Please read the previous chapters before this one to understand the story up to this point. None of these chapters are stand-alone. This chapter does contain erotic scenes.
Enjoy!
*
Pam went to the library to continue reading the book on dreams. I gave her $200 in cash to pay for lunch and for whatever else she needed; then dressed and headed down the mountain to meet with Ron, my general manager. I made a mental note to call my bank today and have Pam added to my credit card account.
When I walked into our company office and greeted Cheryl, my assistant, she expressed surprise. "Tom, you look great. Has something good happened?"
"Why do you ask?"
"You look different. Happier than normal."
"You mean for normal when I return from the cabin?"
"Yeah, I suppose."
"You're right. I had a great week and was able to begin focusing on the future for the first time in a long time."
"I'm so happy. It's been a really rough time for you."
"And I'm afraid I made it rough on you, Ron and a lot of our team. I really apologize to you for that. You're the best staff assistant it's possible to have and I just haven't treated you that way in a long time. Can you forgive me?"
Tears came to her eyes and she reached out her hand to me.
"Of course. We all love you Tom and we know your world almost ended when Lydia died. You're a wonderful man but you just haven't been yourself. We understand that."
"Are you available for lunch tomorrow? I'd like to take you and Ron out."
"Sure, I was going to meet my daughter but we can do that some other time."
"Can you call Mandi and see if we can get a table at the Rudder for around noon?"
"Sure."
I walked to Ron's office and waited while he yelled at one of our suppliers. Evidently, this guy had delivered some substandard steaks that our chef refused to serve. He promised to give us credit and deliver a new shipment immediately. I wished all such calls ended that well.
"Hey boss! How's it going?"
"Ron, it's good to be back. How have things gone this week?"
"Actually pretty good. The Bistro is up 5% over the same week last year; the Place is up nearly 9% and the Rudder is up 3%. We launched the new radio ad spot on Monday and did see a pickup in reservations this past weekend. I got your message about adding rabbit to our menu at Bistro and Tim loved the idea. He's searching for a supplier now and is planning to work up some dishes for you to try. Did you see that in a restaurant at the lake?"
"No, I went up to Greenville for a couple of days and had it for dinner in a restaurant there. It was delicious. I don't know of anyone else around here serving it, do you?"
"No I don't. You know your dad had an idea one time to serve various game dishes in the fall and winter. It didn't go over so well but times have changed. I think people are more adventurous now. Tim said that he would also like to try elk and venison dishes."
"Wait, that gives me an idea. Why don't we have a contest between the cooking staffs to come up with the best dish from non-traditional meat?"
"That sounds like fun. What rules do you want?"
"Let all the chefs know that they can order sample sizes of any meat they want and have three-person teams compete to see what they can do. It must be an original dish and contain at least two sides. Each team can do two entries. The winning team members will be given two extra days of paid vacation and all the bragging rights they want."
"That's a great idea; also very generous. So your idea would be to put some of these dishes on the menu?"
"Why not. Let's shake things up a bit and have some fun."
"Who would be the judge?"
"My dad plus one other person to be named later."
"Uh, OK. That works for me. Can we announce it during the staff call tomorrow morning?"
"Sure."
"Tom, something's going on with you. I haven't seen you this happy in five years. What gives?"
"I'm finally looking forward and not back. This has been a watershed week for me, Ron, and I've finally been able to come to terms with Lydia's death. I can't give you all the details right now but I will soon."
"Does it involve a woman?"
I grinned and said, "Maybe."
"OK, I'll wait till your ready but I'm very happy for you. It's great to have you back."
"Thanks. Now let's talk about my plan to meet with the employees." I handed him a printout of the schedule he had e-mailed me. "I've marked the individuals I'd like to meet with and a suggested time for each one. It's going to take me a couple of weeks to get to everyone but I think it's well worth me doing."
"What do you want me to tell them? This is going to scare them to death if we don't tell them the reason ahead of time."
"Let's tell them that I've been very impressed with their work and I want to personally thank them."
"I think that'll work."
Ron looked quickly over the schedule and agreed it looked doable.
"Tom, you mentioned meeting several of our former employees and taking them to lunch. You want to do that, say, in about three weeks?"
"Yes, or whenever they can be scheduled. I know these folks are more problematic so if they say 'no' then we won't push it. But if that happens, I do want their home addresses so I can send them a personal note."
"I like that. Let me get Cheryl working on it."
We talked about some remodeling that needs to be done and a few minor things before I left for a quiet lunch at Wendy's. I was in the mood for their chili that is really good and low in calories.
As I drove to the airport, I thought about dinner that evening. I had recently heard about a new place, The Boathouse Rotisserie and Raw Bar. The early reviews were very positive. All of us liked seafood so I decided to call there for a reservation.
The plane was on time and I met up with mom and dad in baggage claim. We hugged, of course, and I kissed mom.
She said, "Your dad and I are thrilled that there's a young lady in your life again. How did you meet?"
"Pam and I want to tell that whole story tonight as it takes a while. But let me just give a brief outline. We met two weeks ago over at the cabin. Just wait till you meet her. She's everything I could wish for."
Dad asked, "Did you meet at Susan's Place or a store?"
"No, she was in the cabin when I arrived." I saw a confused look on their faces.