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Markus and Amber have been nothing but supportive throughout this process. Having never been a business owner before, I had––and still have––a lot of questions they’ve been able to help answer. I just wish I knew how many roadblocks I’d come across on this journey. According to my original plans, the bar was supposed to open a week ago. Now, the estimated date is two weeks from now––at the earliest. But with the mold discovery, I have a feeling the opening date will have to be pushed back even further.
I reply to Markus’s text, letting him know I’m planning on going to the party. Then I try to relax while I watch a mindless reality show.
“Are you sure you can have it done that fast?” I look at my contractor, Hector, hoping he’s not bullshitting me right now.
He nods. “Yes, I’m sure. Schedule all the inspections you need to have. I’m guessing you’ll be able to open by New Year’s Eve.”
“That’s only three weeks from now. That seems pretty fast, considering you found mold yesterday.”
Hector smiles. “Yes, but the mold wasn’t as extensive as we first thought. We’ll replace the boards that are affected, and that’ll be it. You have my word. Get your inspections lined up. I’m betting you can open by December 31, if not sooner.”
I study his face, looking for any sign of him lying to me, but he appears to be truthful. I put my hand out for him to shake. “Okay, then. Let’s get this place finished.”
Hector shakes my hand and pats my shoulder with his other one. “It’s gonna look amazing when we’re done!”
“I’m holding you to that,” I say with a chuckle.
The thing is, I know he’s telling the truth about that. I’ve seen the work his crew has done in other restaurants and bars. Everything they’ve constructed looks amazing, so I know this place will look just the way I want it to look once it’s done. Having the soft opening on New Year’s Eve would be incredible, too. What an amazing opportunity to throw a party and celebrate. I know I won’t be able to get a musical act to perform on such short notice, but that’s okay. My original plan was to start the live music acts at our grand opening, anyway, which will be a month or two later after we get all of the kinks of opening a new bar worked out.
If Hector is right, and we’ll be able to open three weeks from now, I have a lot of planning to do.
But right now, I need to go to the job that’s still paying all my bills. I wish I had time to stop inside Cheerfully Yours to apologize to Heidi, but that’ll have to wait for another day.
I’ve worked at Grays for almost five years now, and I’ve been the head bartender for the past three. Before that, I worked at another bar in town, which I started out as the bouncer before eventually working my way behind the bar to mix drinks. I love my job. I’m a social guy and love talking with people, so bartending is the perfect job for me. I love connecting with my customers and being a sounding board for them when they need it. It’s amazing how open people are with their bartender… I’ve learned a lot of interesting things over the years, and I’d like to think I’ve helped people with their problems, too.
Hopefully, if all goes to plan like Hector says, I’ll finally be able to give my official two weeks’ notice at Grays next week. My boss isn’t happy with me at the moment, although she’s still supportive of me pursuing my dream. However, I’m stealing a couple of her employees to come work for me once Hot Toddy’s opens. That’s the name of my bar––Hot Toddy’s. I thought it was clever since it’s not only the name of a drink, but Todd is also my last name.
Halfway through my shift, I’m surprised to see Markus and Amber walk in. They sit at the bar, like they always do when they come in. It’s been a while since they’ve been in here, so it’s good to see my friends.
I walk over to where they’re sitting. “Hey, guys. What’s up?”
“Hey, man,” Markus says, shaking my hand. “Long time no see. How’re things going?”
“It’s good,” I say, although that’s not entirely true, considering all the stress the new bar is causing me.
“How’s construction going at the new place?” Amber asks. “When do you think you’ll get to open?”
I sigh and wipe the bar down with a rag. “Well, let me tell you all about it,” I say before going on to explain what’s been going on with that.
After sharing the exciting news that I’ll likely be able to open by New Year’s Eve, Markus and Amber congratulate me. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed for everything to go smoothly from here on out,” Markus says.
“Thanks, man. So what can I get you guys tonight?” I ask.
They place their orders, and I get to work mixing their drinks after putting their food orders into the computer for the kitchen. I deliver their drinks, then help a couple of other customers before returning to chat with them some more.
“So the holiday party is this weekend,” I say to them. “I’m looking forward to going.”
“Yeah, it should be a good time.” Amber leans in and quietly says, “Nick is in town, so Riser’s going to play.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “What? That’s amazing!” Amber’s brother is the lead singer of the Grammy-award-winning rock band Riser. Getting to see them perform for free will definitely be a treat.
“Yeah, but keep that on the down-low,” Markus says. “We don’t want random people getting word of it and trying to track down where the party is.”
I chuckle. “The secret’s safe with me.”
“Not that it would be easy to find the party,” Amber adds with a laugh.
Their holiday party is being held at Amber’s parents’ house, who live on acreage outside the city limits. Even after their retirement, her parents continued to host the holiday parties since they have the perfect location to do so. Although I don’t work for Conners Music, I always get an invitation. They don’t just invite their employees to the shindig, they extend invitations to everyone they know, and it’s always a good time.
