Aging Out: 9
The ultimate frisbee tournament was a great success. Of course it was hard not to have fun with a bunch of shirtless, sweaty 20-somethings running around. The Backwoods also made bank. Once word got out about the hot hunks filling the pool at night, there were plenty of older guys showing up to buy them drinks. Thing 1 & 2 even got in on the tip action when parking became a problem, and they started an impromptu valet service.
At the Monday morning staff meeting Tyce said, "I didn't realize there were so many mature gay guys in the area." "Mature" was Tyce's term for horny 40-year-olds.
"There aren't," Jay said. He pulled up Donte's twitter account and showed it to Tyce. "Donte had a big following in Dallas and Tulsa among guys that are into the drag clubs. So when he started posting pictures of the tournament, and then hinted the players would be skinny dipping later at the Backwoods, the `mature guys,' as you call them, were drawn to the Backwoods like bees to a field of clover."
"I can't believe we were so busy," Austin said. "By the end of the day we were almost too tired to fuck."
"Almost," added Tyce and the entire table burst into laughter.
"What happened to that shy boy that came to work here just a couple of months ago," Dirk said with a longing voice. Just then, Peter and Paul walked up with plates piled with biscuits, gravy, and bacon.
"What did we miss?," Peter asked.
"Nothing much," May said, "Austin was just spilling the beans on his and Tyce's sex life."
"Damn it Paul. You made us late and we missed the good stuff,"
Dirk said, "Well now that Grumpy and Dopey are here we can get started. Of course everyone knows Friday is Independence Day. We are totally booked at The Whitman, Ledges, and the BBC, so it's all hands on deck. We are limiting the number of non-resident guests to the Backwoods. Peter and Paul, would you be willing to run your valet service again."
"Absolutely, the tips were great," Peter said.
"Yeah, we each cleared 200 dollars," added Paul, who blushed a bit when Tyce gave him a wink. Cash wasn't the only tip Paul got Saturday night. When getting more towels for the pool house, Tyce saw Paul getting some really good head from one of the guests.
"Jay and I have been talking..." Dirk started.
"Was this during one of those executive board meetings," Austin said, and the table broke into more laughter.
"Okay," Dirk said, "Can we stop with the innuendos until after the meeting or we will never get finished."
"Yes daddy," Austin and Tyce said in unison, and everyone, including Dirk, laughed some more.
"Anyway, Jay and I were talking, we think we need to open the BBC only Wednesdays through Sundays. Here's why, we are going to wear out the Lodge's infrastructure, particularly the kitchen and laundry, if we keep going like we are. But more importantly we are going to wear out our people. Not only do we need time to take care of the facilities, we need time to take care of ourselves."
"There is another reason we are thinking about this," Jay said, "Because of the buzz we've gotten from the success of the softball and ultimate tournaments, we are getting calls from other groups wanting a place to host an event."
"What kind of events," Tyce asked.
Dirk flipped up a page on his clipboard. "I've taken calls from people who are interested in us hosting a beach volleyball tournament, a couple of more ultimate weekends, a cornhole tournament..."
"Cornhole tournament," Paul interrupted, "Austin and Tyce, you should enter that. I'm sure you would take first prize." The table burst into laughter, as Austin and Tyce blushed.
"Paul, that's enough!" Jay said. "Besides, why do you think they would win?" Now it was Dirk who couldn't stifle a laugh.
"So, Tyce and Austin, you are the managers of the BBC, what do you think?"
Tyce and Austin looked at each other then Tyce said, "I like the idea, particularly the part about the BBC being used for sports type events. It will be something new all the time, and it lets us use the rest of the meadow for the tournaments."
"Hold your horses," Molly said, "These big weekend events are killers on the kitchen staff."
"So Molly, are you saying hosting events won't work?" Dirk asked.
"No, I'm not saying hosting events won't work, I'm saying the current kitchen operations won't work."
"So what do we need to get started?" Jay asked.
"We need a kitchen down there. I'm not talking about a kitchen like here in the lodge, but an outdoor kitchen, and we need a permanent concession stand."
Dirk looked at Jay, then he smiled and said, "Well, it's a good thing we have smart, creative, and energetic managers running the BBC. Tyce and Austin, get with Molly and the rest of the staff and come up with a plan. We want to see something in writing tonight at the management meeting. FYI, all the staff are invited, and Jay and I are cooking steaks. Since Edgar and Michael are the only guests here until tomorrow, we will have dinner down at the Backwoods."
Peter and Paul were both excited to get a chance to swim in the pool. Jay looked at them and said, "Swimsuits required."
"Aaaww." moaned the twins in unison.
After breakfast, Austin and Tyce went into the kitchen to talk with Molly and the girls.
"So, what do you need to make this work," Tyce asked.
"First thing we need is a building that can serve as a concession stand/prep kitchen," Molly said. "That means water, electricity, and refrigeration."
"Do you need a restroom," Tyce asked, "I mean the pool house or bathhouse may not be what you want to...."
Molly laughed, "I bet the boys down there are more bothered by what I got under my skirt, than I am with what they got in their pants. As long as the food area is close enough to the Backwoods, we can use the staff restroom in its storeroom."
April said, "The key is meeting the code for food service. If the kitchen isn't "permanent," I think we can use the code that applies to food trucks and event vendors."
Austin said, "That kind of building should be easy to get. I am sure the company that provided the cabins would be able to custom modify one of their portable sheds for what we need. What are the things we have to add?"
April said, "To meet code we will need a sink for washing equipment, a food prep sink, and a hand washing sink. We also need a freeze and a refrigerator. Oh, we also need a drink cooler because those ice chests are heavy and too much work. I am pretty sure we do enough business with the Coke distributor that he will provide us with a nice glass front drink cooler. You might also see if the distributor would put a couple of vending machines outside. That way guys who just want a drink don't have to wait in line."
"Damn girl," Molly said, "I like the way you think. We also need plenty of power outlets. We will be doing most of the breakfast prep up here, then we will transport it down there and serve out of roasters. We will also need containers that will keep things cold or hot on the trip down the hill."
Emily piped up, "Air conditioning. I am not standing in some steamy, hot kitchen all day."
"Good point," April said. "Also, you ought to see if you can find some type of shade for the guys to eat in or just get out of the sun."
"Yeah," Emily said, "Plus, what if it rains?"
Austin was quickly scribbling things down.
"What about cooking," Tyce asked.
"If we stick with hamburgers and hotdogs, then a nice grill outside would work fine," Molly said.
"Plus," April said, "With a real prep kitchen we can create some signature burgers and dogs, so there is variety on the menu. I would also like to look at adding some healthier options, like maybe some wraps."
"Are you thinking anything different for supper?" Austin asked.
Molly said, "I'm just shooting from the hip, but do you guys remember Big Ed's BBQ?"
"I sure do," Tyce said, "That was some of the best BBQ I have ever had." Austin nodded in agreement.
"Well, I go to the same church that he and his wife do--and before I hear one fucking snide remark, yes I go to church. I need all the fire insurance I can get."
Everyone broke into laughter.
Molly continued. "Ed is needing to retire. The catering business is too hard on him at his age. So, he's looking to sell his smoker. In fact, Independence Day at The Whitman is the last gig he has on his schedule. Maybe, Dirk and Jay would be interested in buying Ed's rig. It would be big enough for what we need, and I bet Ed would be willing to help out until we get the hang of running the smoker."
"That's a great idea," April said, "We usually just think of the traditional American styles of BBQ, which don't get me wrong are FANTASTIC, but there are other styles, like Caribbean, that would be fun to work in."
"Wow, you've given us a lot to process before tonight's meeting," Tyce said.
On the way down to the BBC, Tyler asked, "So how do you want to tackle this task?"
"Look," Austin said, "We still have to have the cabins ready for the coming holiday. So, why don't I strip the bedding and collect the towels so they can be washed. You are the one who wants to major in hospitality, so you should be the one taking the lead on this plan. I'll be the demure little houseboy, and take care of the domestic duties and support his man."
"I doubt anyone will ever describe you as demure, but the houseboy part is hot. I will get started, but don't be surprised if I find you to bounce off some ideas."
After a hot kiss, Tyce went into the office to start working. His first call was to the company that was providing the cabins to negotiate the kitchen. After describing what he needed, the sales rep. said, "I have what you might be looking for. About six months ago, we took back a building that we had modified for a drive up burger stand. It has a lot of the modifications you are describing, and we even took some of the equipment to settle the debt. I can send you some pictures and a rough floor plan."
"That would be great," Tyce said. His next call was to their Coca Cola distributor who was all on board with vending machines and a drink cooler.
Then it was time to talk with Big Ed. When Tyce introduced himself, Big Ed barked, "I know what you want. I'll see you at Okie Girls Coffee & Ice Cream at 2 o'clock." Then he hung up. Tyce had no idea what just happened or why Big Ed treated him like that.
Tyce sat thinking about it, and finally decided he needed to talk to Austin. When he found Austin, Tyce asked, "How's the cleanup going?"
"About, what you would expect after a weekend of horny, drunk, gay, 20-somethings."
"Well, I'm glad you're wearing gloves."
"You and me both," Austin said with a laugh. He pointed to a cardboard box and said, "Check out the lost and found."
In the box was a cell phone, a couple of pairs of underwear, an inhaler, three or four partially used bottles of lube, a pair of handcuffs, and a latex clown mask. "Now that is creepy. Where did you find that?"
"Cabin No. 7."
"Wait, that was the cabin with the two software programmers."
"Yeah, I guess the geeks were also freaks," Austin said with a snicker. "Oh well, what happens in Hochatown, stays in Hochatown..."
"Maybe we could make that the BBC motto," Tyce said with half a smile
Okay Tyce, you're not here because stripping sheets is a spectator sport; what's bothering you."
Tyce told Austin about his conversation, or lack of conversation, with Big Ed.
Austin thought for a minute then said, "Let's go talk to Molly."
After hearing how Big Ed talked to Tyce on the phone, she said, "I'm sorry, this might be all my fault. Ed's wife, Ruby, and I are friends. She's the one pushing him to retire. She's afraid the business is going to kill Ed. But the business is his passion. He doesn't have any hobbies. So, I called Ruby to give her a heads up, and she must have let it slip to Ed. I'm so sorry I threw you guys under the bus."
"You didn't throw us under the bus, Molly," Tyce said, "This may be all for the best. Now we know at least we know how Ed feels and we can figure out how to deal with him."
Tyce and Austin talked about how to approach Ed, and Austin even called Edgar for advice. "For some men," Edgar said, "retirement is like a death in the family. They are giving up something they love, that defines who they are. There are plenty of guys who can't wait to retire and never have to go back to the office, the factory or the business, but for others they can't imagine life without working."
Before heading off to talk to Ed, the boys stopped in Dirk's office. Tyce said, "We're off to talk to Ed, but we don't really know what we can tell him."
Dirk leaned back in his leather office chair, put his hands behind his head, and stared at the ceiling. Austin's cock stirred. He loved Tyce, but no one would deny how hot Dirk was. He was wearing a tight T-shirt and his biceps were bulging. To top it off, the arms of the T rode up to reveal a few stray black strands of pit hair. Tyce had become well acquainted with Austin's armpit fetish.
Finally Dirk said, "Make a fair deal. Jay and I will cover it."
Austin and Tyce arrived at Okie Girls Coffee and Ice Cream a few minutes before Ed. They found a table that was private enough for a business discussion. When Ed walked in, he waved the boys over to the counter to order. "I'm paying." Ed said, "First, because kids don't buy ice cream for someone that's old enough to be their grandfather. Second, because Ruby chewed my ass all the way to Sunday for the way I treated you on the phone."
Austin and Tyce each ordered a sundae and Ed ordered a triple dip banana split. He said, "Ruby don't let me have these, and if word gets back to her, I'll know who snitched. You two may be younger and stronger than me, but I am crafty and mean." The three smiled.
"Look Tyce," Ed said, "I am really sorry I was an ass on the phone this morning. Ruby and my doctor have been after me to sell the business for the last six months. I plan to sell it, but it's hard. So this morning Ruby told me you would be calling and I just got my panties in a bunch. Can you forgive me?"
"Of course," Tyce said. "In addition to the best BBQ around, you're the kind of colorful character that makes life in this part of Oklahoma fun."
"Colorful? I like that. So what are you wanting from me?"
Tyce said, "If I say something wrong or am misinformed, please let me know."
"You can count on it, sonny."
"My understanding is that after you cater The Whitman's Independence Day celebration, you don't have any more events lined up."
"That's correct."
Tyce continued, "We would like to buy your business when that event is done. Do you have a price?"
"$10,000 for the smoker and all the equipment."
"Sold," Tyce said.
Ed looked at Tyce through squinted eyes and said, "Are you sure, sonny?"
"Ed, I'm not sure why you keep calling me sonny, but if you are trying to get under my skin, I just want you to know...I like it."
Ed burst into laughter and was soon joined by Tyce and Austin.
Tyce continued, "This morning I found some pictures from the last time you catered at The Whitman. I looks up your smoker online and new it retails for $8,700, so used I would estimate it at about $7,500. The rest of your equipment should easily be worth $2,500. Dirk has given us the authority to make a fair deal. You can call him to check it out if you wish."
"You know, most kids you age, and I say that with respect, I wouldn't trust any further than I can piss, and at my age, that ain't far. But, you strike me as a guy whose word means something. It's a deal."
"There are a couple of more things I like to run by you," Tyce added.
"Oh, what's that?"
"Would you be interested in selling your recipes?"
Ed looked puzzled, "Most pit masters want to use their own recipes."
"We're not pit masters; we're resort managers. I am sure April, one of the girls working with Molly, will eventually want to develop some rubs and sauces, but yours are the best I've ever tasted and I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel."
"Off the top of my head, I'll say $2,000 for the license. I thought about trying to sell my rubs and bottles of my sauce, so I don't want to lose control of them just yet."
"I understand," Tyce said, "It's a deal, and if you do start selling your rubs and sauces, we'll love to carry them in The Whitman gift shop."
"Is that everything?" Ed asked.
"One more thing, we'd like to hire you as our BBQ consultant."
"What's that?"
"First, we are going to need training on how to run a BBQ concession, and there's no one better than you to do that. Second, there will be weekends when we need help. If you are able, we'd like to work out a deal for your help."
"I would be more than happy to train your staff. There is nothing old pit masters like doing than talking BBQ. I would also love to help out on weekends. It's the set up and clean up that's impacting my health. There's too much lifting and straining, but I can spend all day tending a smoker."
"Great," said Tyce. "The last thing is we know you've been smoking turkeys for the holidays and using the proceeds from the ones you sell to provide turkeys for families who couldn't afford holiday meals. We'd like to help you continue that tradition, if you are interested."
Ed was wiping away tears, "Damn sonny, you sure know how to turn a shitty day into a happy day." Ed held out his hand and shook both Tyce's and Austin's hands.
Austin had spent the meeting taking notes and said, "We'll type this deal up and then have both you and Dirk look it over before we sign. Is that alright with you?"
"Absolutely, you've made me happy, but more importantly you're going to make Ruby happy. There's nothing more important than a happy spouse." Tyce and Austin both smiled.
On the way back to The Whitman, Austin said, "I am so proud of you. You were absolutely amazing."
Tyce had an aw-shucks grin on his face, and said, "You really think I did okay."
"Okay!?, you did much better than okay. Tonight, I'm going to get me a piece of hot entrepreneurial ass."
"Hey, what happened to my demure houseboy?"
"He has the night off. His shameless twin brother is filling in."
That evening the staff were joined by Edgar and Michael, Zeke and Donte, and Ben and Jeff. Austin was a whiz at PowerPoint, and he spent the afternoon after meeting with Ed putting together a presentation for Tyce to use. There was an overview of the project, pictures of the kitchen that Tyce had agreed to that morning, the deals with Ed and the Coca Cola distributor, and to finish the presentation Austin found some plans on the internet for making shade tents out of electrical conduit and tarps. The boys got a standing ovation from the staff and investors.
"Well based on this reaction," Dirk said, "I think this plan is a go. How long will it take to get running?"
Ben said, "I can order the materials tomorrow. If Tyce and Austin are ready for some physical work, we should have the pad for the kitchen finished right after the Fourth, then as soon as the kitchen is delivered we can connect electricity, water, and sewer. I'd say you will be running in two and a half weeks."
"That's good," Dirk said, "because his afternoon, I got a phone call from the president of the Green Country Bears. It seems they had an outing planned, but things fell through. They want to reserve the BBC for the weekend, and kayak the river on Saturday. Ledges isn't heavily booked that weekend, so I scheduled them." While most of the staff was caught off guard by the announcement, Donte yelled, "Finally, we get to have a Bear Run at the Backwoods."
Jay rang a dinner bell and said, "Steaks are done, and the beer is cold."
After eating, Molly and her daughters left, and April and May went up to the cabin. All that were left at the Backwoods were men. Soon Donte was naked and swimming in the pool. He looked like a big seal swimming around in the pool.
Paul found Dirk and handed him a cell phone, "My dad wants to talk to you."
"Hello Deputy Gates, what can I do for you.......Sure, we can take care of them." Dirk hung up the phone and said go get Peter and Jay.
When Peter and Jay joined them, Dirk said, "Well, I guess you boys are spending a couple of days with us. Your grandmother fell and broke her arm. She's okay, but your parents are driving to Waco to check on her. So, you can either stay up in the apartment with Jay and me, or I can have Tyce and Austin fix up a cabin for you. What will it be?"
Peter and Paul both smiled and said, "The cabins."
"Somehow I thought that would be the answer," Jay said. "Well, you've got to tell Tyce and Austin to get a cabin ready for you two."
"Did dad say anything else?" Peter asked.
"He said something about beer...IF I'm sure you two won't be drinking and driving."
Peter and Paul both reached into their pockets and handed Dirk their truck keys.
Jay chuckled, "Are you sure your father is a Deputy Sheriff?"
"Yep, but he's also an Okie," Peter said. "He figures kids should be able to drink at home under the supervision of their parents."
"So, I guess that makes you our daddies for the next couple of days," Paul said with an ornery grin.
Then the two ran and jumped into the pool. Dirk heard Peter yelled, "Austin, Tyce, guess what--we're your brothers."
"What the hell have we gotten into?" muttered Dirk.
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