My long-range forecast -- chapter 30
Hello to all of you Nifty readers! I continue to write more chapters of this story and I'm seeking any suggestions, constructive criticms or positive feedback you have about the story. Please send information to cjwilson328@aol.com. For those if you who have already reached out to me - my thanks! I'm working your ideas into future storylines.
The family visit continues for CJ and Ronny makes his debut on channel 2. Stay tuned for the next chapter as CJ and UD have the big discussion.
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The alarm went off, and I shut it off quickly. I slipped out of Wally's arms and headed into the shower. Fortunately, I had moved everything over I needed, and did not run into any problems for the morning. I did my usual morning routine, and went out to the kitchen.
My man was in his usual naked form and waiting for me at the breakfast bar. He smiled at me and said "morning my love. Everything went so well yesterday, largely due to your fantastic planning ahead. If Ronny or I were in charge of yesterday, we'd still be cleaning our condo now! Alex will always be a fine backup for you, but you make things happen CJ!" I smiled, gave Wally a kiss and said "thanks dear. I'm so glad the day went fine yesterday. What time did you manage to slip away from UD?"
Wally poured us each a cup of coffee and said "Ronny escaped at 10:00 saying he wanted to get into the station early to finish up his interview segments. Alex and I left UD just before midnight. UD is latching onto Alex just like you and I have and they're quickly becoming best buddies! Alex promised him a cigar tonight on one of the other patios." I cracked up and said "you think Ronny and Alex are okay with everything?" Wally smiled and said "they're fine, I'm fine and UD is in man heaven. He was not kidding you yesterday when he said he needed to get out of the estrogen zone! I don't know how many beers he had, but the man likes his draft beer just like my CJ does!" I smiled and said "I cannot thank you enough for helping me this week. I saw you watching UD like a hawk yesterday. I'm still worried about him Wally. Something is definitely wrong with him." Wally said "I agree, but he did not let on to anything last night after you left. He enjoyed our company, kept talking to Sally and the girls, drank a lot of beer and he is one hell of a dart player. He tried to teach Laura how to play, but she had trouble hitting the board. Chief Alex is going to investigate options for corking around the board area so tiny holes do not appear in the concrete wall."
Wally continued and said "Sally stole me for a couple of minutes and said seeing Dean like this has already given her an idea for his Christmas gift. I guess he has been hinting about a man cave? She is going to start a nice area in the basement for him. She wants to install a kegerator, a bar, nice chairs, a dart board and pool table. I saw her talking to Alex and I think she may be working him to come up to Ohio to help with the renovations." I smiled and said "UD has always wanted a man cave. He will love that if she is able to pull it off. As you can tell, Sally is quite the interior decorator. That man cave will be one to envy when it's complete."
I looked at the time and said "I need to get moving sweetheart. What time are you catching up with the family?" Wally poured me a mug of coffee and said "UD is cooking breakfast at 8:00 for everyone including Alex and myself. I told him we'll go to the diner on Tuesday morning. Alex told him that once he has an omelet from there, he will want breakfast everyday there!" I walked to the door and Wally handed my coffee to me. He leaned over, gave me a kiss and hug and said "I have everything covered here. Don't worry about anything. You have a good day for me, and I'll see you this afternoon. I love you CJ." I smiled and said "I love you too Wally. I'll see you this afternoon."
I got to the station and Angela was there. We discussed our weekends and she asked "did your family make it in okay yesterday?" I smiled and said "yes, the family is here! UD is making final changes for the Wednesday menu. My Aunt Sally will be shopping today as she sees so many tasteful additions she can make to my condo. Alex is in charge of watching my three cousins, but enjoying it. It's going to be a long week Angela, but it's very nice to have them visit." She laughed and said "good for you. Let's get you out of here as early as we can each day."
The morning went by quickly and before I knew it all of the morning shows were complete. Everything went good on the shows, and I was now ready for getting the picture taken I with Bailey and Ronny. I'm hoping that Ronny will have time after the pictures for breakfast.
The photographer arrived at 8:00 am and Mindy notified Bailey, Ronny and myself to come out to the lobby. I got there first, and Ronny came in shortly after me. I looked at him and cracked up. I said "can we look any more like a set of twins separated at birth?" Ronny and I had both dressed in light grey suits, white shirts and a burgundy tie to represent our school colors. He cracked up also, and said "ah well, James will love it!" Bailey entered the reception area and cracked up when he saw us. He shook our hands and said "thank goodness I did not wear my grey suit today guys. We may have looked like a wedding party!" Bailey was dressed in a black pin stripe suit, light grey shirt and a red tie. The three of us looked good together, and I'm sure the pictures will turn out great.
The photographer Seth said "Bailey, so good to see you again. I understand you have a special request of a college professor for some pictures?" Bailey smiled and replied "Seth, it's always good to see you. Yes, let me introduce you to CJ and Ronny. CJ started with us in late June, and Ronny started with us last week. They both are graduates of Maumee College in Ohio, and their department chairperson has requested some pictures for his college wall of fame. Seth smiled and said "we can certainly do that Bailey. CJ, it's an honor to meet you. I watch you every morning to get the daily forecast. I enjoy your shows and request more daredevil stunts out of you! That parasailing show was so great to view." I smiled, puffed out my chest and said "thank you Seth. I've really enjoyed my one month here, and I'll never forget that parasailing episode. It will always be one of my favorite adventures here at channel 2." Seth turned to Ronny and said "Ronny, it's good to meet you also. What are you doing at the station?" Ronny smiled and said "it's great to meet you, Seth. Tune in tonight at 5:00 and 6:00. I'm anchoring the sports cast for those shows." Seth said "that's great. You two are in fine hands with Bailey here, and I can tell that both of you will go far in the industry."
Seth said "let's get some pictures of you three against a plain wall, beside the station emblem and then on the set. We'll repeat all of the shots with single and two some's for all of you to enjoy." Bailey said "that sounds great Seth, exactly what I wanted."
Seth took a number of pictures in the lobby before we moved to the television set and repeated the whole process over again. Seth looked at us and said "okay gentlemen, I have everything I need. Bailey, I'll develop these today and will have them ready as you requested. If I have any questions, I'll reach out to you or Mindy." Bailey shook Seth's hand and said "as always Seth, it's such a pleasure to do business with you. CJ and Ronny, I have a leadership meeting in a few minutes. I wish we could do breakfast this morning, but I'll get you two another day. Will you get Seth back out to the reception area, then go get breakfast! You two have a good day and CJ get out of here as early as you can to meet up with the family. Did they arrive safely yesterday?" I smiled and said "everything went off as planned Bailey. All is well, and Ronny and I are out of the condo for week while they are invading it!" Bailey smiled and said "bye guys, have a great day."
We took Seth out to the reception area and thanked him for the photo shoot this morning. Ronny turned to me and said "have you had breakfast yet?" I said "no, and I am starving. How about you?" Ronny said "let me go to the bathroom, then let's go get something."
Ronny and I went to Cecilia's and she greeted both of us with her usual morning pleasant cheerfulness. She seated us and took our drink orders. While she was away, I said "hey bud, thank you so much for all of the inconvenience this week and are you okay?" Ronny smiled and said "I am fine with everything CJ. Alex and I got our morning wake up session in, I did not forget anything for my wardrobe and I enjoyed the day tremendously with your family yesterday. Watch out though, I think UD is about ready to adopt Alex." I laughed and said "I heard the same from Wally this morning. That man of yours is such a charmer Ronny!" Ronny smiled and said "yes, he is and I love him so much. He's doing fine with everything also. His only complaint is his hernia that he developed from moving all of their luggage in." I cracked up and said "I expected him to comment on that when I saw the eight huge suitcases appear! Sally has already emptied one suitcase with pictures and knick-knacks for all of the rooms. The pictures are all very nice and masculine. Sorry, but I know she's going to put some up in your bedroom dude." Ronny said "that is fine. Sally has excellent taste, and I'm sure the pictures are beautiful settings. I love the bar sign that UD got you. It looks fantastic on the patio!"
Cecilia returned with our drinks and took our order. I smiled at Ronny and said "breakfast is on me this morning. You excited for today?" Ronny said "I am so ready for this CJ. I'm finishing up my interview package with the quarterback staff for tonight. I've also need to write some stories up for the Ray's progress over the weekend. It's all great, and I am going to kick ass tonight on set!" I smiled and said "there is the Ronny confidence that I know so well! It was great that Bailey adjusted your start date one week because of all the work you put in last week." Ronny said "I was shocked when he said that. I thought about approaching him on the topic, but I also knew all the work I did was for my benefit. I cannot believe he recognized it and just took action. I really like him CJ, and I think he is going to benefit each of us tremendously in our careers." I smiled at Ronny and said "I believe that as well Ronny. I don't care if he does get into weird sexual stuff as we discussed in our BS 2023 Investigation Theories talk over the weekend! The man is genuine, he cares about his people and we need to ride his coattails and learn all we can from him."
Our food came and we both dug into the wonderful breakfast sandwiches. Ronny said "have you had a chance to reach out to James yet?" I replied "I am going to right after we're finished here at breakfast. What if we have a third Muskie here yet this year in an intern position?" Ronny said "that will be fun, as long as James does not expect us to babysit!" I smiled and said "we'll put that responsibility in Alex's new job description." We both had a good laugh on that, and finished up our breakfast.
We got back to the station and I headed for my office. I checked emails and I received three more people wanting to sign up for the station race team in February. I said to myself "this is great. 21 total so far -- 16% of our staff. I still have two more full weeks before I asked for responses. I hope we can get to 30 entrants." I logged into the system and began making changes to the noon show.
It was near 10:00 am and I decided to give James a call. He answered his phone and said "Good morning, CJ. I thought you might be calling me today. How are you doing?" I replied "I am good James. Ronny, Bailey and I got pictures this morning for your wall of fame shots. When I get the electronic images, I'll forward them to you as well for use in the campus newspaper." James said "that sounds great CJ. Can you believe that school starts up four weeks today? I'm looking over class rosters now and making professor assignments. We're going to have a very large freshman class staring out. I have 87 enrolled for the Introduction to Television course. I'm going to have to split it into five lab sessions I believe." I said "wow James, that is fantastic news. You can be very proud of your program at Maumee! I sure am, and cannot believe what it has done for my early career."
I continued on and said "I'm hearing through the grapevine that we may have an intern here for weekend work. Is that true James?" James replied "there you go with that investigative reporter trait CJ! Yes, your sources are accurate. Bailey and I are working with a candidate now." I said "it's Josh the anchor, correct?" James laughed and said "as usual, you are one step ahead of me my young friend. Yes, Josh is the best one I have now ready for an internship. He and his parents are thinking through things, and Bailey is trying to get him to Tampa very soon for a tour and further discussions. How did you know it was Josh if I may ask CJ?" I cracked up and said "process of elimination James. I know he is an up and comer for you. My second choice is Amber, but to be honest she needs another full year under her belt at the college station." James said "you're spot on CJ. If this works out, I'm going to target Amber on weather or an anchor position for her further development. I believe with a year under her belt, she will be ready for an internship as well. Josh is very excited, but nervous. This idea took him by surprise, and Bailey has said if he does not do the internship this fall, he can do it in the winter and spring 2024." I said "James, this is so wonderful. I hope everything works out for you, Bailey and Josh. If we get him here, Ronny and I will watch out for him." James laughed and said "I know you both will. Do me a favor and keep this under your hat, will you CJ? You can tell Ronny that we're trying to fill an intern this fall, but I did not disclose who it is to you. Does that sound fair CJ?" I replied "that is fine James, your secret is safe with me." James and I continued to discuss other items and I told him "I will be starting the co-anchor and weather role on August 14th James." James laughed and said "congratulations, but your boss already told me! He is so excited about this CJ and it's an excellent opportunity for you."
James and I continued our chat for another 20 minutes. He said "CJ, unfortunately I need to end the call as I have a staff meeting in 10 minutes concerning the fall schedules. You take care and enjoy your big day Wednesday with the announcement and UD's lunch. I wish I could be there to enjoy some of that great barbecue with you." I said "James, thank you for the talk. You take care, have a good week and I'll talk to you later. Bye James."
I texted Ronny and said "James and Bailey working with someone for fall internship. He will not tell me who though! He said to tell you hello, and to kick some butt today!" A few minutes later, Ronny sent me a reply text with a thumb's up emoji.
I called Wally next and when he answered I said "how is it going my love?" He said "everything is great here CJ. UD fixed us a big breakfast and we're at the beach now. UD scheduled 9 spots for parasailing on Saturday morning with the firm you used on July 4th. We're going to head back to the condo around 1:00. Sally wants to go shopping with the girls, and UD wants you and I to take him to the store for dinner items. He's going to cook for everyone as he wants to have a Ronny watch party tonight." I laughed and said "how are you doing with the family affair?" Wally cracked up and said "it's been a lot of fun, CJ. They're all having a great time, and I'm enjoying myself. I'm bronzing my tan more, and doing some fine stud watching this morning!" I cracked up and said "okay babe, sounds good. I'll be back before 1:00. Thanks for everything, and I'll talk to you soon. Bye Wally."
I finished up my noon segment and had everything ready to go for Angela's review. I busied myself with reading several more emails and taking a stroll through the news room. Carl was there and said "hey stud, I was wondering if you were here today! How are you?" I said "I'm doing good Carl. The family made it in fine yesterday, Ronny and I went to breakfast and I'm waiting to get the noon news done." Carl said "sounds good. Speaking of Ronny, I need to track him down. He texted me about 20 minutes ago looking for some help. I think he's in an editing bay. I'll catch up with you later CJ." I replied "have a good one Carl, I'll talk to you later."
Noon finally came around, and Ross and I kicked into gear. The show was going great, and Ross made a special ending for me. He said "CJ, I understand you have visitors in this week from Ohio?" I replied "I sure do Ross. My Uncle Dean, Aunt Sally and my three cousins Maddie, Josie and Laura are visiting this week. They're probably at the beach, but if not Hi everyone, and I'll see you soon!" Ross ended with "Hello to CJ's family from me. Have a great afternoon everyone and remember our new sports anchor Ronny Bradford starts tonight at 5:00. Tune in for Ronny's debut and the latest news coverage from channel 2." The floor director said "cut" and I said "thanks Ross! I appreciate you acknowledging my family and Ronny." Ross smiled and said "no problem big guy! You get out of here and enjoy your family time!"
I made it back to the condo complex, and Wally pulled in right behind me driving the rental vehicle. I got out of the jeep and waited for the family to exit the SUV. UD was first out and said "there's my weatherman! How are you doing CJ?" I said "I'm great UD, we had a good day on the shows and I'm ready to grab dinner supplies with you. I'd like to take a shower first before we do anything." UD said "me too son! Take your time, and you and Wally can come over when you're ready." Aunt Sally said "my goodness, look at how handsome you are in that suit! We had a beautiful morning at the beach CJ. Your shows were wonderful this morning dear." I said "thanks Aunt Sally. I'm really getting into my groove with them, and I'm enjoying my work. I hear you and the girls are shopping this afternoon?" She said "yes, we are. Alex is going to take us to the outlet mall, and we'll be back for dinner."
We all went up to the condos and I went into Wally's place with him. He locked the door and said "shower time stud?" I said "hell yes my love, let's get to it!" The space was very cramped for us, but we made the most of it! I was able to get my man rock hard, and had him shooting in my mouth. I shared his cum with him and we embraced each other as though we had not seen each other for several days. He looked at me and said "I love you CJ, and let's make this shower time continue as much as we can this week." I replied "I like that idea babe. It may not always be 1:00, but I want alone time with you each afternoon so we don't forget each other!" He looked deep into my eyes, gave me a kiss and said "that will never happen CJ. I will never forget you CJ as you're always on my mind and in my heart."
Wally and I finished up and walked over to our place. Sally and the girls were in the living room with Alex. I smiled at Alex and said "I hear you are leading the shopping expedition today?" He grinned, did his giggle and said "yep I am on shopping duty, and you two are on cooking duty with UD." Sally said "okay Alex, I think we're good to go. Here are the keys for the rental if you don't mind driving?" Alex said "I'd be happy to drive Sally. Let's go everyone!"
UD came out of the bedroom about five minutes later looking refreshed. He said "did Wally tell you we're all going parasailing on Saturday morning? The crew you used remembered you and we're getting a group discount!" I cracked up and said "we're all going to have fun UD. Do Maddie and Josie really want to do it also? I thought they are both scared of heights?" UD chuckled and said "they are, but I think they're going to go through with it. Laura is egging them on and making them feel guilty if they don't do it. We'll see, Saturday morning may be a whole different story. Okay guys, I am ready to go if you are? CJ, we need to go to the keg store and Publix. I killed the keg for all of you last night!" Wally laughed and said "we we're right there with you UD having a good time and I must admit, the beer was going down smooth last night." UD smiled and said "it sure was Wally! Let's go see what good beer we can find for tonight."
We got through the keg store and ended up with a pony keg of Blue Moon. UD said "we need to get some oranges and slice them." Wally cracked up at him and said "what's on the menu for tonight UD?" He replied "no barbecue pork or chicken since we're having that on Wednesday. Sally requested some fish. How does the grill do with fish?" I said "it does great UD. We've had grilled flounder and grouper on it. Ronny has a killer marinade of strawberry whiskey lemonade for it." UD said "sold, let's make sure we have whiskey for the marinade and the happy hour drinks!"
We ended up back at the condo around 2:30. UD splurged and bought five pounds of scallops and will serve those as appetizers in his barbeque sauce. Wally and I grabbed the keg, and UD carried a few of the bags up to the kitchen. Once the keg was hooked up, I went back down to the jeep and brought up the remainder of the groceries. As always, UD looked right at home in the kitchen. He asked "who is making up the happy hour drink and marinade sauce?" Wally cracked up and said "I'll get it made up for you UD." I said "can I give you a hand on the barbeque sauce UD for the scallops?" He said "yeah CJ, that sounds great." Everything was ready to go for dinner and UD said "poolside or the pub gents?" I said let's do poolside for a while. UD, do you want a cigar with your happy hour drink?" He smiled and said "yeah CJ, let's all smoke one down by the pool!"
Ten minutes later the three of us were poolside with our drinks and lighting up our cigars. I said to UD "If Aunt Sally comes back early and catches us smoking, I'm going to have to tell her you forced me to do it." He looked at me and said "bullshit CJ! You're on your own now, making great money and enjoying your life. Tell her you need relaxation every now and then and that Wally is getting you hooked on cigar smoking!" UD and I cracked up, and Wally said "hey, was I just set up by the great UD?" We all had a good laugh out of that and carried on with our bull session. UD said "wow, this is kick-ass for a simple drink recipe. I wonder why I've never tried this combination." Wally said "wait until you taste it on the fish UD. It is absolutely wonderful. Those farmers in Indiana know their whiskey pretty well!"
UD asked "did you see Ronny this morning, and is he nervous for tonight?" I replied "I did see Ronny several times today. He and I had a photo shoot this morning with Bailey. We also went to breakfast together, and I said goodbye and good luck to him when I left. His quote to me when I left was, he is ready to kick some ass tonight. He's got that confident and cocky attitude in him. I've seen it so many times, and he is going to do a fantastic job tonight." UD said "what was the photo shoot for?" I replied with "James Thompson requested some shots of us with Bailey the GM. James is going to post Ronny and I on the Maumee TV Wall of Fame. We're the first graduates for James to end up in a top 15 television market. Bailey is sending James a framed copy of the pictures, and he is also getting you and Ronny's family a framed copy as well." UD smiled and said "that's wonderful. I'll hang it in my den CJ!"
Before we knew it, the time was 4:45. I said "how about we go back up to the condo and wait for Alex and the ladies to return? We can have another drink, and watch the news for Ronny's debut?" UD and Wally both said yes, so we left our comfortable pool area and headed back to the patio.
Once we were inside, Wally said "I can make up more of the whiskey drink, or we can have a blue moon. Any preferences gentlemen?" UD said "let's make it a blue moon. If I have any more of these whiskey drinks, I won't give a fuck about cooking tonight!" Wally and I busted out laughing and I said "I'll slice some oranges up for us UD. You go get the tv warmed up, and we'll have a beer while watching Ronny."
I got us each a beer with an orange slice, and sat down right as the St Petersburg in sixty was starting. I said "UD, Ronny will do his intro right after this segment." Once the news intro ended, the camera went to Daniel for his intro and then came to Ronny and he said "good evening, St Petersburg. I've got news from the quarterbacks at the Buccaneers training camp and the latest on the Ray's progress towards the playoffs. Mitch, back to you." I yelled "yes, he nailed it! Smooth as silk, and has that face for tv look tonight." Wally laughed and said "he does have that sports caster look CJ. I cannot believe how you both take charge when the camera comes on to you. You both look great on tv, and are smooth as hell with your voices." UD smiled, took a sip of his beer and said "I taught them both everything they know!" Once again, UD is taking the comedian award for the evening. I can see where he and Alex hit it off well once they're both under the influence!" Speaking of Alex, I hope he is okay. I'll have to get the link to this newscast so he can watch it when he has time. I'm sure he's kicking himself for missing this. Hopefully, he will be back for the 5:30 and 6:00 segments.
About two minutes later the front door opened and Sally, the girls and Alex walked in. I went inside and said "you're in time for Ronny's debut! He did his intro at 5:00 and it went very well. We've got about 15 minutes until his sports segment. Aunt Sally, can I get you a glass of wine?" She said "that sounds wonderful CJ, thanks." I looked at Alex and said "beer, wine or whiskey on the rocks?" He cracked up and said "I'll have whiskey, and make it a double please!" I cracked up and said "go rearrange the chairs. Sit down and I'll bring your drink out to you. Relax, I talked to him before I left. He's in a good place, and he said he was going to kick ass tonight!" Alex smiled and winked at me and said "thanks my friend!"
Aunt Sally and I went to the patio, and I gave Alex his drink. UD spoke up and said "there's my guy and look whiskey on the rocks tonight before dinner. Good man Alex!" He smiled, held up his glass and said "here's to Ronny everyone. Cheers!" Wally looked at me and mouthed "whiskey straight?" I shook my head yes and shrugged my shoulders. I hope Alex can keep it composed and does not shout out "I love you Ronny" in the middle of the news cast!
After Daniel's weather segment, the news cast went to a commercial break. I said "okay everyone, they will go right to Ronny after this commercial." The commercial ended and Mitch the anchor said "We have a new face on the news cast with us tonight. Ronny Bradford joins us on the 5:00 and 6:00 shows with your sports coverage. Ronny welcome, and how are the Bucs looking in training camp?
The camera went to Ronny and he started in with "Good evening, everyone, let's talk some sports. I had the opportunity to get out to the Buccaneers training camp last week and enjoyed watching some practice sessions. I had a chance to sit down with Baker Mayfield and talked to him about his time with the Bucs so far and how he's enjoying the Tampa area." The camera cut away to Ronny's interview with Baker. Wally said "holy shit -- he did get to talk to Baker face to face! I thought he was kidding me." Alex said "shh, I want to hear everything!" The package was well done, and it went very well. The camera returned to Ronny and he said "we'll have more interviews with the backup quarterbacks and the quarterback coaching staff coming up in the 5:30 and 6:00 shows. The Rays are continuing their fight for first place in the AL East. The weekend games were good for the Rays as they swept the Yankees. Manager Kevin Cash had this to say about the weekend series with the Yankees." The camera cut away again, and Ronny was speaking with Kevin Cash. When the camera returned Ronny started back in and said "They Rays are at home tonight beginning a four-game series with the Boston Red Socks. Game time start is 7:10 tonight with Zach Eflin as the starting pitcher for the Rays."
Ronny continued and said "Mitch, the Rays are two games out of first place trailing the Orioles. We're going into August where every game becomes more critical in the season, and the AL east division continues to be the toughest division to be in this year. Back to you Mitch." Mitch said "thanks Ronny. We're going to spend a few minutes with Ronny during the 5:30 show to get to know him better. Stay tuned, we'll be right back after these messages."
Alex jumped up and said "he did it everyone and did a damn fine job! Everyone joined in applause and I wanted to go over and give Alex a hug. He was so nervous for his man, but Ronny kicked ass just like he said he was going to do!
The girls started bugging UD for dinner. He said "why don't you girls treat your mom and I tonight and do the cooking!" Maddie and Josie rolled their eyes, but Laura said "okay Dad, I'll do the cooking tonight." I cracked up and said "come on Laura, you can help Wally and I get things ready. UD, Aunt Sally and Alex, relax and watch Ronny's next segment. Tell us when Mitch talks to him, as I do want to see his interview."
Laura helped us get plates, silverware and the sides ready for everyone. Wally ignited the grill and got it ready for the fish and scallops. He questioned UD on how long to cook the scallops. UD gave him directions, and Wally was now our grill master for the evening.
Alex announced "hey everyone, Ronny will be back on after this commercial. We all gathered around the tv and soon the stud of the beach appeared back on the screen. I looked over at Alex who is just beaming with pride for his soul mate. Ronny did another fine job and was at the anchor desk with Mitch. Mitch said "Ronny, tell us some fun facts about yourself, and where did you come from prior to St Petersburg?" Ronny gave his killer smile and told the audience his stats. He mentioned that he was a recent graduate of Maumee College and originally hails from southern Indiana. Mitch asked a few more questions and said "Ronny any special hellos you want to send out tonight?" Ronny said "yes Mitch, I want to thank James Thompson at Maumee College for believing in me and getting me to this fine city of St Petersburg. I'd also like to say hello to most of my family in southern Indiana who hopefully are streaming this broadcast. Finally, I want to give a special hello to my family and friends at the condo complex in St Pete Beach. I'll be there soon everyone, and Alex save me some dinner please!" We all cracked up laughing on that, and I saw Alex smile and head into the living room. I went in behind him and said "are you okay Alex, and do you need some time to yourself?" Alex smiled at me and said "I'm fine CJ. He mentioned my name on tv, and I love him so much!" I replied "he loves you to Alex. Help me finish up getting dinner ready stud!" Alex did so, and soon our chef announced the fish and scallops were done.
Everyone enjoyed the dinner, and Alex made sure that a plate was made up for his man. I did not even think to barbecue scallops, and they are damn good. I said "UD are you serving barbecue scallops on the menu?" He said "yes, we tried it this summer at the riverfront restaurants CJ. They have gone over well, and I'll probably extend them to all of the locations through the remainder of the year. They're going over better as an appetizer versus an entrée though." Wally smiled and said "UD, these are superior! CJ will not divulge your barbecue recipe to me. Is the recipe on the bottle labels, or is it top secret for family members only?" UD got a shit-ass eating grin on his face and said "top secret recipe for family members only! Don't worry, I'll make sure you, Alex and Ronny learn it though by the end of the week as we're all family now!" Aunt Sally said "Wally, thank you for being the chef tonight. Dean, you picked out some wonderful fish dear. Thank you so much, the flounder and grouper were fantastic. I don't know what you did with the marinade tonight, but the flavor was just wonderful and I enjoy those scallops more each time you fix them sweetheart. Okay girls, let's start the table clean up and will anyone join me in a cup of coffee?" I said "I'll have a cup with you Aunt Sally, that sounds good. I think we still have quite a few of the cheesecakes left over if anyone wants a small dessert tonight."
Everyone returned to the patio and the conversation started back up. Aunt Sally said "this is so beautiful, such a pleasant setting with family and friends. The sun is starting to set, and I feel so relaxed." I puffed out my chest when I heard her comments. I looked over at Alex and he gave me a wink. We've done fantastic as the patio planners, and deserve a raise!
Ronny took everyone by surprise and opened the sliding glass door. He said "well everyone, how did I look?" Aunt Sally and the girls all got up and gave him a hug. Sally said "Ronny, you are a class act on television. You look wonderful, sound wonderful and look at you -- did you and CJ coordinate outfits today?" I cracked up and said "yes Aunt Sally, we did. It was a big day here in St Petersburg for Maumee College, so we both showed our support by wearing the school colors." I walked over to Ronny and said "sorry dude, this is bigger than a handshake." I gave him a bear hug, and said "you kicked ass, just like you said you would! Congratulations and welcome to channel 2!" Alex jumped in next and said "CJ, stop stealing time with our new star! Ronny, killer job tonight. You are sick!" Wally, Ronny and the girls all cracked up. I leaned over to Aunt Sally who had a funny look on her face and said "don't worry Aunt Sally, when you hear sick now, the younger generation equates that to wonderful, great and excellent. It's a positive term now." She cracked up and said "oh thank goodness, I began to wonder if Alex had too much whiskey tonight." All of us cracked up and Ronny said "hey Alex, I forgot my key to your place. Will you give me your key, and I'll go get changed." Alex smiled and said "I need to go down and check messages to make sure no emergencies are going on in the complex. Let's go down, and you get changed while I check everything out. I saved you a plate of food. We'll be back in a few minutes everyone." Wally looked at me and winked. He thought to himself "CJ, if you can hear my telepathic waves, they'll be back in about 30 minutes!"
Ronny and Alex returned in about 20 minutes and Alex had the fresh fuck look. I said "hey Ronny, UD made you a special appetizer of barbecue scallops. We also gave him your marinade recipe and the flounder and grouper taste wonderful as always!" Aunt Sally asked "Ronny, what is that marinade sauce, it's delicious dear!" Ronny smiled and said "get yourself a container of strawberry lemonade and add some of your favorite whiskey to the juice. Let the fish soak in the combination for a couple of hours prior to cooking." I knew Aunt Sally usually does not like whiskey and she said "Dean, that's a simple recipe. You have to start using that for a marinade sauce honey. Ronny, you need to bottle that and we'll sell it at Dean's restaurants along with his barbecue sauce!" Ronny cracked up and said "what's on tap tonight?" UD smiled and said "blue moon, and there are oranges sliced up for you in the refrigerator!" Ronny said "UD, you remembered that blue moon is my favorite! Thanks so much!"
Alex warmed Ronny's food, and he told us all about his day. It reminded me of an episode of The Walton's where John Boy was sharing his novel with the family. I obviously watched too much of Nick at Nite and TV Land growing up!
There was a stunning sunset on the gulf tonight. The sky was ablaze with oranges, blues, violets and other colors mixed in. Everyone was at the patio wall watching it. The girls and Aunt Sally took pictures of it, and soon Aunt Sally was taking pictures of all of us in front of the sunset. It was truly a beautiful ending to a great day.
Alex said "okay UD, ready for more darts tonight or how about some pool in the rec center?" UD smiled and said "let's do both Alex, I'll kick all of your asses again. If you think I'm good at darts, wait until you see me play pool!"
I said "everyone, again I hate to be the party pooper but I'm going to turn in for another early morning. Aunt Sally and girls, Netflix is on channel 985 and should be set up to go right into my account. The patio is a great place to watch a movie while the guys are shooting some pool." Aunt Sally said "that sounds good CJ. You take care sweetheart, and get some sleep. I'll be watching you tomorrow morning." She gave me a hug and kiss good night. UD followed her and said "thanks for a beautiful day son. Do me a favor and save me a couple of hours for a bull session with your old UD here tomorrow afternoon." I smiled and said "that sounds great UD, we have not had one of our bull sessions for a long time. I'll be finished tomorrow around 1:00 again." UD smiled, gave me a hug and kiss and said "good night, CJ, sleep well and I'll be watching you again in the morning."
I said goodnight to everyone else and Wally, Alex and Ronny each gave me a wink. I know they all heard UD's request and will honor our alone time tomorrow. I'm calm and ready for the talk tomorrow. I just need Wally close by in case I need to break down afterward. Each of them has told me the talk will go well, and I do feel that way also. My day of discussion with UD has finally come, and I'm ready to tackle it head on.