“Well, I like Ham.” Blondie said, “He’s funny and very upbeat. He can come here for dinner anytime.”
“Thanks Blondie, but I am going to warn you. I know he will soon become a fixture, and you will be begging me to send him home.”
Chapter 4
A few hours later a server named Emilie, walked up to order drinks for a table. She didn’t look very happy about it. Jake got ready to fill the drink orders, but she didn’t walk to him. Emilie walked right over to Blondie.
“Ms. Blondie, I don’t know how to tell you this but I got an order for two drinks one is vodka and cranberry juice and the other is a whiskey sour.”
“Ok Em there is nothing wrong with those drinks. Why are you upset? Was the person ordering rude to you? You know we don’t deal with that here.”
“Well the problem is,” She said as looked down at her shoes, “the drinks are for James and he is here with another girl. It doesn’t look like they are here for business. They are sitting pretty close and I saw him kiss her. I don’t think he should do that if you are dating him.”
Jake, couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Some guy who Blondie is dating is kissing another woman in her bar. What type of shit is that?
“Don’t worry Em. I will take the drinks to the table. You did the right thing honey. Why don’t you let the others know that James and I broke up this morning? Let them know he doesn’t get anything for free or half price anymore. Then you can take your break.”
Emilie looked up relief in her eyes, “Ok Ms. Blondie, I will tell the others. Honestly I think your better without him, he was kind weird.”
Jake couldn’t see the table that this James guy sat at. He wanted to see the type of guy who would let a knockout like Blondie go.
After Emilie left Blondie started to mumble to herself. “I can’t believe that dickhead has to gall to come into my bar after saying I am not classy enough for him. Then dump me over text message. Oh, I will fix James and his little date that is for sure. Come in my bar, will he. That tight wad is going to pay, that’s for sure.”
Jake didn’t dare say anything as Blondie fixed the drinks, she didn’t even notice that he was there and could hear her mumbling.
Really that Dickwad said she wasn’t classy enough? If Blondie didn’t fix him Jake was surely going to. It was crazy. He just met her that morning, but Jake knew that Blondie was going to be his.
Blondie grabbed the most expensive bottle of whiskey that she had in the bar, a bottle of twenty year old McCallen’s Single Malt whiskey. She was going to fix that mother fucker the most expensive drink the bar made, at thirty dollars it didn’t seem like a lot. Blondie knew it would piss James off to pay more than ten-fifty for his normal drink. Blondie brushed against Jake, finally noticing that he was standing there. Her face turned red when she realized that he heard her bitching about being dumped just this morning.
“Need me to make the Cranberry and Vodka? Gray Goose isn’t as expensive as that twenty year old McCallen but is a few dollars more than the house vodka,” Jake said with a wink.”
Blondie gave Jake a small smile which became bigger when he said “I will deliver them if you want? That way the backlash can’t come back on you. After all I am new.”
“I would really appreciate if you would do that for me Jake. I will most likely make a scene and that is what he wants. Also make sure he takes a drink, if he does that asshole is paying for it. He wanted classy he is gonna pay for it.”
Oh, I will make that asshole buy it. He won’t be coming back. Don’t worry on that Baby doll.
Blondie looked up when Jake called her that, her eyes connecting with his. She saw the flash of want in his eyes, his jaw firm and determined. “Jake, you really shouldn’t call me that. I am your boss.” Her words lacking the heat needed to be taken seriously.
“Fair warning, Blondie, I take what I want. Now that I know you are available, you will be mine. I won’t rush you but I want you to know that you are beyond classy. You are in a class in itself. You are beautiful and sexy as hell. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. I want you Baby doll, my dick has been hard since the moment I saw you this morning. But for now I am going to deliver these drinks to a certain limp dick asshole and let him know just where he stands in terms of class.” Jake grabbed the tray of drinks, and started towards James’ table.
Blondie stood there shocked at Jake’s words, she always liked a dominate man. Jake was dominating alright, he put her in her place, her panties wet at the thought of his hard dick. Shit, how was she going to keep this professional after his declaration? She wished Nikki was here so she could at least watch Jake put James in his place. Knowing James, he would make huge scene if she watched. Blondie didn’t need any drama in her bar.
Jake scanned the dining room; locking on to the only couple sitting there. The man was of medium build, had light hair, was wearing dress pants, and a polo shirt. He dressed very business casual. His date had her dark hair pulled back in a French twist and could be mistaken for a stepford wife.
What had Blondie seen in this guy? Walking to the table he said, “Hello, I am Jake. I’m sorry your server went on her break. I have your drinks from the bar. Are you ready to order?”
Jake stood there as Blondie’s ex looked across at his date and said, “Mandy would like a salad. Wouldn’t you dear?”
Mandy looked up blushing as she said, “Yes, James, that would be wonderful. Thank you.”
James continued on as if Mandy hadn’t spoken at all. “I would like the house ribeye medium rare with steamed vegetables. Make sure you tell that cook medium rare, or I will be talking to the owner.”
Jake watched as James took a drink of his whiskey sour. James’ brows wrinkled as he said, “This is pretty good, and it isn’t my normal whiskey sour is it?”
Jake smiled, “No sir, I was told to make sure all drinks where of a high caliber to fit even the classist of guests. I will put your order in, and let the cook know what you said sir.” Jake, walked away, smiling to himself. Oh, he was going to talk to Big Al alright.
“Hey Big Al,” Jake called as he walked in the kitchen. “I need for you to make me a ribeye that is medium rare. It is for our special guest. Just make sure it is medium rare. Don’t want this guy even talking to Blondie.”
“Oh I got something for Mr. James,” Big Al said. “He will get his steak the most beautiful ribeye I have. He didn’t say what ounce did he?
“No, as I think about it, he didn’t say what ounce, so the bigger the better. We’re gonna make him the classiest meal he ever had at Teufel Hundens. However, make sure the salad is the normal house, can’t overdo it,” Jake said laughing.
“Seriously Jake,” Big Al said. “Make sure this guy doesn’t come back. I can’t believe what he did to Lil Mary. That jackass didn’t realize what a good thing had. I am happy she is not with him anymore. I think he cost her more money than I will ever know as he took advantage of being her boyfriend and made sure all of us knew it. Pretty much everything he ordered here was either half priced or free, even his business meals. That is why he came here for his business lunches. He could act like he paid for everyone’s meals when it was my Lil Mary footing the bill.”
Jake, stood to the side as Big Al did his cooking magic, he could see why Ham loved the burger. Al really enjoyed cooking and it didn’t matter who it was for. One of the kitchen staff placed the salad on a tray. All that was left was the mouthwatering ribeye and steamed veggies that Al was plating now.
“Here you go Jake,” Big Al exclaimed as he handed Jake the serving tray. “All done, now go serve Mr. James for the last time.”
“Will do Big Al, he won’t be back,” Jake called over his shoulder as he went to serve the Blondie’s ex.
“About time,” James said as Jake brought the food to the table. “I was just about to get someone to see what was taking so long.”
“Sorry for the wait,” Jake said, as he served the food. “The cook wanted to get this just
right, please enjoy. Do you need another drink sir?”
“Yes, that would be fine.”
Ok, I will return with your drink and check on you in a few.
Jake was having such a hard time being nice to this asshole when all he wanted to do is grab him and toss him out the door. He needed to go check on Blondie and make sure she was doing ok.
Twenty minutes later Jake was ringing up James’s bill and was trying to keep his temper in check. He couldn’t believe the gull that Blondie’s ex had. Asking that it be put on his tab. Jake had to laugh at James expression when he informed him he no longer had a tab at Teufel Hundens, that Ms. Blondie was the one who informed all that he no longer had a tab. Now it was time for the cheap ass to finally pay a bill, and be told he wasn’t welcomed in Teufel Hundens.
“Sir, sorry for the misunderstanding with the tab, here is your bill,” Jake said with a smile as he presented James with his bill. It wasn’t a lot but when you never pay a bill seeing a hundred and twenty-five dollar bill will make anyone upset.
“What is this crap?” James exclaimed as he looked at the bill. “I am not paying this as I didn’t ask for that drink. I want to talk to the owner.”
Jake got down, right in James face and said in the most condescending way possible. “Yes Sir, you are going to pay that as you ate and drank all of it. You will not be talking to Ms. Blondie ever again. Also this will be the last time you step foot in Teufel Hundens because from now on you are banned. You step foot on the property the police will be called. You have an outstanding tab which the owner has paid on the condition that you do not return.”
“Who the fuck are you to talk down to me? You’re nothing but a has-been Marine working in a fucking bar!” James said with as much venom and disgust as he could.
“Oh you will find out who I am, just you wait and see. “Jake said smiling. “Cash or credit sir.”
Jake stood back as James stood up telling his date it was time to go and Jake that he doesn’t know who he is messing with as threw the money on the table.
Jake picked up the money and said with fake sadness in his voice, “No tip? Ouch that really hurts, sir.”
Jake walked back behind the bar, meeting Blondie’s worried eyes with a smile. “All taken care of Baby doll, he won’t be back”
“Sorry Jake. I know this wasn’t what you thought your first day working here would be like.”
“What would a first day be like if there weren’t hiccups? Jake asked as walked by, grabbing a glass from the bar shelf. “No need to worry only a few more hours left and then we are done for the night. Tomorrow will be better Blondie, I promise,” Jake said filling the glass with draft beer for a customer.
Chapter 5
Smoke and screams filled the air; there was blood all over his cammies. Jake reached his hand out to the left, grabbing for the man next to him. Pain ripped though out his body as black spots filled his eyes. Jake called Ham’s name over again as the sound of screams filled the air.
Jarred awake from his dream due to the sound, his heart beating as he realized it was his own screams that awoke him. Drenched in sweat Jake sat up in bed and turned on the bedside lamp. Glancing at the clock he shook his head when he saw it was only four-thirty in the morning. Running his hands over his face Jake knew he wouldn’t be going back to sleep so he might as well get out of bed.
Reliving the past and having vivid nightmares was something that he dealt with. Normally he would have taken his meds but as he got home at two-thirty after helping close the bar he didn’t think he would need them. This was the first nightmare he had in a while. Grabbing a pair of lounge pants from his dresser, Jake slipped them on and decided to go to the main floor and watch some TV. It didn’t surprise Jake when he saw Ham watching TV in the main living room. Both of them must have had rough nights.
“Is there anything good on TV Ham?” Jake asked as he sat down on the couch.
“Not really, just old reruns but I found Walker on TV. Nothing like watching Chuck Norris take down some bad guys, Texas Ranger style. I kind of had rough time sleeping. I crashed after dinner so my body told me it was time to get up, but it’s too damn early to do anything besides watch TV.”
“Know what you mean, Ham. I got a few hours. Thought I didn’t need my damn pills and I woke up screaming. Figured coffee and TV sounded good. You want some?”
“Yeah coffee would be awesome. After sun up I figure I could go swim. You said you had a pool right? Wait a second you didn’t take your pills? Damnit Jake, you harp on me enough about taking mine it goes both ways. What was the dream about and do you need to call your doctor?”
“Hold up Ham,” Jake said as he held his hand up. “I didn’t take my pills because it was two-thirty in the morning when I got home and way past my pill taking time. I didn’t have them with me at the bar but I will take them with me tonight. No I don’t need to call the Doc as I didn’t have an episode it was just a nightmare. I dreamed about when our Humvee got hit and it was pretty spot on. Lastly, yeah man I got a pool it is beach entry pool so you will be able to get in and out pretty easily.”
“Sorry brother, you know we only have each other and we have to keep each other on track even if it fracking sucks. How about getting us some coffee from that neat coffee pot thing you have and sitting down watching some Walker. I don’t really feel like putting my leg on right now”
“No problem Ham. I’ll make the coffee, plus my neat coffee pot thing is called a Keurig and it is pretty damn awesome. What type of coffee do you want regular or extra dark?” Jake asked as he walked to the kitchen.
“Extra dark man, and don’t kill it with anything either the stronger the better. After coffee I plan on hitting the pool and then just relaxing the rest of the day.”
Jake made their coffee and walked back to the couch and sat next to Ham handing him his cup.
“Thanks man, sorry again for going off on you.” Ham said as he grabbed him cup of coffee. Taking a sip he breathed in the aroma and said “Yep this is the good stuff, nothing like that chow hall coffee that about as drinkable as tar.”
Jake laughed at that. “True, very true Ham. Next time you will have to make your own though cause there is tons of other strong coffees in the cabinet.
“You mean there are other flavors, and I have been stuck drinking chow hall and hospital coffee? I really need to check out those kitchen cabinets. You been holding out on me man,” Ham said with a huge smile.
“Seriously though, if there is something you want to eat and it’s not there put it on the list by the fridge and I will get it, I normally go grocery shopping once a week.”
“So,” Ham said as he glanced sideways at Jake, “Blondie, man she is smokin’ hot. Is she single? If not that really fracking sucks.”
“To answer your question, yes she is single. I already laid claim to her so back off playboy, she’s gonna be mine” Jake stated with determination.
Ham laughed as he reached for his prosthetic. “Just wanted to make sure you were interested man. I’m gonna go get some trunks on and do some laps in the pool. Are you gonna come down?”
“No sorry Ham. I have to check my messages from the board and see what events and meetings I have coming up. We are supposed to be launching a new resort in the area. Truth be told, Ham, I really want to have my own resort but have it free of cost but for disabled veterans and their families. Sort of like those CREDO retreats that married Marines go on for the weekend. It would be more like a bed and breakfast with classes to help cope and learn new techniques to adapt. I plan on only have four or five families at a time so that the veteran isn’t over whelmed.”
“I think that is a great idea Jake,” Ham said seriously. “I would be willing to help out any way you need me to. I decided last night that I am going to take the medical retirement when I get cleared in a few weeks.”
“Nothing is set in stone yet, Ham it is just an idea. I am going to see if my uncle will back me on this and if I can get the rest of the boa
rd to agree. I am optimistic though,” Jake stated as he rose from the couch.
“I will be upstairs in my office dealing with that. I still got to work tonight so I need to get things situated with the company before I go to Teufel Hundens. I will be down in hour or so to see what we want to do for lunch.”
Jake proceeded to go to his office, sitting down in his desk chair, he turned on his laptop, ready to go through the emails, and call his Uncle. As he went through his emails from the board they were all financial statements and formal invites to fundraisers and dinners. He knew he could pick and choose which ones he wanted to go to but those could wait as they wasn’t a real need to RSVP at that very minute. Jake picked up the phone and dialed his uncle’s number knowing that he would be awake. His Uncle Pete answered after the second ring.
“Hey Jake, what’s going on buddy, Topsail treating you good?”
“Yeah, it actually is Uncle Pete the house is awesome and my friend Richard Hamilton is going to be moving in with me after he gets medically cleared.” Jake answered knowing his Uncle knew of his close relationship with Ham.
“That is great; I know that you have been worried about him. You guys have been though a lot. I know you didn’t call to talk about that so what is going on Jake?”
“Well, it is actually about the resort that is supposed to be built in the area. Here’s my idea, I understand that there are already plans to build a condo type resort and that project is already under way. However, I really want to have my own resort and what I imagine is a bed and breakfast type resort that caters to Disabled Veterans and their families. Offering some of the same amenities that our resorts offer but with additional classes and activities that will be of use to the veteran and their families. It would be based on the Marine Corps CREDO retreats but be exclusively for Disabled Veterans, Wounded Warriors and their families. There will not be any cost to them for their weekend stay. The amount of stress these families and disabled veterans go through and what they sacrificed for our country. I think they deserve a little bit of a vacation if only for a weekend. I would be using my own funds to run it and pay employees along with fundraisers and donations. Richard Hamilton is also on board to help running it. The thing is I don’t have the ability to build it which is where the company would come in. I am not asking for a hand out but if the company will build it and cover the cost of building it; I think that the publicity that the company would receive would more than even out the cost of building. As it show that our resorts and company is a military and veteran friendly corporation.”
Blondie's Hero (Heart of Teufel Hundens Book 1) Page 3
