“Ready for another?” I ask Burt, one of the regulars I’ve come to get to know a little tonight, my second official day as owner of the bar.
Or Lizzie’s Place as I’m calling it. Temporarily, until I unveil the new name.
“You betcha, Lizzie,” he replies with a nod and a toothy grin.
Burt is one of the several regulars I’ve come to know since signing the papers yesterday. The moment I opened the doors on Friday with the keys I was just handed, I’ve met Tom, Larry, Gus, and Jarrod. Of course, there have been plenty of others who I’ve met, especially tonight, which is definitely a little busier than it was both Monday and last night. But from what I’ve heard, word has gotten around that Chuck’s Place is under new ownership, and it appears everyone is curious.
I pour another draft beer and set it on the counter. He nods and reaches for his drink. From what I learned the day before, the regulars are used to paying at the end of the night. The previous owner let them keep a tab on a slip of paper and then settle up when they were ready to leave. I’m not against that, andI told them that fact. But I do believe we need a better system in place. I agreed to continue to do it that way for a short time, until I could get a new pay system installed and could count drinks electronically there. Sure, there were a few grumbles, but the regulars agreed we’d revisit the discussion at a future date.
“It’s a lot busier than normal. That’s because of you,” Jani states with a laugh.
Jani is the only other female bartender, working two or three nights a week. She’s twenty-six and a single mom of two-year-old Evan. She’s already shown me a dozen photos of the cute little guy, with his black hair and dark chocolate eyes. Considering she has lighter hair and hazel eyes; I’m going to assume he favors Dad in his features.
“Because everyone is being nosy,” I state with a chuckle.
“Exactly! But that’s good. At least they’re buying drinks while they’re here,” she replies, pouring a Jack and Coke for a guy wearing too much cologne.
I can’t argue with her there. Last night, we had a handful of patrons stop by to see the new owner, but tonight is on another level. Every stool is full at the bar, and the tables too. Plus, there’s a handful of small groups around the room, including four guys playing pool.
I’m ecstatic the employees Chuck had have agreed to stay on under my leadership. Well, everyone but Collin. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet. I found out he’s a full-time firefighter and works here a day or two a week, as his schedule allows. He’s supposed to work tomorrow, and even though I have big plans to really dive into the apartment upstairs and get it a little more livable, I can work if needed. I had every intention of texting him today to see if we could meet, but the entire day just got away from me. Poor communications skills on my part, and hopefully he’ll accept my apology.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I quickly pull it out to check the screen. I smile instantly when I see the name.
Dad
We’re coming tomorrow. No arguments.
Dad
Love you, Lou. So fucking proud.
I shake my head and fight back the tears as my fingers fly across the screen.
Me
See you tomorrow. Love you more.
Dad
Impossible.
I slip the device back into my pocket and grab a Bud Light for someone at the bar. How I’ve managed to hold off my family this long is beyond me. Mom came over with me to sign the papers and take possession of the bar, leaving my dad chomping at the bit to help. I brought over just enough personal items to stay in the apartment upstairs for a few nights, knowing the big move would be happening first of the week. But weekends are the busiest time at my family’s bar and restaurant, so I couldn’t pull them all away from their own place to help with mine, even though they would have done it in a heartbeat.
Plus, I just wanted a couple of days to feel the ground settle beneath my feet.
No one argued, at least not to me. I’m sure Mom got an earful from Dad, but he hasn’t said too much to me, other than reminding me they’re all here for me when I need it. He understands my desire and drive to do this on my own, and he does support that decision, even if it’s killing him.
Apparently, their sitting back and waiting is over. Honestly, I’m surprised they lasted forty-eight hours. It wouldn’t have surprised me if they would’ve shown up Friday at noon when I turned the key and opened the door.
“What’s so funny?”
“Huh?” I ask, turning my attention to Jani.
“You had this look on your face and a little smile on your lips,” she says, pulling a couple of beers from the cooler.
“Oh, nothing much. My family. They’re coming tomorrow.”
Her eyes widen. “All of them?” Jani knows of my large, extended family, something we chatted about when I met with her earlier today.
