A year and a half ago, Rebel had purchased the failing hotel for a reasonable price, changed the name, switched out the drab décor for Bohemian, and turned his baby into a dream destination, first class all the way. Rebel wanted to create a luxurious environment where a guest could escape reality, yet feel at home at the same time.
He entered the spacious lounge. Soft rose lighting created a cozy space, but it was the plush purple sofas and bright orange cushioned chairs that garnered the most attention. There were several tables for traditional-style seating, and a small dance floor off to the side.
Thursday at eight, the lounge was filling up. One of the room’s main attractions were the four-hundred vinyl albums housed in custom cases, like the ones used in record stores. A turntable sat nearby. Guests were welcome to play an album while enjoying a top-shelf drink or dancing the night away.
Since Kurt hadn’t arrived yet, Rebel slid onto a leather bar stool.
“What can I get you, Mr. Dillinger?” asked the bartender.
“Manhattan,” he replied.
As the barkeep got busy making his drink, Rebel asked how business had been.
“Great,” the bartender replied. “Lana’s been interviewing for another bartender.”
Lana was his GM.
“She mentioned that.”
A few minutes later, his cousin shuffled in.
Rebel stood, pulled him in for a hug. “You look good, brother.”
At twenty-six, Kurt was four years younger than Rebel. The two men looked nothing alike. Kurt was short and stocky, with short, brown hair and a clean-shaven face.
“Love the man bun,” Kurt said.
“How you doin’?” Rebel asked.
Kurt grinned. “Good.”
Rebel settled up with his bartender. With his drink in hand, he moved toward a two-top, but Kurt pointed to a four-person table.
“I invited Kayleen,” Kurt said. “She’ll be here in a few.”
The men sat across from each other, with Rebel taking the front-facing seat. A habit his dad had taught him decades ago.
“Joaquin, always sit with your back against a wall,” his dad had said. “That way, you can see everything going on.”
Now, all these years later, it was something he didn’t even think about, he just gravitated toward the out-facing chair.
The waitress took Kurt’s drink order.
“I got promoted at work,” Kurt said.
“Whatcha doin’ now?” Rebel sipped the Manhattan.
“Major accounts,” Kurt replied.
The cousins had been close as kids, even with the four-year age difference. Their extended families got together frequently, so the boys would spend a good amount of time playing.
“The hotel looks great,” Kurt said. “Kayleen and I come here a couple of times a month. This lounge has gotta be one of our favorite hangouts.”
Kurt’s girlfriend, Kayleen, hurried in.
“Your girl’s here,” Rebel said.
Kurt stood, grinning from ear to ear. Rebel cracked a smile. His cousin had fallen hard and fallen fast. After Kurt pulled out her chair, she sat and offered Rebel a sweet smile.
