang with Joy. The music got faster and faster. Everyone was clapping and singing. Zeba stood right in front. She danced and sang.

  “Lloyd!” Lloyd grinned.

  “Right here!” She grinned. She rocked and danced with Lloyd. Jordan smiled as he started singing with Joy. She grinned. Jordan chuckled. Joy nodded as she sang and played her guitar and danced.

  They didn’t stop. Tanya danced up and down with Frank. He grinned as they both sang and danced. Frank smiled.

  “I kind of like this!” Tanya grinned. She looked at the bottles that they had sold. He shook his head.

  “Ludicrous!” Tanya nodded and rang up another sale for a bottle and added it to the shelf. Frank roared with laughter and gave her a high five.

  Joy smiled.

  “Last one before we take a break. Something different. A little Alicia Keys. Empire State of the Mind.” She grinned and looked at the band. She whispered.

  “New York!” They all nodded. Jordan started strumming his guitar in time with Joy. Joy sang. She closed her eyes and sang. Roger sang the backing chorus and Joy smiled. They knew the buildup of the song was coming. Joy pelted out the words and they all grinned. The crowds joined in and clapped as they sang New York. The end of the song came and Joy smiled.

  “Five minute break ladies and gents. Mummy needs the loo!” The band roared with laughter as Joy headed for the loo. She came back and Jordan pulled her in to his arms.

  “I know. I can’t help myself.” She smiled and kissed Jordan.

  “They are in no state to remember.” He smiled and nodded. He leaned down and kissed Joy properly. Joy smiled.

  Jordan ordered two glasses of one of the liqueurs. Joy smiled as they both sipped. Tanya smiled.

  “Would you like the bottle?” Joy grinned.

  “Absolutely!” She handed over the cash and the bottle was added to the shelf. Joy grinned. The band walked over to the stage.

  “Golden oldies. Just send it!” The band chuckled as they struck up with See you later alligator. Joy grinned. Joy whispered.

  “Need a third mike.” Dean soon had a third microphone. Joy was on the dance floor dancing. She held the microphone. It moved from person to person. Everyone grinned as they sang. Joy had her microphone over her ear. They sang five songs and Joy moved back to the stage and put the microphone off. She smiled and looked at the band,

  “Pink Floyd. Another brick in the wall. Hit it!” Jordan played the guitar and Joy waited. She tapped her guitar. She started singing with Roger. Roger nodded. Joy grinned and nodded. Everyone stood on the dance floor and they moved about. Roger grinned and pointed at Joy. They both pelted out the words. Everyone roared as they sang. They all looked at Joy. She yelled and air punched.

  “Hey teacher, leave them kids alone!” Jordan roared with laughter as he played his guitar. The pub was so loud as everyone sang the song. Everyone knew the words. Tanya and Frank sang behind the bar. They danced up and down as they served drinks. They sold bottles of the liqueurs. There were eight bottles with labels on the shelf.

  Frank took Ruth’s bottle and poured the last drip.

  “Ruth that is your bottle.” She took out her purse and paid for her next bottle.

  “Put my bottle up there!” She pointed. Frank grinned and nodded and put her new bottle on the shelf. Ruth nodded and smiled.

  “When I go home I will take it with me.” Frank nodded and smiled.

  Joy looked at Jordan. It was already two in the morning. She closed her eyes and leaned her head on her shoulder. Jordan smiled and nodded.

  “Last two songs folks.” Everyone shouted out their request. Jordan roared.

  “Twice?” Everyone nodded. Joy stomped her foot and clapped her hands. They sang the Queen song twice. Joy bowed. She turned and looked at the band.

  “Thank you gents.” She bowed and they all grinned. They started clapping hands and Joy bowed again. Jordan smiled as he slipped out with Joy. They walked around the pub and he walked her through the back door and up the stairs. He kissed Joy.

  “Give me ten minu
tes.” Joy smiled and nodded. He walked downstairs and smiled. He closed the office door and walked through to the pub. He smiled as he watched. Tanya and Frank were behind the bar. He smiled to himself. Joy was the hit. She was the money spinner. She was what made everyone come alive. Jordan sat at the bar counter and smiled. Tanya grinned and whispered.

  “Is she home?” Jordan smiled and nodded.

  “Frank can you lock up?” Frank nodded and smiled.

  “I will be here with Frank.” Jordan got up.

  “Night everyone!” They all waved and greeted as Jordan walked off. He locked the office door and headed home to Joy. Tanya smiled and looked at Frank. They poured drinks faster and faster. She looked at Frank and he shook his head.

  “Don’t know!” They both grinned. They closed the pub at three. Craig smiled.

  “Coffee?” They both nodded. Craig sat down and gave them each an Irish coffee and one for himself.

  “Hell!” Frank and Tanya nodded.

  “Hell again!”

  CHAPTER 14

  Tanya grinned.

  “She has a tattoo right from her hand to her shoulder.” Frank smiled and nodded.

  “How does she hide it for school?” They all stared at Frank. He grinned.

  “Think. Just think! You have seen how he looks at her. And he would not two time. Not now.” Tanya grinned.

  “You think?” Frank shook his head.

  “Oh I know!” Craig grinned.

  “Possible!” Tanya smiled. She shook her head and grinned.

  “Well I never! Frank you are right.” Frank nodded.

  “I am right. I know I am. It is just. Our Mister Lewis has fallen in love. And he has his eyes on one woman. And that is her for sure. Everything is the same. Watch next time. Just watch.” Tanya smiled.

  “Did you taste those biscuits!” Craig grinned.

  “They held hands in town today.” Tanya smiled.

  “Match made in heaven.” They all nodded. Tanya got up.

  “Ready?’ They all nodded. Frank locked up and they all headed home.

  Joy got up early.

  “Breakfast run with Tanya. I am picking her up at six.” Jordan smiled.

  “Do you need me?” Joy smiled.

  “Sleep.” She kissed Jordan and headed out. Joy started the bike up and drove over to the house. Tanya ran out and hopped on the bike. Zeba and Lloyd stood in their pajamas and waved them off. Tanya smiled. Joy waved. She rode off and Tanya had the biggest smile ever. They joined a team of bikers and drove over to a restaurant. Joy and Tanya hopped off the bike. Tanya grinned from ear to ear. It was a bunch of teachers. Tanya chatted to everyone. Joy kept to herself but chatted here and there. She didn’t mingle too much. They soon had their breakfast and headed home. Joy stopped and adjusted her earpiece.