My long-range forecast -- chapter 37
Hi there all of you Nifty readers. I cannot believe it's October already. I hope that everyone had a good weekend.
I continue to rewrite and 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.
Everyone continues to help Aaron and Bailey out. CJ's new assignment continues to go well. Alex continues to be a workhorse at the condo complex.
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We made it back to the condo, and I was exhausted from my day! Aaron and Bailey gave every one a hug and wanted to go relax alone. Bailey said to me "go get another winning day for yourself and me CJ! Call me if you need anything." I smiled and said "you two have a good evening. If you need us for anything, just give us a yell."
I programmed the coffee maker for a 1:45 am brew time. Alex got his list, and reviewed it with Wally. He said "I will make an order for two more closet organizers tomorrow morning. Wally, how do you feel about putting in an organizer in the office closet? We can use it for your business supplies, and still have true closet space for guests." Wally smiled and said "I think that is a very wise direction versus the plastic tubs I'm using now." Alex said "great, CJ and I like the idea as well. Do you feel like helping me measure it now, and maybe we can look at the company website to see what we can get? We can go ahead and place an order yet tonight for three units, or do you think I should go ahead and order five in total, with three of them being for the smaller closets?" I chimed in and said "let's end up ordering three smaller units. I'll buy the extra two and they can be house warming gifts from us to Trev, Carl, Bailey and Alex." Wally smiled and said "that's a good thought CJ. We'll just put everything on my company card, and sort out financials later. Alex, I'll be happy to help you out measuring. Why don't we go ahead and prepare an estimate for Aaron and Bailey on the closets and wainscotting. I'll go get my printer, and we can print them up tonight and you can give them to Aaron and Bailey when you see them tomorrow?" Alex said "sounds fine to me. Do you have any shoe racks in your supply warehouse?" Wally said "yes, I think I do. Let me check tomorrow, and I'll bring them home if I do have some."
I smiled at the two of them and said "I am going to let you two construction dudes continue at it! I'm beat, and I think I'll go ahead and lay down for the evening. Alex, I'll check with you before I come home tomorrow to see if you need me to pick up anything. How does chicken sound for dinner tomorrow?" They both gave me a thumbs up and I said "great, I'll get some on my way home for all of us." Wally came over, gave me a hug, kissed me and said "you sleep well my love. I'll be in later and join you." I gave Alex a hug and said "I'll get home as early as I can and help you out my friend!" I went into the master suite, got ready for bed, turned in and I think I was asleep in 10 minutes.
I slept well and even missed hearing the alarm go off. Wally gave me a gentle shake and said "CJ, it's time for you to get up sweetheart." I opened my eyes, gave him a kiss and said "sorry babe, I slept great last night." He smiled and said "go get them tiger, it's day two for your new format! I'll be watching you this morning baby." I made my way into the bathroom, got showered up, shaved, brushed my teeth and went into the closet to get dressed. I went back into the bedroom, and Wally was still under the covers. I leaned over, gave him a kiss and said "please rest up my love. I'm fine and will lock up when I leave." He smiled at me, pulled me in for another kiss and said "I'm going to take you up on that this morning sweetheart. Alex was a slave driver last night, but we got so much done! I love you CJ, have a great day!"
I made my way to the station, and was the first one in the newsroom. I brewed a pot of coffee for everyone, and finally Angela came in just before 3:00 am. I said "good morning, Angela, how are you today?" She replied "I'm fine, but I overslept! That boss of mine CJ is just really going to chew my ass out this morning!" We both laughed on that and she continued on saying "let me get a cup of coffee, then I'll begin work on the stories for this morning." I said "sound good. I'm finishing up the weather segment now, and will be ready for some stories in about 15 minutes."
More people came into the newsroom, and everyone agreed that it was a good morning for sleeping in. I did not feel bad about not hearing my alarm. I do need to watch that though, so my man does not have to keep waking me up! I might have to get a different alarm programmed, since I slept through my favorite song not waking me up this morning!
Angela got me two stories to begin work on, and then delivered me five more. She said "watch your time, and if I can assist in anyway, just let me know CJ." I was able to complete the seven stories by 4:20 am. I gave them all back to Angela, and I updated the current weather statistics and loaded my weather segment to the switcher. Everything was ready to go by 4:45 and Ross said "come on stud, let's go kick ass again today!"
Overall, the day went very well again. I did have one mix up with a camera shot. I was able to shift to the correct camera looking as natural as I could. Other than that, I felt very good about the morning performance again. I had texts waiting for me from Bailey, Wally, Alex, Ronny and Trev. What a support system! Everyone had great comments for me, and it felt wonderful to have day two under my belt.
Angela, Jennifer, Ross, Nick and I went to breakfast at Cecilia's. As we entered, Cecilia came up to me, gave me a hug and said "you're doing so well as co-anchor and weatherman CJ. Keep up the great work! I want a picture of Ross, Jennifer and you so I can place in over the cash register. I just love watching all of you in the morning. I don't miss Vicki though!" Of course, Angela began laughing on cue with Cecilia's comments. Cecilia said "follow me everyone. Does everyone want coffee this morning?" We all acknowledged yes, and our conversation began.
Nick started and said "I talked with Mindy before I left yesterday. She said that the phone lines were nonstop yesterday after the morning shows. Overall, we received very positive comments from our viewers about the new format. Mindy said there was only one male viewer raising hell about Vicki not being on with us anymore." Angela busted out in laughter again and said "it was probably from her new man, and he didn't even realize she left him!" We all got a good laugh out of that and then continued on with discussion of multiple topics. I cannot believe how well we are getting along both in and outside of the newsroom. I said to myself "thanks Vicki for giving me this shot, and good riddance Queen Bitch!"
We went back to the station and I decided to go to my office for a few minutes alone. Once in there, I began to check my email. I said to myself "you need to look for a shelf stereo unit so you can have some music in here when things are not too busy. Perhaps look for two and put one in your home office. Treat yourself to a birthday present on some of those gift cards you have now!"
I had three more emails come in about the Gasparilla race, with two more runners committing and one more person wanting to work the race day for the station. I smiled and said to myself "you're getting there Muskie Stud! You still have a few more days to go, and maybe you'll hit your goal of 30 runners!"
Shortly after 9:00 my phone started buzzing and it was a call from Alex. I said "good morning, this is CJ Walters assistant construction apprentice to the executive senior vice president of company operations and closet constructions Alex P. Turner. How may I assist you?" I have never heard Alex laugh so much since I have known him. Once he gained his composure he said "how did you know my middle name is Paul, did I ever tell you that?" I cracked up and said "actually no, I just took a guess this morning." He said "geez you scare me dude with your Virgo analytical skills! Do you have a few minutes to discuss some housing stuff with me?" I smiled and said "I have plenty of time for you this morning dude! What's happening and how can I help out?"
He started with "Your shows were absolutely fantastic again this morning! You keep kicking ass dude, and soon you will be Executive Vice President of News Operations for a major television affiliate!" I smiled and said "I wish I was there to give you a hug right now. I appreciate your comments so much, as well as your continued support Alex!"
He continued and said "I'm having a great morning. I got all my morning work done very quickly, and there are no resident requests I need to attend to this morning. I am solely focused on units 401, 402 and 317 today! First off, I just got back from breakfast at the diner. Carl and Trevor came over and took Aaron, Bailey and myself to breakfast. Tami said to tell you and Wally hello from her. All four of them liked the smaller closet organizer idea for the third bedroom area. I showed them the unit that Wally and I found last night, and they both requested one for their condos. I'm glad that Wally and I ordered three last night, so I won't need to modify the order today. Carl and Trevor plan to use theirs as a community sex toy storage unit." I was not expecting that, and I busted out in laughter over his comments.
Alex continued on and said "I ordered two more closet units for Aaron and Bailey. I gave them the invoice for it, and they approved it as is and said go ahead when you can install them." I said "wonderful Alex, I cannot believe what all you're accomplishing!" He replied "as soon as I am done talking with you, I am going into your closet and begin assembling the storage unit for you and Wally. Wally also found shoe racks for all the units and will be dropping those by here at noon for me to begin with, or you can help me with later today." I smiled and said "I'll be glad to help out Alex. I really enjoyed working with you yesterday afternoon." He said "I know you're going to pick up dinner supplies for tonight, how about making one more stop for us?" I said "sure, what are you thinking you construction guru?" He snickered and said "will you swing by the home goods store and pick up four more clothes hampers?" I said "yeah, that is no problem. I put a birthday visa gift card in my wallet to have for purchases. I'll get those and the dinner supplies. Anything else boss?" He said "let me go check the keg, I am not sure where we are at. I'll be right back CJ." I went through another email while waiting for him. He returned to the call and said "we're almost out on this keg. You may want to get us another one. We also might have to start going to full size kegs with eight of us tapping into them now!" I said "I'll track Ronny down and get the remainder of the money from James for the second pony keg. Maybe we can decide on what kind of beer we want for a full-size keg later this week?" Alex giggled and said "we're such lushes! You have a great rest of your day CJ, and I'll see you later." I said "you continue having a good day also Alex, and I'll see you later stud."
A few minutes after I hung up with Alex, I had another call come in from Aaron. I answered and said "hi Aaron, how are you doing my friend?" He replied and said "I'm doing good CJ. Can I ask a favor from you for my dad's service on Friday?" I said "of course, what can I do for you?" Aaron said "will you do two readings for me at his service? I'll appreciate it very much, and I know he will be honored to have you perform the readings." I smiled and said "I will be honored to do that for you and your dad, Aaron."
Aaron continued on and said "I'll bring the readings over to you tonight. We just had a nice breakfast with Carl, Trevor and Alex. Bailey and I are going over to his house now to make a list of what personal items he wants to move to the condo, and then we're going to my house later for the same reason. Once we're done with that, we're going back to the condo, make some drinks up and go to the pool for some relaxing this afternoon." I said "that sound great Aaron, I'll be cooking dinner so why don't you and Bailey plan on stopping by around 5:30 or 6:00?" Aaron said "that sounds great CJ. Hang on, Bailey wants to say something to you. I'll put you on speaker." Bailey came on and said "CJ, I cannot thank you enough for helping me out this week. I'm so happy that I'm able to help Aaron out with everything, and you're keeping everything running so smooth at the station. Thanks for kicking ass for me CJ, I appreciate it so much!" I smiled and said "you're welcome, Bailey. It's been a team effort, and I'm just the pretty face delivering the final product!" We all laughed on that and I said "hey Aaron, we need another keg for the patio. What kind of beer sounds good to you?"
Aaron thought about it and said "CJ, my dad and I loved to kick back with anything from Cigar City Brewing Company. I'm not sure if they sell anything in a keg, but I have enjoyed every brand I've tried from them." I said "excellent choice Aaron. I've been impressed with their IPA. I'll see what I can get today in a keg from them. Well gents. You have a good day and I'll see you both later. Does grilled chicken and sides sound okay for dinner?" Bailey said "are you going to barbecue it with UD's sauce?" I said "of course I am!". Bailey laughed and said "sounds good CJ. What can we bring for dinner?" I replied with "just bring your appetites. I'll see you both later today."
I updated my weather segment for the noon show, and went to track Ronny down. I found him in an editing bay, and said "what are you working on today, Clark Kent?" He chuckled and said "I'm finishing up a package on the Rays for tonight's show. How are you doing today? The morning show looked like another winner to me this morning!" I replied "it went well, but I did screw up one camera shot. I recovered quickly, but those always look awkward on live television! Was there any money left over from James for the kegs?" He smiled, pulled out his wallet and said "yeah, the first one was a little over $50, so let's just call it even with this! Are we in need of another one?" I smiled and said "the chief closet construction keg master said we were going to need one. With eight of us tapping into the pony kegs, we're going through them like water! Does anything sound good to you?" Ronny smiled and said "you know me, I will never turn a good IPA or amber ale down." I said "great. I'm fixing dinner and I'll make sure to save you a chicken breast and the sides." He said "sounds good CJ. I'll see you later today."
The rest of the morning went by quickly. I packed up early so that I can take off just after I finish the noon show. Ross and I had a good show at noon. After we wrapped up, he looked at me and said "I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to work with you CJ! Please know that what I told you at your birthday party is how I feel about or team. It's so great to be on set with you, and I do hope you and I climb upwards in the morning and midday ratings. We don't have to jump to number one right away, but I cannot wait for that day to come for both of us friend!" I smiled at Ross and said "it's going to come for us Ross. Maybe not this sweep, but I know we'll earn it soon. Bailey owes us big time when that day occurs!" We both had a good laugh and I said "I need to get some errands done. You take care Ross, and I'll see you tomorrow."
It was a hot day out, and I left the ac run in the jeep before I took off from the station lot. I decided to go to the home store first for the hampers, followed by the keg place and then to Publix for the dinner supplies.
I made my way to the home store, and I found the hampers. I put four of them in the shopping cart, and decided to take a look around for anything which caught my eye. I found so many nice things but I really did not need them. I said to myself "I bet Aunt Sally had a field day in here. I have got to remember this place whenever I'm looking for something, or for upcoming house warming gifts for Aaron, Bailey, Carl and Trev." I found a dining room set and with matching barstools in the faded blue / grey color. I thought to myself "Wow, I like those for Aaron and Bailey's place. It will look nice for their dining room area once they get the wainscotting up. I need to mention it to them." I decided to check out with just the hampers today. I'll be back though once my suitemates and I get a few more months under our roof. There may be some additional items we will benefit from at this store.
I moved on to the keg store, and took a look at their selection board. I asked "do you have anything in a keg from Cigar City Brewing?" The clerk said "sorry sir, we do not. They will be adding keg distribution to their lineup in 2024 though, so remember that for next year!" I said "okay, time for plan B. Do you have recommendations or have you heard any good reviews lately?" She said "I have found quite a few people enjoying the selections from Florida Keys Brewing Company. We have their blonde ale called Spearfish Amber in stock and also their seasonal product called Iguana Bait. It's got a honey and maple flavor." I said "wow, a tough decision. Let me get a pony keg of the Spearfish Amber, and I'll discuss the Iguana Bait with my beer drinkers for our next selection!" She rang up the total, and I paid her. She said "I'll get Bill to load that for you since you're in a suit." Bill turned out to be a huge-ass hairy bear, who towered over me! I'd say he was at least 6'7" and has a muscular physique with plenty of black hair all over and a shaved head! I thought to myself "WOOF -- remember to just look and no touching CJ." I said "thanks Bill, I appreciate you loading that up for me today. I handed him a $5 for the extra service, and he said "thanks dude. I appreciate that." I jumped in the jeep, took a double take look at his ass as he walked back into the store and said "I need to see him in a speedo sometime, or better yet without a speedo on! I bet he's uncut to top it off."
I was off to Publix next, and surprisingly the store was quiet today versus normal. I told myself "Remember to shop on weekday afternoons versus any weekend shopping!" I got enough chicken breasts to feed the crew tonight, along with salad and sides. I decided to add on some fresh scallops to cook up in UD's sauce as well for an appetizer. I found another mini-cheesecake tray and added that in as well to satisfy my sweet tooth!
I rolled into the complex about 1:45. I carried some of the items to the condo, and decided to change before I made another trip down. I went into the bedroom and found my dear friend in the closet inserting a drawer into the organizer shell. I said "there he is -- the one, the only Alex extraordinaire! How's it going this afternoon?" He smiled at me and said "very good CJ. I have all the drawers assembled, and I was going to move onto the doors next." I looked at everything and said "wow Alex, just as impressive as the other bedroom. Thank you so much for doing all this. Get up here and give me a hug!" Alex rose up, giggled and I gave him a hug and kiss. He said "do you need help unloading the keg?" I said "yes, let me change and we'll go unload the jeep."
Alex went and got the utility cart so we could get everything in one trip. We put the keg on the bottom shelf, and the remaining items on the top shelf. I smiled at him and said "sorry to interrupt your progress, but thank you so much for helping me unload everything." He smiled and said "no problem at all, CJ. It's actually a nice break. Once we get everything unloaded and hook up the keg, let's go finish off Ronny's and my closet." I said "it's a deal Alex." Little did I know that Alex had already finished most of the work off, and just wanted to reveal it to me!
We hooked up the keg, and I began to marinate the chicken and scallops for dinner. I took the easy way out and used several of UD's barbecue sauce bottles for tonight versus making up a batch of it. Alex prepared a salad, and we refrigerated everything for tonight's dinner. I put two bottles of wine in the refrigerator to chill as well. I looked at him and said "let me grab two hampers, and we'll go tackle those shoe racks!"
We went into his closet and he turned on the light. I looked down to see the shoe racks already installed, with Ronny's shoes neatly spaced out on one side of the closet. He said "do they look okay to you? Wally also brought me the caps to cover the ends of the hanging racks. So, once we put the hampers in, this room is done!" I smiled, gave him another hug and kiss and said "everything looks so wonderful Alex. Thank you so much my friend. I need to kick into high gear and finish out the other closet with you now!" We put the hampers in the remaining two doors, and moved back into Wally's and my closet to finish it off.
I finished off the drawers, and Alex began getting everything lined up for the bottom doors. We got all four attached, and then moved on to the shoe racks. I moved all of the shoes out of the bedroom to give us some space to work. Alex assembled the one shoe rack, and told me where to hold it against the wall. He started putting screws in, and before I knew it one shoe rack was installed. He said "okay, we just need to repeat the process and attach it to this side." Soon, the closet was finished off! I went out and got the hampers, and put all four into their new cabinets. I smiled at Alex, gave him a high-five and said "let's go have a beer on the patio, or do you want something stronger and go to the pool for a while? It's only 2:45!" He smiled at me and said, "let's make up some vodka lemonade, fill a cooler and head to the pool for a while!" I said "that sounds great. Let's change, and I'll meet you in the kitchen to make the drinks."
I left a note for Wally to join us at the pool. When we got there, Aaron and Bailey were floating on some rafts. I said "hey you two, mind if we join you or is this a private party?" Bailey looked at us, cracked up and said "get your asses in here!" Aaron said "how are you two doing?" Alex said "I'm doing great now. My work is done for the day. I'm going to start my happy hour now, eat some good dinner, and end the evening with some beer, a cigar and some darts." Aaron said "sounds fantastic Alex, mind if we join you for the after-dinner party?" Alex said "not at all. I placed the order for your closet organizers, and right now they are scheduled to be shipped here on Friday. We just finished off our condo today, so I'll begin moving my clothes out to have more room to work in your new place."
I poured Alex and I a drink and said "do you and Bailey need any happy hour mix, or do you two still have a supply on hand?" Aaron replied "the last time I refilled us, we still had more to go CJ." I said "before I jump in, can I get you two a refill?" Bailey said "yeah, you Muskie stud. I'm empty over here!" Bailey and Aaron made their way to the pool side, and I refilled their drinks. I sat Alex's and my drink by the pool, and we both jumped in and we each grabbed a noodle to float around on."
I took a few sips of my drink and said "did you two have a good day?" Aaron smiled and said "yes CJ, it was good. We made up our initial lists of items we need to move, and I'm feeling good with what we started." Bailey said "I am to CJ. I won't have a lot to move, but at least I have a list now so I don't forget anything that I really want to bring over. I think we'll stay out of Alex and Wally's way until the closet organizers are in before we move the majority of clothes over." Alex said "that sounds good guys. If the organizers come in on Friday, I'll get started this weekend. Don't worry though, I'll respect your privacy in the morning. Wally is bringing wainscotting samples for you tonight. We'll see what you like, and maybe he and I can tackle some of that over the weekend also." Aaron smiled and said "I don't know how I can thank all of you for making this happen! Bailey and I appreciate what all you're doing to help us with the move. The next month is going to fly by very quickly!" Alex said "it sure will. Wally told me at noon that his realtor will be contacting both of us tomorrow to get the condo sale paperwork started."
I said "I'm not sure what you two are thinking for furniture yet, but I found a very nice-looking indoor dining table with four chairs and three matching barstools. It's a faded grey-blue color, and will look great with the blue color in your living and dining area." Bailey smiled and said "it's funny you should mention that CJ. Aaron and I looked at his dining table as well as mine today. We both want to move away from an oak or formal look. We agreed to look for more of a beach theme set. What you're suggesting sounds perfect! Can we go look at it with you this week if you have time?" I said "sure, I'd love to take both of you after work. Maybe we can squeeze it in tomorrow depending upon what you two have on your schedule?"
We continued to lounge around the pool, and my man appeared in the pool area. I smiled and said "hey there Wally, how are you doing my love?" He replied "I'm good, and glad to be here with all of you enjoying some sun. Can I get anyone a refill before I get in the pool with you?" I said "I brought you a glass so grab yourself one, and I'll take a refill. How about you Alex?" Alex smiled and said "I'll have another to Wally." Bailey and Aaron both acknowledged they were good for now.
Wally jumped in the pool with us and said "Alex and CJ, the closets look wonderful! Thank you so much." I said "my buddy over there deserves all the credit as he carried the load for the team!" He smiled, did his nervous giggle and said "it was not that bad of a job to complete. I enjoyed it, and I've had a shitload of much harder projects than that. Wally, if everything goes as planned, the remainder of the closet organizers will be here on Friday." Wally said "wow, that was quick Alex. They must be overloaded with their summer supply. If they do come in, you want to attack some this weekend?" Alex replied "yes, I'm up for it if you are. Maybe it will go even faster for us with CJ and Ronny cheering us on!" I cracked up and said "count me in you two, that felt good to help Alex out the last two days."
I changed topics and said "Aaron, the keg place did not have anything from Cigar City Brewing. The company is going to start keg distribution in 2024. I got us some blond ale from Florida Keys Brewing Company." Aaron said "no problem, CJ. I love to try new beers so I'm looking forward to it. Dad and I went fishing in the keys two years ago and I remember seeing their brewing site in Islamorada. Wally heard the word fishing and said "are you a fisherman Aaron?" He said "yeah Wally, I enjoy fishing." Wally smiled and said "great, I have a boat docked near Bradenton and I've been looking for excuses to go fishing. We'll get out soon. How about you Bailey, are you a fisherman?" Bailey cracked up and said "no I'm not Wally. I prefer being poolside or beachside rather than out on a boat. I'm looking for some people to play tennis with me though. Aaron wants to learn how to play, so I'm going to teach him the basics." Alex chimed back in and said "I play tennis Bailey. I was on my high school team and I'd love to play sometime at the complex with you once you get moved in." Bailey cracked up and said "good man Alex, my bartender and now my tennis partner! Glad to have you aboard Alex!" I cracked up and told myself "Be sure to egg Alex on that he's flirting way too much with Bailey. First his bartender, and now his tennis partner. What's next, his secret lover behind Aaron's back?"
I got out to check the time and it was approaching 5:00. I said "is anyone getting hungry, it's going on 5:00." Bailey said "just let me continue to lay on this raft, and hook up a vodka IV to me! Some food does sound good CJ, I'm getting hungry." Aaron and Alex said that they were hungry as well. I said "okay, I'm going to go back up and get dinner started. Why don't we plan on eating around 5:30 everyone?" I got a thumbs up from everyone and Wally joined me to assist with dinner.
We talked on the way back to the condo and I said "how was your day babe?" He said "it went well CJ. We're starting three new projects this week, so things are getting crazy again. I cannot believe how much Alex is getting done here! I should just stay out of his way, let him continue and have him join me at the end of the month. He's going to help out so much with the company business." I said "he seems to be in such a great mood babe, and he's been an absolute workaholic the last two days." Wally cracked up and said "let's just keep him in a great mood, and let him continue to knock stuff off here! I cannot believe he did most of those closet units by himself. I think he's going to be even more help on finishing work for me than I originally thought! I may have to add a few more words to his title, and increase his salary." We both got a huge laugh out of that. I said "I'll start getting stuff ready for the grill, will you go ignite it for me?" He said "sure babe, I'll even be grill master for you tonight if you want me to." I said "that will be great! I have got scallops marinating, and I don't remember how to cook them. We're also having chicken breasts, salad and asparagus." Wally smiled and said "I have you covered on the scallop's babe."
Wally began cooking, and I sat the table. The remainder of the dinner crew arrived, and they all migrated to the patio in their bathing suits. Bailey smiled and said "this is so kick ass! I love going from poolside to patio without changing clothes. I am already loving the life here. Thanks guys, for letting us crash here early. I know it's helped Aaron, and it's been a blessing for me also. Do all of you think you can put up with this old fart and his hottie boyfriend?" Alex, Wally and I cracked up and Wally spoke up saying "on behalf of the membership committee Bailey, your presence is going to increase our property value three-fold! Seriously though, we welcome both of you with open arms and I can already tell you're going to fit right into our circle of influence. You will find that you're both going to be smothered with good friendship, mutual respect and lots of love. The only rule you have to remember here is that you need to go free balling whenever you are here!" Aaron and Bailey busted out laughing and Aaron said "thanks guys, I need this now in my life!"
Wally brought the asparagus and scallops over first. Bailey said "are those scallops?" I said "yes, that is a UD recipe from his two riverfront restaurants in Cincinnati. It's grilled barbecue scallops in his famous barbecue sauce. He started those as an appetizer plate this year, and they have gone over very well for him." Bailey ate one and said "oh fuck me now! That is a spectacular taste. I never would have thought to barbecue scallops. Tell UD the next time you talk to him that I want to invest in his enterprise!" I cracked up at Bailey and said "glad you enjoyed it! Please eat up everyone, let's save some for Ronny though. I promised him a plate of food tonight."
Wally served the chicken to everyone, and we feasted like kings. Aaron said "This tastes so good guys, thank you! I am hungrier than I thought I was." I smiled at everyone and said "there are mini cheese cakes for dessert if anyone wants one." Bailey said "geez, do you guys always eat fantastic dinners like this, or am I stuck in my stupid patterns of take out and vodka?" We all had a good laugh on that and I said "it's been a mix, Bailey. We try to cook here as much as possible. Sometimes though, it's just easier to call up your favorite red head pizza delivery guy, or go to Mel's or the Beachcomber for dinner. We have been doing the diner on Saturday mornings for breakfast. You two are welcome to join us any Saturday morning for an omelet breakfast with Tami!"
We finished up the dinner, and Alex wrapped up a plate for Ronny. I said "will anyone else join me with a cup of coffee and a mini cheesecake?" Bailey said "I'll have some coffee with you CJ, if it's not too much trouble?" Aaron said "I'm going to stick with some water now, and I may have a beer or two later CJ." Alex helped me clean up the table, and we loaded all the dishes into the dishwasher. I stayed in the kitchen and brewed a pot of coffee, and arranged a tray of cheesecake samples for the group.
Alex returned to the patio and said "why don't we get more comfortable in the tv area guys." Everyone followed him over there and I returned to the patio with the coffee pot, cups and the cheesecake. Bailey said "guys is there anything you need from Aaron and I in order to proceed with the changes we discussed?" Wally said "I put two samples of wainscotting in your future place before I came down to the pool. I have both of the samples in stock. Take a look at both of them and see if you want to proceed with those two in any room. We can also get you more samples if you want them. The two samples are what you see in this condo in the living room, and the office. The office sample can be painted to any color, and the honey oak sample is best to use as is. I think it will look wonderful in your living and dining area with the light blue color."
Wally continued on and said "Rick, the realtor, wants to meet with the three of you tomorrow here at 11:00 am. If that time is good with you three, I will tell Rick to continue with his plans?" All three agreed that 11:00 am was fine. Wally also said "Rick will be doing this for 1% commission only, and will split the commission between you. All three smiled and Bailey said "thank you so much Wally! I'm not a cheapskate, but when I see what my pricey bitch of a realtor is making off me for doing no work, I get very frustrated! I can handle 1%, versus 4%.
Wally continued on and said "I have an architect and plumbing contractor scheduled to be here at 1:00 pm tomorrow. Alex, they want to meet with you and review the original building plans, as well as any modifications done to the third-floor plans. I told them you had all the plans in your workshop. They're going to review the bathrooms and the patio. I hope they have initial recommendations for you three tomorrow, and we can proceed accordingly with the bathroom and patio renovations. If the architect does not need to be involved, you can work with the plumbing contractor directly. Does this sound okay?" Bailey said "that sounds great Wally! CJ, do you mind if we show them your bathrooms for an inspiration idea? I'm not sure if we want to go as dark on the tile, but we both like the layout and shower size of your two bathrooms." I smiled and said "not a problem at all with me."
Alex chimed in and said "go ahead and look at the televisions in the condo. You can move one of those to the patio, or purchase another one if you want to leave everything as is. All of the bedrooms and living room are ready for television access. We will need to run a cable out to the patio like we did here. Depending upon the size of tv you want mounted, I may have the mounts for you already in my workshop. If you want any of the indoor televisions mounted, we can do that as well."
I did not realize it was getting so late when Ronny walked out on the patio and said "evening everyone!" Alex got up, gave him a hug and kiss and said "I've got a plate of food saved for you when you're ready to eat babe." Ronny smiled and replied "excellent, I am starved! Let me go change, and then I'll be come back here. Aaron and Bailey, congratulations on the condo purchase. I welcome you both, and I know you two are going to love living here!"
Wally said "the final area is the kitchen pantry. Alex and I are going to get measurements on both of our condos. We are hoping that the measurements are identical, and if so, we'll create a visual plan for all of us to review. I can get a wholesale price on heavy-duty stackable washer and dryers. For now, we'll get the visual plan done first and proceed with the construction and purchases after that." Aaron spoke up and said "you and Alex are making this process very easy for us. I cannot wait to see everything in its final state, but I'm enjoying the process along the way with all of you."
Ronny returned to the patio and said "I am going to have a beer with dinner. Will anyone join me? We all decided to try the new beer I got today. It was not bad at all, and Aaron was first to comment "we need to get this brand again. I love the flavor of it!"
After I finished my beer, I said "everyone, I hate to be the party pooper, but I'm going to turn in now for my early morning. Please have some more beer, and play some darts if you want to." I went around and gave everyone a hug. Wally said "I'm going to turn in as well. I have concrete being poured at two sites very early tomorrow morning. I'll let Rick, the architect and the plumber to meet you three here tomorrow as planned. Everyone have a good rest of your evening, and I'll see all of you tomorrow."
I set the coffee pot to brew at my normal time, brushed my teeth and got into bed. Wally followed suit, and joined me in bed. I smiled at him and said "this is a pleasant surprise sweetheart. You did not need to join me this early." He gave me a kiss, and said "I'm beat sweetheart, and I do need to be at the first jobsite at 4:30 tomorrow morning. I want to cuddle, hold you and fall asleep with you if that's okay." I smiled back and said "it's perfect Wally. I love you babe."
He wrapped me in his arms, and I think we were both asleep in 15 minutes. Before drifting off to sleep I said to myself "another good day CJ. Keep it up and get this week under your belt. You can do this, keep achieving your goals and that long-range forecast will be yours!"