by Tey Holden
“Yeah, but Blair said you can only drink one.”
Alex smiled again, a different kind of smile this time. “Make it two when I’m with her.”
“Are you? Are you with her?”
Alex took a deep breath and pursed her lips. “Pat, Blair is my friend. She is in my heart.”
“She’s the best, you know. You two would make a great pair.”
“Okay, let’s stop the matchmaking and get busy here.”
Pat smiled. She realized that the subject was a delicate one, and that Alex was, obviously, trying to avoid it.
She showed Pat how to maintain the record keeping in the computer. They also called the bookkeeping woman and made an appointment to go see her the following day.
That night, Pat called Blair to tell her all Alex had done. Blair was delighted with the news. She was glad to know that the bar appeared to be in better shape than expected, and that Alex saw potential in it. Better yet, she was overjoyed to know that Alex had a genuine interest in helping her aunt out of the goodness of her heart. She took a moment to think of the blonde that had turned her life upside down. Those green eyes were a joy and a torment!
Pat still wanted some reassurance. “Blair, you brought her to me, and I’m trusting her on all this, are you okay with it?”
Blair continued to smile. “Yes, Pat. I trust her completely.”
“I think she’s terrific. I asked her if she was with you.”
“What did she say?”
“That you were in her heart. She’s something else, isn’t she?”
“She’s straight Pat.”
“I have a feeling she can be persuaded to the other side with the right treatment.”
“And what treatment do you recommend?”
“Just be yourself in every way, Blair. You were always a sweet child. You are a lovable person, and I think she’s a good candidate for a lovable person.”
“Pat, you have no idea how much I want to agree with you. I just need to … do you really think it can happen?”
“Yes, and you are the perfect person to make it happen. Don’t give up easily. It may require time. And remember, love conquers all! Love her to death, above and beyond, if that’s what you really want.”
“I do, Pat, I do. Hey got to go now, my shift is starting.”
***
The following day, Alex picked up Pat and they went to see Clara Thompson, the bookkeeper. Alex introduced herself as Pat’s attorney and explained the reason for the visit. Initially, the woman denied everything. However, she had an unmistakable look of panic. “You have no proof,” Clara replied.
“Yes, I do. Would you like me to go over the details with you?” When Clara remained silent, Alex began to mention dates and sums of money.
“It’s not necessary for you to continue,” Clara said somewhat unnerved. Aware of the fear on the woman’s face, Alex then proceeded to tell her of their intention to expose her by taking the matter to the police. She further explained how bad press and the scandal would have a negative impact on her accounting business, and she also made her aware of the jail term for embezzlement.
“Now, are you willing to gamble on the risk of going to jail and also have your reputation ruined?” She paused to allow the woman time to think. Pat was shifting her gaze between Alex and Clara. Clara was clearly in shock. “However, if you were to reimburse the entire amount to Pat, plus a nominal amount for her trouble and to cover my expenses, there would be no need to press charges and everything would be left as if it had never happened. It’s your choice.” Clara seemed hesitant.
“How much money are you talking about?” Clara asked.
“Well, Ms. Thompson, you should know best. But according to my calculations, during the last two years you’ve embezzled £80,000 from the bar. Does that number make sense to you?” Alex knew it did. She was never wrong when it came to finances. The minute Alex mentioned the amount of money, Clara’s face went pale. She knew she was in deep trouble. “Will you be able to provide us with a check right now? Also, if you don’t mind, an additional £20,000 would take care of Pat’s grief and my expenses.” Alex continued to press.
The woman didn’t hesitate. She immediately went for her checkbook and wrote the check. Pat was speechless. “To whom should I make the check?”
“To Pat, of course.”
She gave the check to Alex. “I would hope that this check is good, and that we don’t have to pay you another visit, Ms. Thompson, in which case, we will come with police company.”
“It’s good. I don’t want to hear any more about this matter.”
“Now, can we also have all the bar’s records that you might have?”
She handed over journals and ledgers. It was all manual bookkeeping. Alex couldn’t believe that people would still contract someone to do their accounting using such old-fashioned methods.
Pat could not believe the turn of events and most especially that she had a £100,000 check in her hands.
When they left the woman’s office, Pat hung on to Alex’s arm. “Oh, my God, Alex! I can’t believe this! I think I’m numb!” Alex chuckled.
“Don’t do the victory dance yet, Pat. Let’s wait for the check to clear. We need to go to her bank and get a cashier’s check and then we need to go to your bank and talk to the manager and have him close your old accounts and open new ones. You need to cut all ties with that woman.”
“Whatever you say! You are the boss of finances!” They drove to the banks and did as Alex had instructed. By the end of the afternoon, Pat thought she was going to have a heart attack. “Let’s go to the bar, my dear. I don’t know about you, but I need a drink or two! We need to celebrate!”
Alex smiled with such a sweet smile that Pat’s heart melted. No wonder Blair is head over heels! When they arrived at the bar, Alex saw Blair’s bike parked outside and froze.
Pat got out of the car but noticed that Alex had not. “Aren’t you coming in? Come on, have a beer or two, it is the least I can do! I’ll drive you home too.”
Alex smiled but took her time to answer, giving Pat the opportunity to realize the reason for her hesitation to go inside. She did not expect to find Blair there. “Pat, thanks for the beer offer, but I really have to go.”
Blair had not mentioned that she would be going to the bar. Alex didn’t want to go inside and face, or much less risk finding her with someone else. She was also troubled by the fact that she cared. Why would she care that Blair was there, or be bothered if she was there with someone else? Oh God! What am I doing?
Suspecting what might be going through Alex’s mind, Pat thought to explain. “She comes unexpectedly to see Megan sometimes.” Alex’s eyes were on the steering wheel and on the car’s instrument panel. She half looked at Pat.
“Come on! I’m sure Megan told her you were with me, and she came after her shift to see you and to find out what happened. I’ll bet you half the bar on that! What do you say? If it is making money like you say, it’s a great offer.” Pat laughed
“And you are a mad woman.” Alex also laughed and got out of the car thinking that if Blair was in there with someone else, it would be a quick way to end it all.
Blair had been standing on the side of the bar closest to Pat’s office. From there, she had an unobstructed view of the door. The minute Alex and Pat stepped inside the bar, Blair saw them and immediately straightened up to wait for them. As they walked towards the counter, Alex realized that Blair was alone and talking to Megan waiting for them to get closer. All of a sudden, she felt an inexplicable joy and totally relaxed.
“So, what happened? Megan said that you guys went to see the accountant. What’s going on?”
Pat smiled triumphantly looking at Alex. “I keep the bar!” Everyone was puzzled by the comment that only appeared to make sense to Alex, who was also grinning. When Pat noticed the change in Alex’s demeanor, she was overjoyed thinking that Alex cared for her niece more than she was letting on. One point for Blair!
“Free drinks for life for this gorgeous, brilliant woman!” Pat said to Megan, who was already dispensing the drinks. She placed her hand on Alex’s shoulder and looked at Blair. “This woman is a genius!” Pat kissed Alex on the head. “Sorry, don’t mean to roll on anybody’s turf, but you are worth your weight in gold, and it won’t be long until someone sweeps you off your feet!” Alex blushed, and Blair was speechless. It was a rhetorical comment, but Blair knew it was intended for her, and Alex knew Pat was playing matchmaker again. Pat then began to tell them what happened. Blair was listening to Pat but her eyes were on Alex.
“So, what’s the next move with the bar? How can we make money?” Megan asked, and everyone focused their attention on Alex in wait for her response.
“First, the bar already makes money, and you will begin to see it soon. Second, if I can make some recommendations, I would suggest some capital improvements. It’s going to cost some money, but since the bar is making money, it will pay for itself.” She paused and looked around. “Some remodeling is in order. The university is two blocks away and yet look at your crowd, I see no university students here. You need to bring in the young crowd. As a matter of fact, I think the older crowd would appreciate the fresh scenery, if you know what I mean?” They knew what she meant and laughed. They were also surprised that she was speaking on those terms.
“The place needs to be modernized. Make it look more hip, and you definitely need a bigger and better dance floor with a better air-circulation and sound systems. But first, let me talk to an accountant I know. I’d like him to prepare financial statements for the next three months, then you can apply for a loan and use the loan to make the improvements. Then the money will pour in. Megan, do you think that you might be interested in keeping the books?”
Megan looked surprised. “Sure, I used to do bookkeeping, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get the bar going, but I’m afraid that it’s been years since I kept books, Alex. I don’t know if I can still remember how.”
“Megan, the bookkeeping will come back to you. I’ll put you in contact with Martin. He’s the accountant I know. He will train you and audit your books. Pat, since Megan will be keeping the books, you are going to need to hire bartenders and waitresses because you are going to need them.”
Megan looked at Blair mainly in awe but somewhat apprehensive. However, it was Pat who voiced her concern. “Alex, isn’t that too much? Do you think that our little joint here can become what you are describing?” Pat was worried that Alex might have been carried away by the turn of events.
“I can see it clearly. I have a vision of this place thriving and becoming a very hot spot.” She smiled as M’Addy’s famous visions came to mind.
“What if we don’t make enough money in the next three months? What if the bank doesn’t loan us the money?”
Alex smiled. “You will make money, and I know a bank that will fully support this project. You have to trust me, Pat.”
“Oh, honey, I do! I trust you so much, I’d ask you to marry me if I weren’t so old! That’s how much I trust you!” She smacked Blair on the butt. “Young people now a days don’t seem to know pure gold when they see it!”
Blair blushed and Alex lowered her eyes to spare Blair further embarrassment. As her eyes came back up, she found herself scrutinizing Blair, inch by inch, from bottom to top. No one saw her except Blair because her eyes had been focused on Alex the entire time. She smiled with a somewhat dumfounded, yet exhilarated look when Alex’s eyes met hers. Alex didn’t realize she had been caught looking and thought that Blair’s stare was due to the conversation.
Alex frowned and pulled Pat away from the bar to talk about improvements that were needed. Blair remained by the bar, but continued to watch Alex. Alex was wearing black dress slacks and a black and grey sweater that contrasted sharply with her blonde hair and green eyes. Pat was totally wrong about her not appreciating pure gold. It was not just gold that she saw when she looked at Alex, it was the sun, the moon and all the stars of the universe personified in the woman who exhilarated every bit of her.
When Alex turned to walk back to the bar, she noticed Blair’s eyes on her. She gave her one of her sweet smiles. “Are you okay?” She patted Blair’s cheek. “You look like you could use a beer. Have one. I’ll be back. I need to get some info from Pat.” Blair nodded as Alex patted her on the back and followed Pat to the office. Blair drank her beer, which she definitely needed it.
Megan chuckled. “Sis, I think you are in over your head!”
“Meg, I don’t know if my heart can take this! I think it just skipped two beats.”
“Hang in there, hun, be the friend. She’s a lot more relaxed about you now, I can tell.”
Blair ran her hand through her hair and looked at Megan. “Half the time I don’t know what to do. Megan, I’m so lost.”
“Find yourself quickly because here she comes.” Megan smiled.
Blair had her back to the crowd and was leaning against the bar, when Alex came close and laid a hand on her back. Blair recoiled and Alex noticed her reaction. She came closer to her and whispered. “What’s with you? You look like you have something on your mind.”
Blair shook her head, unable to speak. Alex was enjoying her tease, but when Blair turned to look at her and she came face to face with the deep blue eyes, she froze. Megan noticed the look on their faces, smiled and decided to break the spell. “By the way, Alex, thanks. I hope things work out and that I can work from home.”
“Count on it. This bar is a gold mine,” Alex replied.
Megan, who was a little devil, faked a situation. “Blair, there are a couple of women over there eyeing Alex. I think you two need to start doing your pretend we-are-a-couple thing before they head over here.”
Blair’s eyes widened, and even without looking for the allegedly approaching women, she put her arm around Alex’s waist and brought her closer to her.
“No worries. Nobody is getting near this woman,” Blair stated in a possessive tone.
Alex chuckled when she came face to face with Blair enjoying her proximity and the alleged claim of possession. She, in turn, played along running her hand through Blair’s hair. Blair’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly smiled realizing that Alex was playing her part in the charade. Her dimples showed when she chuckled.
“Did I ever tell you that you have cute dimples?” Blair, who was grinning until that moment, blushed and her ears turned very red. Alex paused noticing the effect of her comment.
Megan chuckled. “I think you’ve met your match, sis!” Megan wondered what was game or what was real.
“Oh, yeah? Watch this,” she held Alex’s gaze and spoke, “did I ever tell you that I’ve declared your eyes one of the Seven Wonders of the World?”
Alex became nervous as she held her gaze. In the tone of her own jest, she wondered about Blair’s words too. To lighten the mood, she laughed and her laughter provoked all to laugh as well. Tensions were high. Alex pointed a finger at Blair and laughing said, “that was not very original,” everyone laughed and Alex continued, “if that were true, you’d have to bump one of the real seven other wonders. So, which one would you bump?”
“I’d bump them all. I don’t think I could look beyond the first, and that would be your eyes.”
When Alex was speechless, reality set in, and the poker face took over. Megan was as stunned as Alex. Still looking into Blair’s eyes, and with her heart beating madly in her chest, she asked, “Megan, are those women gone?”
Megan recovered quickly. “Oh, yeah, they just left. You two are very convincing playing charades. The whole act looked very real.” Alex and Blair averted each other’s eyes as a way to avoid any confirmation while Megan tried to help by creating a distraction. “Hey, why don’t you get out there and dance?” The comment hit Blair. Dance? No way!
“No. I have to go. I have work tomorrow.” Hell no! I can’t handle another dance episode! Alex replied breaking away from Blair’s arm, which was
still around her waist.
“I’ll walk you to your car. I have to go also. Good night, sis.”
The night air, although nippy, was refreshing as compared to the atmosphere inside the club. “Hey, when are we talking?”
Alex gave her a surprised look, which startled her. When the green eyes wanted to feel aloof, they were perfect at it. “About what?”
“About what happened the other night, and what—?”
“Didn’t we already agree that it was the heat on the dance floor that made me dizzy?”
Blair was disappointed but tried to cover her state of mind by remaining cool. It was obvious that Alex didn’t want to talk about it. Alex was remained quiet. She wished she could spill her guts, but she didn’t think it was appropriate. She couldn’t make Blair part of her issue. But wasn’t she already?
Chapter 5
Two days later Alex called. “M’Addy, I need to talk to you about a project.”
Addy was surprised but interested. “A project! Nice! We can visit this weekend and talk about it. Maybe we can also do some shopping and have dinner. Is it okay if we stay with you, or do you have other plans?” Addy was always mindful to ask.
“No, no other plans,” Alex sighed.
“Hmm, that’s new.”
“What?”
“You, not having a plan for the weekend.”
“I just don’t feel like doing anything,” Alex said in a subdued tone.
“What happened to Blair?” Addy probed.
“She’s working all weekend.”
Addy smiled. So that’s why there’s nothing to do this weekend. “So, can you give me a heads up on this project?” Alex told her all that had transpired with the bar.
“And the woman returned the money?” Addy asked in awe.
“Yes, all of it and an extra £20,000.” Alex responded proud of her achievement.
“You are fearsome! Good job! I bet Pat was happy.” Addy added just as amazed and proud.
“Oh, she was! She still can’t believe that the bar makes money. M’Addy, I see a lot of potential for that place. It’s got a great location, ample parking, and is close to the university.”
