Wherein our hero, Davy, continues his vagabond RV adventure on the road through America and ventures into scenes and scenery one only dreams about.
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My welcome into Aspen could not have been better. I was so glad to be with my old college roommates, Stephen and Sally. Our familiarity and comfort level was so very good that even not seeing them for years had not altered our intimacy. Their friend, Amy, was a welcome bonus, too. We got along like old chums although we had just met. I rather felt that she fit me like a kid glove and I was very taken by her. I felt the same vibe coming from her and I had a deep sense of wellness.
After breakfast, Amy pulled me outside and in a quiet voice, told me that she had to leave.
"Davy, I must go back home and take care of some things. It will take me several hours. But I don't want you to think that I'm running out on you. I've never said this to anyone before but I desperately want to see you again later. Please tell me that you feel the same way."
"Amy, isn't it obvious? But let me put it this way: I'll be 'okay' for the rest of the day but I won't be 'great' until I see you again. Yes, I feel the same way. In fact, I haven't felt this instantly close to someone in many years. I think that maybe you and I are onto something - something good. Yes, I want to see you later."
Her face could hardly contain her smile, "I know that we just met and have much to learn about each other but my intuition says that we are on the same side, so to speak. So yes, call me when you return."
I went to give her a little kiss but she pulled me close and hugged me to her. I could feel her ardor. She released me and ran into the house to say goodbye and then she was off.
Sally and Stevie were grinning like Cheshire cats when I walked back into the kitchen. "I think Davy and Amy are an item," said Stevie.
"So when are you moving in with her, Davy?" Sally inquired with twinkling eyes.
"Look you two, we just met. I mean, I'm not even here 24 hours, for God's sake! I really, really like her a lot but now it's time to take a deep breath, you know what I'm saying?"
"Yeah, I know what Davy's saying but what is Dick saying?" Sally could be so persistent and so basic.
"Well, let's just see what happens. Normally, I might say 'let's take it slow' but we're a bit past that!"
"Come on, Davy, we've got stops to make," Stevie hustled me off to get dressed. A half hour later, after I put Santo into a large outdoor pen with his bones, the three of us were driving scenic backroads toward Aspen. Good God, this place was beautiful. After a while ogling the hills and fields, we pulled into the town and parked in front of a little restaurant with small tables outside on the porch.
"Come in and look around. We're in the middle of lunch now."
Stevie went into the kitchen while Sally showed me around. Most of the tables were filled but the noise level was restrained. I took a look at a menu. The dishes all looked good and the prices were a bit steep. The least expensive sandwich was a Croque Monsieur at $11.00. Waitresses buzzed by with full trays. I walked around the place and noticed a second dining room as well as rear deck looking out toward the mountains. I quickly surmised that this was a good and thriving business. Sally led me into the kitchen and I watched as she tasted several pots on the stove and commented to the chef about one of them. I couldn't hear what she was saying but I could tell that she was instructing him. She walked over to the fryer and taking a foil plate, she filled it with fries. At that point, Stevie walked out of the office and they shared some private words. They said goodbye to each worker and led me out, back to the car.
"Davy, have some sweet potato fries. They're good." I scooped up a bunch and had to agree. Stevie was pretty happy as he scooped some, too. From there, we drove a couple of blocks and pulled into another place, which had more of a beer tavern feel to it. It, too, was bustling inside with several couples waiting to be seated. I noticed that most of the fare were hamburgers and beer. The prices were cheaper, too. Stevie and Sally repeated the same routine as in the first restaurant only a whole lot faster. We left this place and Stevie placed his receipts into a lockbox in the trunk. They led me across the street to a very fancy hotel and we strode into the restaurant. This place was very snazzy with white linen tablecloths. There was a quiet buzz in the dining room and lots of well-dressed people drinking mojitos and cosmos. While Stevie went to the office, Sally led me to a table toward the rear and we sat down.
"All of our restaurants do well but this place is a cash cow. The prices are absurd and we also supply the room service. I like to come in here a few times a week and cook. Stevie likes to bounce around all our restaurants but I like this one the best because I can use my culinary experience to cook French or Italian."
I marveled at the stunning decor when a waitress stopped by and asked Sally if we wanted anything. Sally thought for a moment and told her to bring us a large sampler platter for three because Stevie would be joining us. Within a few minutes, another waitress came over and opened a bottle of Pinot Noir. Pouring out three glasses, she left the bottle. Moments later, our first waitress set down several small platters with Black truffle asparagus salad, Citrus poached lobster, some beef tenderloin as well as some other tasty treats. As soon as the plates were set out, Stevie joined us.
"Oh, good, I love the asparagus salad," he said. He and Sally took small tastes of each dish. Over one dish, a lamb coulis, he waved over the waitress and told her to send out the chef. The chef promptly arrived.
"Yes, Mr. Stephen. Is everything alright, sir?"
"Yes, Raymond, everything is delicious although I think you put a little extra truffle on the asparagus salad for Sally."
The chef smiled, "My secret."
"I have a question. What did you do to the carrot-saffron coulis?"
"I decided to try using caramelized carrots to see if I could sweeten it just a little. Also, there is a pinch of mint. Do you like it?"
"I love it. I noticed it the mint right away. The carrots are a nice touch. What do you think, Sal?"
"Mmm...yes, I like it but I think you could use a tiny bit more mint...make it a little more pronounced, make it more distinctive...also, you've given me an idea with the carrots. When I come in on Wednesday, let's try a tsimmis, it will go well with the chops."
"Excellent, Miss Sally. Is there anything else? I have to check in the dinner vegetable delivery."
"No, thank you, Raymond...oh, and Raymond, you're off on Tuesday, right?"
"Yes sir."
Stevie got up from the table and slowly walked with Raymond toward the kitchen. I saw him place some money in Raymond's palm and the chef was effusive in his thanks. When Stevie returned, he told us that he's covered Raymond's green fees and clubhouse lunch.
"Raymond doesn't know this yet but we'll be taking over the clubhouse kitchen next month. I instructed him to be observant and let me know what their Tuesday numbers are."
We finished our meal and headed for their last restaurant. This one was on the edge of town and it was a cantina.
Sally looked at the full parking lot and said, "This is my least favorite cuisine but it is, by far, the most profitable. With a minimum of ingredients, you can make the maximum amount of different dishes. Absolutely nothing is wasted. I'd offer you something but the last meal was delicious and I don't want to kill the taste."
I agreed. We walked around the outside of the restaurant and all the outdoor tables were filled. This was busier and noisier than the other places. The prices were cheap and the beer flowed. Stevie came out of the cantina and we drove off to the bank.