This is the 16th part of a (no longer) short story; I hope you enjoy reading as much as I did creating.
Chapter 41
I'm interviewing a likely candidate for bartending.
"Terry you're bartending, 2 couples having their 3rd cocktail, a large boisterous, obnoxious man hits on one of the wives. What do you do?"
"Dial 911, hold my phone up. 'Sir, 911 and video cameras are recording, please leave. Sir, if you do not leave now, I will press charges, even if these folks don't, drunk and disorderly, attempted assault, possibly other charges. It's your decision, leave now or wait to be arrested."
"You've done that?"
"I have."
"Did it work."
"All but once."
"What happened that once?"
"I got a broken nose and jaw, sore ribs, he got 7 years."
"Will you train 2 of my staff?"
"I would."
"Ok, expected wage?"
"$20 an hour."
"We'll be serving venues in the hall, liquor, and beer; so busier times. We also have a swinger's sex club; those nights, will be full bar, cocktails, likely 40 or more on that side of the wall."
"With a good waitress or 2, if I remain behind the bar, I can handle 100. Odette can vouch for that."
"Odette and Josie, are the current waitresses."
"I'm your man."
"2 options, $18 hr, train 2, 1 month trial, prove you're worth 20, and you sign a 1-year commitment.
2nd, $20 hr, train 2, 1-year probation, no notice, I can fire you at any time.
"I told you, I am your bartender, $20 an hour, I sign for 1 year, and train whoever. After 6 months $22 an hour, you'll know by then I'm worth it."
"Agreed. Show me how to make Pina Coladas." I ask,
"You available for a sex party?"
"Bartend or participate?"
"Easy tiger, bartend."
"Yes, I tended parties at Sid and Camille's that's how I know Odette. So, I like sex too." He holds up the Cocktail. "Boss."
I nod, take the drink to O.
"We've got banking to do."
Bernice shares highlights of their night with Josie and Cam.
I share Josie's story with them.
Gordon Johnson, arrives. We meet with Steve and decide on purchasing a large microwave, a second oven, to bake while cooking, a dough mixer, and a BBQ grille.
"Will that all fit in here?" I ask.
Steve looks around,
"Yes, with re-arranging."
"Permits?"
"Gas for the BBQ, and electrical changes." Steve answers, "I'll take care of those." Gord says.
"I need a quote, but what's a ballpark guesstimate."
"Well, there's several options, 7 to 15 grand."
"Quality stuff, do it for 14, make it happen, how soon?"
"The BBQ, 2 weeks, I can do the rest this week. I'll supply the electrician, and gas man."
"Do it." I shake Gord's hand.
"20 for supper Steve, and 'wow' me tomorrow, not just 'ya good', you can cook; show me you want and deserve this job."
I find Carl,
"we're adding appliances to the kitchen; Gordon's doing it in next few days." I do a little happy dance,
"You focus on flooring, cleaners and painter's downstairs, maybe we'll open in 2 weeks." I turn to leave.