Page 41 of Perfect Date
“Well, first of all, I was all about leaving this place when I was younger.”
“You were?”
“Absolutely. I had big plans to be a race car driver.”
“Seriously?”
“A hundred percent. I’m sure you remember hearing that I was a bit of an obnoxious teenager.”
“Oh yes, the joy ride and the purple pool.”
“Yeah, exactly. I guess I was a cocky son of a bitch that thought that the life I wanted to live, that was worth living, was only to be realized away from here. I planned on getting away from everyone, and wanted a life that involved getting up to no good. Truth is, I was a selfish teenager who definitely didn’t give a whole lot of thought to the consequences of my actions.”
“Does any teenager? I think most generally think primarily about themselves at some point.”
“I suppose that’s very true, sweetheart.”
Four times, or maybe five, he’s called me ‘sweetheart’ now.
Swallowing thickly, I add, “I believe you also told me in a previous conversation that being a moody teenager is a rite of passage.”
“Damn, I’m so smart.”
Smiling at his comment, I ask, “Why else didn’t you want the bar? Aside from wanting to leave town?”
“Well, it wasn’t in the greatest condition by the time I inherited it. He didn’t neglect it or anything, but it needed some long overdue updates. Honestly, the only value it had was sentimental. And I guess some loyal clientele, but not necessarily the type I wanted to retain.”
“I’m shocked, because it’s so sharp -the ambiance, the décor and the crowd it attracts – all tasteful, attractive and appealing. One would never guess, seeing it now.”
“Yeah, it’s come a long way. I’ll always remember sitting at the bar, watching him make and serve drinks, or work on orders for supplies, treating his regulars like family, and helping anyone and everyone out that needed a job. He was well loved and respected within our community.”
“It sounds like it.”
“I used to feel like going there was a punishment because it always seemed to be after I had just done something that upset my parents. They’d send me there to get a lecture from my grandfather. I know now, he just cared, and maybe all along he had plans to leave me that place, who knows. I wouldn’t put it past him, clever bastard he was,” he laughs softly and with clear affection.
“You loved him.”
“Very much. I just didn’t have the money to put into it and didn’t see how it would ever provide me with… contentment in my life. Not when all I wanted was to get out of town.”
“So, what changed?”
“My dad died, which was my grandpa’s son.”
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.”
“He had a massive heart attack and it wasn’t long after we lost my grandfather. It was a major hit to my family, and when we all got together to mourn our losses, I knew I had to keep the bar. To honor my grandfather, my father, the place they loved. There was no other answer. Oh, my family was willing to support me if I chose to let it go, even my mom who was deeply mourning and to whom the bar maybe meant the most of all of us.”
He stops and shakes his head and takes a drink before continuing, “Well I realized that it wasn’t something I wanted to give up. Ever. And so, I decided to do whatever it took to make the bar a place that everyone wanted to be, a place where people could continue to gather, get jobs if they needed, and provide everything that my grandfather did.”
“I have no doubt he’d be proud of you. The place is gorgeous and it’s always busy when I’m there, so it’s clear you accomplished exactly what you were hoping.”
“I think so. I hope so.”
He takes another drink, sets it down and smiles, “Enough of that, it’s way past time we dance.”
This time, I take a drink. He watches me carefully as the ice falls against my lips as I sip, and then swallow. “I thought you’d never ask.”
“Oh, one thing, I almost forgot, which is unforgivable.”
