I was never a big fan of New Years Eve. It is amateurs night, along with St Paddy's Day, as far as I'm concerned.
So, when I had the chance to cover for my friend and make some money, rather than take the wife out for dinner, I jumped at it. People can be pains in the ass, but at least I'd be making some good tips.
Different crowds moved in and out of the pub, and Larry and I worked smoothly together, enjoying the pace, seeing many of the regulars, and some new ones.
A couple came in and sat in my corner, looking around, clearly new to the joint, and ordered Scotch, single-malt, the good stuff. I was impressed by their discerning taste, and disregard for the high cost of their selections.
They listened in as I told a few regulars a joke, clearly warming to the place. Seeing them enjoy themselves felt good. Sometimes you almost feel like an entertainer, behind the stick, and their smiles were like applause.
Groups came and went but Karen and Jack remained. They offered to but me a drink, which the owner observed, and he nodded approval, since we were down to an hour left. I made sure to push a freebie across to them and they seemed to appreciate the discreet move.
They were both well-dressed, in their 60's, and quite a handsome couple. I could picture them jet-setting around the Caribbean, aboard some yacht. But they didn't seem aloof, like many people in their position.
He was thin, with a wisp of a mustache, reminding me of William Powell in the Thin Man. And for that matter, Karen could have been an older Myrna Loy.
They had rented a furnished townhouse in the area, Karen's mother was ill, in a nursing home, and they felt the need to be near her. Their regular digs were in Boca Raton, and both seemed happy to find a comfortable pub to relax in. They assured me they would be back, asking about my personal schedule at the bar.
Larry and I did Last Call for the dozen or so remaining customers, and Karen excused herself, going to the ladies' room.
Jack leaned across the bar. "Harry, this is for you." He palmed me a $50 bill. Very nice!
"Thanks a lot, Jack, we really appreciate it."
"No, that's just for you. I'll leave a tip for Larry."
I smiled, reluctantly, not meaning to offend him. "I'm sorry, we split everything. I can't do that, but i appreciate it."
Jack smiled. "I tended bar in college, long ago. and it was the same back then. Good for you, Harry."
Karen came back and I went about cleaning up the area, giving them their space. They whispered to each other, then it was his turn to use the men's room.
Karen called me over. "What are you doing after work?"
"I'll be calling a cab and heading home. Too many nuts on the road, tonight."
She smiled. "I know what you mean, we have a car waiting outside and we were wondering if you'd have a nightcap with us."
I was unsure how to take this. "Gee, I don't know, bars are all closing down now."
"We have a fully-stocked bar, and a fine selection of single malts to sample. and whenever you want, our driver will take you home."
Jack was back now. "Did you ask him?"
"Yes, he's trying to decide."
"Well, he has worked all night, he must be tired."
Actually, I was wide awake and would have had to wait quite a while for a cab home.
"Please?" she asked, "we were having fun for the first time in weeks."
I really liked these two. "Sure, why not. It will take me about ten minutes to count up, you're welcome to stay while I do."
"We'll wait in the car, outside. You don't need wagging tongues prying into your affairs", Jack smiled.
"Okay, then , I'll be out in 10."
They both gave Larry a big goodbye, hoping to see him again. We divvied up the tip cup and I made sure to include the fifty, along with the $20 they left on the bar, easily our best tip of the night. Larry was impressed.
It was bitter cold as I exited, and the headlights came on in the stretch limo as it eased around and they popped the door open before the driver could get out. "Hurry, Harry, it's freezing", Karen called.
I ducked in and they sat across the back, both with fresh cocktails from the limo bar. Karen had one poured for me and I shivered as I took it.
"Look, Darling, the poor dear is freezing!"
"A little of that, and he'll be fine, Love."
Jack lowered the divider and said, "Home, James", with a chuckle.
"Is that really his name?" I asked.
"No, Darling", Karen responded, "But it tickles Jack so to say it!"
"James" was opening our door the split-second he had stopped at the entrance, and I stepped out, giving Karen a hand. "Oh, a gentleman, too!"
"Will that be all, sir?" James asked.
"For now, James, but Harry will need a ride home sometime tonight. We will call down", Jack replied. Once inside, we began relaxing, with Jack pouring the drinks, saying I had done enough for the night.
A gas fireplace warmed the den, which had sofas and love seats in a setting meant for mingling crowds, no rhyme or reason to the pattern, all very comfy and plush, Karen led me over by the fire, and Jack sat across from us.
They both kicked off their shoes, and she curled up next to me, tucking her arm under mine, cuddling, while Jack smiled, seemingly undisturbed.
After an awkward moment, I untensed, and Jack said, "New Years is a time for new beginnings, Harry. Karen and I try to indulge ourselves by trying something new."
I looked at him over my glass, and saw they both had a serene smile, almost like cult followers. Now what?
"While my pleasures seem to run towards new golf clubs, or a cruise to Europe, Karen likes men."
He nodded to her. "The way you say it, its like I'm some sort of crazy sex maniac!" She laughed heartily.
"I didn't mean that, Sweetness. But anyway, Harry, we have a proposition for you."
A nightcap was becoming so much more. This was really getting different.
