West Richland Tavern.

[feistyphoenix]

Tess' eyes brightened, "Eggs would be great. I'm going to start getting the chairs down in the front."

She walked out of the kitchen and away from everyone. She liked the quiet of the bar room before opening.

 

[1millionsecrets]

It took her a moment to take it all in. The kitchen, the floors, everything was perfect. Everything was beautiful. "Actually," She spoke softly. "We're closed... I'm sorry guy so concerned with the pool table, but we'll open tomorrow. I'll give you a free round on the house for the inconvenience."
Sighing she turned to her work staff, and slipped gently from Troy. "Please everyone, sit down... It's time to get a few things worked out. Then, I'll whip up something special and we can.plan tomorrow's grand opening?" Though it was a question, the last sentence sounded like a statement. She stood before a pretty center table, her eyes resting on the sheet for a moment.

 

[raiguy]

DJ nodded, before walking past the pool tables and seeing that they were in fact on scuff pads. He walked by the table, bumping it to get it onto the flat ground, before heading out of the door. He sighed as he climbed into his truck, before heading back home.

He figured it was about time to get lost in the music, as the only pool hall was closed. He made his way home, before locking himself in his study, turning off his cell phone, and concentrating on the music that constantly evaded his grasp, twisted what he wanted, and made him keep demanding more of himself.

 

[merryohmd]

Rex had followed Tess from the kitchen because he wasn't sure what she had said. He took a seat with everyone else when Hannah directed them to sit down and talk. Damn he was hungry and now had to sit through some meeting. He winked at the twins.

 

[1millionsecrets]

"I guess, I just wanted to say thank you... I know it's been a broken helter skelter of a time trying to get up and going, but it will get better. I do ask that rec continue to wear the uniform I gave him, replacing the under attire with tight shorts if he must. Kari, DeeDee, and Tess I have ordered some light auburn mini dresses and heels for you all, you can alter them as you like. Troy," Her face blushed as she addressed him reminding herself that she was his boss. "I have ordered a red and black fishnet shirt for you to match the girl's dresses and Rex's new apron."
She stepped back for a moment suddenly nervous. "I want this to appear to be a family establishment, if families were horny older guys with cash and loungers guys just wanting to get their rocks off. I'm still looking for some males to help you girls out."
She folded her arms over her chest and bit her lip. "The rest of the day is yours. Sleep if you wish, use the kitchen, play pool, tinker around with the music..... Just enjoy your day off."

Noticing the aching way Rex carried himself she made her way behind the bar and found her medical stash. Taking two muscle relaxers and a glass of water she brought them to him. "Here love... Thank you for helping."

--------------------

Dee and Kari did all they could to get down to Hannah's room where it was cooler and quieter. They curled on her bed together falling asleep in their hung over state shortly after.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy chuckled to himself. Red and black huh. Could be fun. They would probably need a few more girls as well if this place got popular, three just wouldn't do it. Three guys on the other hand. Well he would ask around. Looking over at Hannah he could see how pleased she was with the remodel and that gave him a warm glow. It was good to see her smiling for a change. The way she was walking around trailing her fingers over things with a slightly bemused smile on her face was all the thanks Troy needed. He would have to ring Pete and see if there was anything he could do for him and his crew. They had really gone above and beyond on this one. Sure he had owed him a bit but wow. They were at least coming here for a nights drinking.

Oh crap that reminded him. "Ah Hannah there is one more surprise left. Would you join me by the bar please."

 

[1millionsecrets]

She nodded and approached him slowly a warm.smile resting on her lips. Her steps were light and silent, her boots rested by the stage. She bit her lip and stood close to him. Close enough her arm brushed his jacket's sleeve. "What is it?"

 

[merryohmd]

"Great" Rex thought "I still have to wear some stupid apron!" He thanked Hannah for the muscle relaxers and then confirmed with Tess she had requested eggs. He headed to the kitchen and found everything he needed to start up breakfast. Since she did not specify, Rex made plan cheese omelettes with bacon and toast for he and Tess. He took her food into the bar and gave it to her. He went back into the kitchen where he ate his food and cleaned up. Then he went out back and took care of the dogs. He hadn't shown anyone the new house he had built for them with material scraps from Pete's remodel job. He headed back into the bar wondering what he would do for the rest of the day since Hannah had told the pool player that the tavern was closed today. He approached Tess "how's breakfast? Do you need anything else?"

 

[wombat9966]

Troy took Hannah behind the bar and showed her the sheet. Most of it was hung up halfway up the wall, but one corner hung down.
"Hannah if you would do the honors. Just pull on the corner."
Hannah gave him a strange look but reached up and gave the sheet a tug. As it cascaded down a neon sign was revealed and Troy neatly flicked it on just as it was fully revealed. In big glowing letters the words Hannah's Place came to life with two fishnet stocking legs. Then one kicked into the air and back down again.
"If you like it the guy said he can do me a deal on a bigger one for the roof. So what do you think?"

~you can pick the color scheme mil~

 

[feistyphoenix]

(i had a post all typed and then lit lag ate it. grrr)

Tess looked down at the plate Rex brought her. She thanked him, he clearly overestimated how much she could eat, or he had noticed the night before how her ribs showed through her skin a little. The stress of her weeks on the run had taken a toll on her once healthy frame. She offered Kari and Dee Dee her toast and they each took a slice and thanked her.

"No problem." she assured them.

Tess noticed DJ lingering by the pool tables, she almost got up to tell him they weren't opening today but Hannah stepped in before Tess could say anything. She needed some time before she felt comfortable talking to him again. She sighed as he walked out the door and got into his truck.

When Rex came back out to check on her she had already inhaled her eggs. She smiled when he asked if she needed anything else, "No thank you. I'm really full, those were great," she rose to take her plate back to the kitchen and rinse it off.

When she turned around Hannah was just pulling the sheet off of Troy's surprise. Tess cracked a huge smile when she saw it. It was so amazing.

"That is so awesome Troy!" she beamed. God Hannah was so lucky, no man had ever lavished Tess with attention like that without expecting something from her, she always owed her boyfriend something for anything nice he did.

"Hannah I have an idea to get more customers in the door if you wanna talk about it later. I think it'll be fun," she headed for the kitchen to wash her plate and get a cup of coffee.

She was thankful for the day off, she couldn't wait to get out of her dress and into more comfortable clothes. She also wanted to kick the lingering hangover she had. The twins seemed to be in the worst shape, they couldn't handle alcohol very well at all.

 

[merryohmd]

Rex finished in the kitchen and returned to the main bar area. He did not have enough money to go buy anything new but he figured that his $30 would buy him somethings at the Goodwill near the center of town. He said his goodbyes and headed out the front door. He figured he could walk the 3 miles pretty quickly, although his muscles were still sore, and pick up some things at the store. After that, well he had no idea. He certainly did not want to go to any of his former hang outs since that would just get him closer to the addictions he was running from. "I just I'll just come back here," he thought as started walking at a brisk pace.

 

[wombat9966]

Troy saw Tess exiting the kitchen and headed over to her.
"Oh Tess I almost forgot. Hannah said she was Going to do all the remodeling upstairs so I wasn't able to get them done yet but the guy who did the bar sign already has three more orders placed. You, Dee and Kiri just have to go down to him and tell him what you want and in what color. I figured you can hang them above your doors and use them as signs for when you have clients or something. Corny I know but I couldn't do all this without you girls getting a present too you know."


Troy blushed and looked sheepish. "They won't be as big as the bar sign but they will be all yours. Consider them my gift to you as a way of saying welcome hey."
Troy pulled out his wallet and after sorting through his extensive list of cards he finally pulled out the one for the neon sign guy.
"Once you and the girls have worked out with Hannah if she is going to do the Hallways or not just phone up Gary and tell him you are the girls Troy wants the signs made for. He will take care of you. The names are pretty straight forward but he will do a little design for you too so you should think about that. He has some to choose from but as long as you don't go too wild he can do it."

"I already thought the girls should have twin devil and angels on theirs. It suits them, but it's up to them. What do you think Tess?"

 

[1millionsecrets]

"Red and black just like everyt...." Her voice trailed off as he walked over to Tess. Smiling timidly Hannah made her way to the bar and thought in silence to herself.
(Not feeling well sorry my reply is so awful)

 

[feistyphoenix]

(Feel better secrets!! )

Tess politely took the card from Troy and thanked him before heading upstairs to change. She happily pulled on a pair of black yoga pants and a close fitting t shirt. She removed her diamond earrings and hid them out of habit before getting back into bed to sleep a couple more hours. She knew she would feel so much better by lunch time.

 

[Wolfias]

(Get well soon Lass)

Eugene pulls into Joe's Dinner and up to the drive thru window, to order his usual big breakfast special. It was getting old eating take out breakfasts, he'd rather have a girlfriend to cook breakfast for. But his old reputation wasn't very easy to escape, dated several women for a period of time but eventually his past came up. They would just go stone faced with fear as Tess had, he tried to tell himself I'm used to it. A person can only lie to themselves for so long, he accepted he might find the right girl one day.

Joe's granddaughter tried to flirt with him as usual, lost in thought he didn't really notice angers her. A bag with his order in it is shoved in his face, grabbing it quickly before the plate tips and spills. ''That'll be 5 dollars!'' She snapped irritably at him the old Eugene was not nice, he would have emptied the plate over her head. A foulmouthed tirade would have followed, calling her every insulting name in the book.

Handing her a 10 with a calm smile he says. ''Keep the change Jackie, and tell Joe I said hey.'' She just stared wide eyed with a slack jawed expression, rolling up the window he drives away chuckling. ''Kill em with kindness they say.'' He grins thinking the expression on her face was hilarious, pulling out into traffic he cranks up the classic rock station. Back at Wolf's Bikes in 10 minutes flat, with his food he steps from the truck keying the alarm. Unlocking the shop door stepping inside flips the lights, Sadie the shops guard Chihuahua ran up all exited, Eugene pats his thigh as she scampers around him. ''C'mon lil girl about breakfast time.''

Refilling the travel cup with coffee sits at his desk, opens the bag his breakfast plates in. Opens the plate begins to eat slowly, Sadie trots over with her little plastic bowl. Taking the bowl adding a little bacon eggs, placing it back down on the floor Sadie ate it up. ''Ah weren't hungry were you girl? He could help but laugh at the little dog, making quick work of his breakfast. Closing the plate putting it back in the bag, looking out his office window with a grin. Hannah's metallic cherry red bike sat 20 feet away, it had a sexy portrait of her on the tank. He'd copied it from a photo at Halloween, Black corset, thigh, boots, devil, horns and tail. Just enough chrome on the bike to look classy, air ride suspicion, and one off five spoke wheels. Picking up the little dog affectionately petting her. ''Think Hannah's gonna love her bike girl?'' She barks excitedly.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Hannah's mind flipped to eugene, he hadn't spent much time with her lately and she missed him. Perhaps she should invite him in for lunch, introduce him to the girls and maybe he'd smile again like he use to. She shivered slightly when she thought of the things he had done go others, the walls he had built up had taken her years to tear down.
He was protective, and short tempered when they were young. Once or twice it had gotten her in trouble too but never bad enough to leave his side for. She had other feelings for him so long ago, she felt she could help him... guide him to a better life. Honestly all she ever did was provide companionship until the inevitable happened and his freedoms were taken. Only a few months after Tess's move, genie was thrown in jail. Monthly letters kept them in touch, but feelings subsided. Even the kiss they once shared under the gazebo behind her father's oldest bar had become hazy.
Everything leading up to it gone from her memory, but the surprising softness of his lips, the warmth of the embrace despite the cold air... It was only a kiss, the first and last consensual kiss for nearly ten years.

Her mind snapped back to reality, and she found her fingertips resting on her lips. A blush burned at her cheeks, as she began wiping down the beautiful new counter top. She had Troy now, her heart swelled at the thought, Eugene was a chance missed, gone and done away with. Only friendship lingered between them. Nothing mote....

 

[feistyphoenix]

When Tess woke up a couple of hours later, the mid day light was peeking through the blinds of her window and shining right into her eyes.

"Argggh." she rolled over away from it and sighed.

She tried to go back to sleep but decided she needed to get some water. She knew how to re hydrate after a long night, and she'd only had coffee this morning. It wouldn't be enough. She put her feet on the cool hardwood floor and stretched before standing up. She went to her closet and pulled on a sweater cardigan. She wasn't going through all the trouble to put on a bra when she was this tired. She slipped on her flip flops and headed downstairs, combing through her long hair with her fingers as she went.

Tess saw Hannah looking dazed behind the bar. They still hadn't gotten to reconnect, things had just been so busy and unexpected since Tess' arrival. Hannah was staring out the window when Tess slipped behind the bar and wrapped her arms around Hannah from behind, resting her chin on Hannah's shoulder.

"I really missed you Hannah." she said softly as she gave her a squeeze.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Hannah jumped slightly and smiled resting into her cousin.. "I missed you too love." Her voice soft as she spoke. Her hands settled on Tess's and she sighed.
"What happened to us..." her voice danced softly.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess pulled back away from Hannah and clasped one of her hands, "I don't know, but we can always fix it. We're family," she smiled warmly.

Tess didn't know what else to say. She hadn't really been given a choice when she'd left with her mom and changed her last name. She'd had a whole other life away from the chaos and madness that existed here, but she had always missed Hannah and always wanted to call her but didn't for various reasons.

"You wanna hear a crazy idea that just might make this place the busiest Tavern in town?" she did have an idea and she hoped Hannah liked it.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Lifting some bubbly soda to her lips, to settle her.tossing stomach she nodded. A warm smile touched her lips as she sat at the bar. "Sure babe"

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess filled up a water glass behind the bar and went to sit next to Hannah.

"Okay, just bear with me. Remember when our parents forced us to take those dance classes when we were like I dunno, 13 or something? And we actually ended up enjoying it until my dad realized the dances were basically strip teases with our clothes on?" She laughed at the memory.

Her dad had positively flipped out and called Hannah's parents right away. They had raised a big stink at the dance studio and even went as far to tell the instructor that if they wanted their daughters to learn how to strip they'd have taken them to one of Vince's clubs.

"Anyway, what if once a week or something we did a burlesque show? We all learn a few dances, maybe sing a song or two and really work the guys around this place up. We already have the stage and lights, all we need are some tracks and dances. How about it?" She hoped Hannah didn't hate it but, it was sort of a wild idea.

Tess remembered going to a club like that once in Seattle with her friends, they'd had a blast during the show and Tess had danced around her apartment afterwards for several days to the songs on the radio, making her boyfriend jealous that she'd gone without him.

 

[1millionsecrets]

Hannah grinned as she pondered the idea. "We do have a stage, good lighting... it wouldn't be too hard to put on a show." She slipped her arms around her cousin and grinned. "I love the idea babe!"

 

[wombat9966]

Troy had been watching Tess and Hannah talking together. It looked like the two cousins were finally reconnecting and he was happy. Nothing was more important than family. Of course he wondered what they were talking about as well. He remembered Tess saying something about having a great idea to bring in more customers to the bar and he wondered what it could be.

If that was the case maybe he should put out the word they would be looking to hire more girls. They would have to be freelancers and all newcomers so they would not be stepping on anyone's toes, but girls were always coming and going and he was sure there would be a few who would fit the bill nicely.

That reminded him, he had to phone Rachel later and find out what she wanted. He would give her a call after lunch. After a night shift he never wanted to know anything until after he had eaten lunch the next day.

 

[merryohmd]

Rex made it to the Goodwill Store and started looking around to see what he could find. His first choice was a couple of pairs of Converse All Stars, all black for $3 bucks per pair. He figured they would come in handy since he would be on his feet all day at the Tavern. A couple of worn but not holey jeans and a few tee shirts went into his cart. He was about to head to the check out counter when he spied a display rack of swim wear. Clearly visible was something black and red striped. When he pulled the item from the rack it was a Speedo and was a size he thought would fit. He looked through the rest and found 2 more; 1 that was red with black strips, a second was black with red strips and the third was half red and half black. He hoped Hannah would approve since he wasn't running around with his ass hanging out any more. He thought she had said something about tight shorts anyway so these would do. He paid, and started walking back toward the Tavern since it was on the way to the flop house were he lived. He found himself whistling as he walked. He couldn't place the tune but he kept hearing it in his head and so he whistled it. All in all the past two days had been pretty good for Rex.

 

[feistyphoenix]

Tess got so excited she almost squealed. She hugged Hannah again tightly.

"Why don't I come up with a short list of songs that might work and we can look at them together tonight and figure out how we want to start? I'm going to walk down the street and get some lunch. I'll see you later." she smiled and then suddenly remembered something. She snuck a glance at Troy and then back at Hannah before adding, "and you better be ready to gimme all the dirt!" she giggled like a teenager.

Tess bounced upstairs to change into her skinny jeans and a clean shirt before heading out. There was a fast food joint a couple of doors down and she really wanted some fries. She didn't want Hannah to feel like she had to cook for her all the time and she did have some cash. She slipped on her sunglasses and as she stepped into the warm air she felt it immediately pass through the light material of her loose fitting cream colored shirt and onto her skin, making goosebumps appear on her bare arms. She rubbed them absently and walked down the block with her purse slung across her body.

When she picked up her food at the counter she realized they'd given her an extra coke. The girl at the counter told her they couldn't take it back and she could keep it.

"Oh, thanks!" Tess said as she turned away. She ate alone and walked back down the other side of the street towards the Tavern. She wasn't really ready to go back to her room, and she was still carrying the extra drink since she was too full. Tess' eyes caught the sign of Wolf's place and she looked at the drink in her hand before sighing as she pushed the door of his shop open.

She didn't see him in the front but was greeted by a little yappy dog. Tess immediately knelt down and held her hand out.

"Hey little girl, I won't hurt you. Can we be friends?" her voice was sweet as honey and after giving her a suspicious look the dog sniffed her hand and yapped again making Tess flinch.

"Oh hush, I won't hurt you. Come here." she said as she picked the dog up and snuggled her against her chest. The dog licked her chin and Tess laughed. "You're all talk sweet girl. You don't fool me," she told the dog.