West Richland Tavern.

[feistyphoenix]

Tess woke in a groggy haze with the events of the night before still swirling in her mind.

"Oh fuck..." she cursed as she sat up, she'd drank too much. The wine was fine but it was definitely the whiskey she'd shared with DJ that was too much.

Ugh DJ, what an exasperating man. Attractive, but exasperating. She brushed the thoughts of him away.

She numbly went into the bathroom and showered, her head was starting to pound. She enjoyed the feel of the hot water on her aching body.

"Oh my god!" the realization that she'd flashed Rex came back to her suddenly. She was ticked off at herself but then started laughing out loud. What a poor clueless idiot, at least now he might not stare at her so intently since he knew what was underneath her clothes.

After her shower she tugged on a skin tight tube dress that laced up one side. The satiny eggplant material complemented her skin and hair well. She let her hair dry and left it down before curling it into big sexy waves like she'd seen on runway models. She applied her makeup and slipped on her pumps with a few minutes to spare.

She took the opportunity to sit at the vanity in the bathroom and stare at herself.

"What do you want?" she asked out loud. Her mind went blank, she didn't know what she wanted and she had even less of an idea what she needed. Just then her stomach growled loudly and she put her hand over it. She was very hungry. Maybe she'd take Rex up on the offer of an omelette today. She could vaguely hear the phone ringing downstairs but they weren't open yet so she didn't go down to answer it. She was, however, quite eager to see the building improvements Troy's friend had done. She wondered if she was supposed to wait for Hannah to see it first.

 

[merryohmd]

Since Kari had never answered him, Rex had returned to the room he had grabbed for the night. He went back to sleep and was now just awakening when he thought he heard a phone ringing. He hoped someone else would get it, rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. Every muscle in his body ached from the work he had completed yesterday. He hoped he was just dreaming about the phone ringing and covered his head with the pillow.

 

[1millionsecrets]

A gentle cooing left Hannah's soft lips and her rear ground gently into Troy's thigh careful not to rub his groin. She closed her soft green eyes and sighed leaning back on him. She didn't honestly care about the way her place looked, or if they ad to open today or not. She wasn't even planning on changing her clothes.
She opened her mouth to speak but stopped as too tired voices mumbled, "Good morning" From behind them.
The twins stood there dressed in soft pink shorts and long sleeved hoodie jackets. It was clear they were hung over and clear they needed to sleep. Maybe Hannah would just close shop and have the grand reopening tomorrow.
She opened her arms and the girls curled against her. Both of them much taller than she. She knew Tess and Rex weren't coming down, so she looked up at Troy with innocent eyes. Her voice danced softly, sweetly through his ear. "Can we go see?"

 

[wombat9966]

Troy was going to tease her some more but seeing the look in her eyes melted his heart.
"You have the keys my love, be my guest," he said indicating the door.
He watched as Hannah opened the door then was right behind her as she walked in. She only made it 5 steps into the bar before she stopped stunned by the transformation. Even Troy who knew sort of what was going to happen was blown away.The twins had followed him in still rubbing the sleep from their eyes and crashed into his back.
"Hey whats the big idea stopping here, what are yo....." trailed off DeeDee as she looked up finally and saw they place.
Kari just gave a little squeal of delight and hugged her sister.

Gone were the dingy old floor boards. They had been sanded back, repaired where they had been needed and then stained a deep red. The bars front panels had all been replaced with red oak paneling and a long black granite top had been fitted. All the taps and fittings had been shined to look brand new and the glass mirror behind the bar had been polished to a high gloss finish. All the tables and chairs had been stained to match the floor except they were two shades lighter giving it a nice contrast. All the seats were covered in Dark black leather seat cushions. The pool tables had been moved to the other end of the bar and Troy's new lighting system had been put in over the dance floor. The beams over that had been carved out a little more intricately to give the place some charm. Above the Bar was a big silken sheet looking strangely out of place.

"So Boss lady, what do you think?"

 

[1millionsecrets]

Her jaw dropped and her stomach knotted. She couldn't speak, couldn't breathe.. Shakily she stepped back into him, and used him for support as her knees attempted to give. "I... I" she stammered tears filling her eyes. She couldn't stop looking around and marveling at the work.
Her heart fluttered so rapidly she swore it would fly from her chest. "Thank you." She managed and clung to him lovingly. She nuzzled her head into his chest and felt the warmth through the material of his shirt. She couldn't make the tears stop, so they fell and fell.

The twins just giggled softly and made their way to a booth, sitting they almost instantly fell asleep on its surface.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy knew she would be pleased but he didn't know she would be this pleased.
"Hey it's fine. This place needed this. Besides I have a vested interest in this place doing well. If the place does well I get to keep my job, and I get to see you every day."
He wrapped her in his arms and held her close for a minute and then tilted her head up so she looked into his eyes.
"Besides you haven't seen everything yet. Wait until you see the kitchen, the bathrooms and that little surprise up there," he said pointing to the silk sheet."First though cover your ears, I want the other two down here. REX, TESS, get your sorry asses out of bed and get down here," Troy shouted.

 

[Wolfias]

Eugene awoke from a deep sleep as he'd slept on office couch again. Wrenching on the last custom bike he had been going 24 hours strait, sitting up groaning as he had a stiff back now ''A couch it's a bed dude.'' Telling himself this the 100th time or so, being a perfectionist had to make the bikes perfect. Standing from the couch places his hands on back, grunts stretching his back it cracked several times. ''Ahh much better.''

Making his way over to the coffee pot, rubbing sleep from his dark brown eyes. Opening the lid removes the filter, tossing the used up ground into the trash. Rinsing the pot out in a nearby sink, it's clean just enough for one more pot. Filling the pot full of water and sets it aside, measuring out the coffee adding to the maker. Stepping into the bathroom for a quick shower, strip down jumped lather up and rise off. Grab a towel as he got out dry himself, quickly doing this goes into the office for clothes. Pulls on clean underwear, socks jeans and a Wolf Custom Bikes Tshirt.

Sitting down on the couch pulls on biker boots, standing tugs the shop logo leather jacket. Back into the bathroom brushes his teeth, all finished and all ready to go out. Pouring a tall travel cup before stepping outside, jumps into the lowered black 67 chevy shop truck. Firing up the 427 big block it rumbles nicely, drops it in gear pulls out into traffic. Spying movement inside the Tavern pulls into the lot, turning off the engine steps out of the truck. Keys going in his pocket keyed the alarm, steps to the tavern door to knock on it.

Eugene reaches the Taverns door window, from the excitement on Hannah's face. The work done must have been nice, Troy had a hand in this being stand up guy. Having designed a custom bike he could ride, and the fact he'd paid up front in cash was the best customer ''Hey Hannah let me in I want to see what's been done inside your Tavern too!'' On my tiptoes being only 5'8 could barely reach the window, 190 lbs muscular but was on the rather stocky side size wise.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Hannah flinched at his booming voice still after she plugged her ears. Then timidly she made her way to the kitchen. Her steps we're small as her heart raced, she excited to see her new kitchen, but worried at the same time. It must have taken hours upon hours to get this done.... "How can I ever repay you?" She spoke softly.

DeeDee sleepily made her way to the door, letting Eugene inside the tavern.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess was just about to open the door and go downstairs when she heard Troy's booming voice. She stood at the top of the stairs and answered.

"I'm up," but she froze as she looked down at all the work that had been done.

"Holy shit," she said after a moment.

She just stood there taking it in before deciding to head downstairs and look at it from there. She stood close to Hannah, who looked like she was in a state of shock. Troy must love her if he went to all this trouble for her. Damn she was lucky.

"This is amazing Troy, just....wow" she flashed a big smile at him and Hannah.

 

[wombat9966]

"Well ladies I know you love it for different reasons but I want to show you your new kitchen," Troy said proudly like a new father.
Gone was the small one room little kitchen. In it's place was a huge two roomed long, widened kitchen with white tiled walls and floors, non slip mats, stainless silver worktops, a deep fryer, a large gas cook top, a wall oven, a salamander and even a walk in fridge. The middle bench had heat lamps and a baymarie as well.
"Now before you say anything about money I know a guy who's restaurant just went under and the bank was going to take the lot. Lets just say a little fire happened and this lot didn't survive but the insurance agency will be paying for a lot of scrap metal that did burn up."
Troy laughed. " I figure with this lot we can put out some serious lunches and dinners. Get some decent clientele in for the ladies to work their magic on, instead of some of the riff raff we have been getting."

 

[Wolfias]

Stepping inside as soon as DeeDee let him in, grinning ear to ear letting out a low whistle. ''Hannah the place looks fucking great! looks like Troy's handy work to me, he always had a knack for getting things done. Following DeeDee in she looked like she wasn't feeling well, he followed her into the huge kitchen. ''Now I know where i'll be eating lunch and dinner.'' A low chuckle rumbles from deep down, as he leans against the kitchen door jamb.

Hanna would you mind if I brought one of my bikes in? I could paint your picture on the tank. With a stylized West Richland Tavern logo on the side, and you'll have it by a grand opening.'' Eugene had built a bike for his best friend, it was the first bike he'd after getting paroled. Her letters in prison helped him through it, he would always feel a deep appreciation for her.

 

[feistyphoenix]

It took Tess a few minutes to recognize the other man that was with them. He seemed so vaguely familiar. When she heard his voice she knew, it was Wolf. They'd never been close as teenagers, he was Hannah's friend and she never let Tess get too close to him for some reason, jealousy perhaps?

They partied together occasionally, that's where she remembered him from. They had always had fun and gotten along fine. She'd left before they'd grown up into adults and she realized he probably didn't recognize her at all. Tess noticed she was taller than him in her heels but guessed they were about the same height if she wasn't wearing them.

She nudged him with her arm, "Hey Wolf, it's been a long time," she smiled warmly.

 

[Wolfias]

''Tess! Well I'll be damned it really is you.'' He wondered a moment if he should hug her, oh what the hell he thought and hugged her. With another big grin he let her go right after the embrace, Hannah had sent pictures of her and Tess in her letters. "Looks like you grew up and I didn't doesn't it?''

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess laughed easily, "It's all an illusion," she gestured to her heels.

"So what do you think of the Tavern? Looks pretty amazing doesn't it." she looked around again at the new kitchen and wondered if she might be able to finally learn to cook properly.

 

[Wolfias]

''Bet without those heels you're an Inch taller girl.'' Looking down her shapely legs to her stiletto heels, an approving look in his dark eyes that wasn't leering. ''Looks great I'd love to add one of my custom bikes in here, don't tell Hannah but I built one already she just doesn't know it.

 

[feistyphoenix]

"She's going to be very surprised," Tess said quietly. She noticed him staring at her long legs and suddenly felt self conscious.

Wolf had always been a nice guy to she and Hannah, but everyone knew you didn't cross him. He had earned his nickname many times over as a teenager. Tess remembered how upset Hannah would get when Wolf would get into fights and start trouble.

"What have you been doing all this time?" she asked, making polite conversation.

 

[Wolfias]

Realizing what he was doing he blushed slightly, looking up quickly he felt like a ass for doing it. ''Doing 10-15 in prison, went through court ordered drug rehab. Psychiatric help to treat my anger issues, did all that was legally required of me. I got paroled on good behavior 5 years ago, opened Wolf custom bikes I have been doing that.

 

[feistyphoenix]

"Wow," she breathed, "i'm sorry to hear that." She wasn't sure what people normally said in response to something like that.

The words "anger issues" stuck in her gut. Maybe Hannah had always known and kept the more fragile Tess out of his way for a reason. She almost shivered.

"Well you own your own place now, that's really great." she remembered seeing it as she got off the bus the other day, it was right across the street. She guessed they'd be seeing a lot of him in the coming weeks.

 

[Wolfias]

''Yeah I know scary shit but I deserved prison, but I got the message and cleaned myself up. The old Wolf is dead and gone now, good riddance to him he was nothing but trouble.''

He hung his head knowing she didn't trust him, he started to say more but got choked up. Turning away from Tess as her unease was obvious. He didn't blame her one little bit for feeling it, but he wasn't the same stupid man he used to be.

''I'm sorry Tess I know I frighten you, it's ok I have to prove I've changed frequently. It's why I volunteer at women's centers, go on charity rides every few months and give back.''

 

[feistyphoenix]

"That's really great of you, Wolf," Tess said, she was stone faced now. He seemed really sorry and if he was still on good terms with Hannah maybe it wasn't so bad.

"I guess we should get to work, Hannah. What time are we opening today?" she asked Hannah, who was standing off to the side with Troy.

 

[Wolfias]

"Hanna you and Tess take care of yourselves, I have to get some breakfast and open the shop.'' With that said Eugene headed to the door, he needed some air as he pulls it open. Giving one last sad glance back into the Tavern, tucking his hands into his pockets walking to his truck. ''Damn Eugene you and your big mouth.'' Pulling his hand from his pockets with the keys, keying the alarm and he got in the truck. Starting the engine putting it in reverse, backing out into the street he shifts into drive. Easing on down the street he just drove anywhere, turning on the radio station they used to listen to.

 

[raiguy]

DJ woke up, groaning from a headache. He had been tossing and turning most of the night after getting back from meeting Tess. He sighed before fixing himself a pot of coffee after pulling himself out of bed. He knew that there were things that needed to be done today, but work had called his phone to let him know they were closed for the day. It was a bit odd, but he didn't mind.

He sat down at the kitchen table, nursing the mug of coffee, before realizing he needed a game or six of 9 ball. He sighed, wishing again he had a table, before heading to the shower to wash himself. While it might be awkward to see Tess, he knew that the only way he would clear his mind was to play a game he loved, and just stop worrying.

After getting dressed, he quickly made his way out of the house, before pulling up to the tavern a short while later. He was out and walking towards the door, when one of the new girls he recognized before he left opened it. He smiled at her as she held it open for him, before sliding inside. He whistled softly, seeing the remodel. The tavern looked amazing, not to mention the pool area looked like it was completely new.

He smiled at Hannah and the big guy she was with, before moving to one of the tables and racking the balls in a diamond. He immediately noticed a slight problem with the way the table sat on the floor, before realizing it was just on one of the outlet covers. He walked over to the guy behind the bar and smiled, before asking, "Hey, can you help me move that table real quick. It has a slight tilt to it that throws the shots off, and I don't think too many of the players are going to appreciate it. While we are at it, we might check to make sure nothing else was done. It is one hell of a nice remodel you've done though," he said, waiting to see if the guy would help him or not.

 

[merryohmd]

The noise downstairs finally broke through to Rex. He arose and dressed quickly and rushed, well limped, downstairs. He couldn't wait to see what Hannah and everyone else thought of the kitchen. That is where he had put in the most work and he was as proud of the place as if he had designed and built it himself. He was nearly breathless when he saw everyone. "So what do you think? Isn't it great. Pete and his guys were amazing. This kitchen rocks. The new cook is going to love the place. Damn I'm hungry. Who just left? Did you all have fun last night?" Rex's raced on. "Aren't these new appliances amazing? I checked them all out and they have really neat features? What do you think of the lights in the other room?" Then he stopped and stared at Tess. It suddenly hit him that she had flashed him last night. Wow, what a beautiful women. Rex fell silent.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess felt like she'd been caught up in a tornado by the way Rex was rattling on so quickly. He asked several questions but didn't give anyone a chance to answer.

"Slow down, Rex." she said as she walked over to the coffee maker and got a pot going. She was getting hungrier by the minute. She'd make her own breakfast if she had to but she figured Hannah would want her out front for the opening. Tess could feel Rex's hot stare on her as she leaned back against the counter, stretching to her full height. So much for less staring, she sighed.

 

[merryohmd]

Rex shook off his stare. Tess was so pretty. "Hey, Tess, do you want something to eat? I can fix you something if you want? Just name it and if it's short order-type food I can handle it."