March 23

They had a good sleep and got up early. They stripped the beds and took off, grabbing coffee from a drive through. Jamie wanted to be at home in time to open his shop.

“That was fun Bobbie, I really got to pretend I was a jewel thief after all.”

“Jamie, I just got a text from Uncle Donald. His grandson told him we almost got arrested and he joked that we should keep leading him astray.”

“The guy in the band was our little cousin Izzy? No wonder he seemed familiar. The last time I saw him he was playing little league.”

“Now he has a scruffy beard and a man bun.”

When she arrived home, she got a message from Mark saying that they were starting to get a good business going in the bar and he needed some help after they opened in the afternoon. She texted back. “Sure I’ll be down at 3:00.”

She called Trixie and said thank you for the loan of the apartment and Trixie assured her that she was glad it was getting used and then told her she wanted a lunch date. Bobbie said she was tired and had to work at the bar at 3:00 but she’d have time for lunch.

They met outside a new place they hadn’t been before. Lorne was with her and he had his portfolio. They got seated and ordered and Bobbie said. “So what’s up? I have to tell you the story about how Jamie and I almost got arrested.”

“What? You’re joking, you had a quiet trip, didn’t you?”

Bobbie Shrugged.

Trixie continued. “We’ve been thinking about Quinn and Ray and how their place is a little run down.”

“Yes I was out there last month and it was warm and cozy because of a wood stove but the kitchen has no sink and they have to do dishes in the back porch. They worry about their bathtub falling through the floor too.”

Trixie said “I’m worried that they are not prepared for their twins that are arriving soon. Will they want to chop wood, do dishes in the porch and use a sucky shower when they’re sleep deprived and have two little babies around?

“We’re going to help them out, they are family.” Said Lorne.

“This is a great Idea, I’d love to help. I might need to cash in some investments though.” Agreed Bobbie.

Trixie frowned. “I spoke to Quinn and they have 50K saved for their project.”

Lorne said. “They’ll need at least that to deal with the foundation, roof, heat-pumps, electrical and plumbing. Rocco and I were out there last week and my plan is going to cost a lot more. They have several buildings.”

Trixie said. “Ohh you’re hanging out with Rocco now are you?”

Lorne sniffed and told them that he and Rocco were seeing each other and they were both out and adults so it was no big deal.

Bobbie touched his hand and said. “Lorne, a new romance is always a big deal, congratulations.”

Trixie nodded and said. “Rocco is hot and handy, he’s a keeper.”

As they settled the bill Trixie said “So the bottom line is we’ve got a plan. Lorne has the design and Quinn and Ray will need a good place to stay, we are going to each chip in 50K so we have a whopping 200K to fix their farm.”

Bobbie nodded and said that sounds good, I bet we can get Mom to chip in too, she’s known Quinn since Quinn was a baby.

Lorne grinned. “Girl, where do think I got 50K? I tapped your Mom, I’m a starving designer!”

“Well played, Mom is a tightwad.” laughed Bobbie then she said “Oh no is that the time? I have to go be bartender.”

Bobbie got to the bar around 2:30 and it was busy. A few of the construction workers were there and they told her a few more guys were coming for happy hour. Bobbie was happy to see all the business and Mark was grateful for the help.

“Johnny offered to play an afternoon set so he’s going to start at 3:00 and go until 5.” said Mark. He doesn’t want to get paid though, he said we’re doing him a favour because he’s bored.” Johnny was becoming a bit of a regular at the wine bar so Bobbie wasn’t surprised. If he worked out it might turn into a regular Saturday gig for him. Bobbie busied herself taking orders and collecting money and enjoyed the ‘Johnny show’. On his last song, He insisted she join him and they sang one of their favourites. The guys loved it. Bobbie noticed the crowd was all guys.

It really started to fill up around happy hour. Bobbie began to realize what hard work it was. Johnny said goodbye and she focused on working the bar until Mark said he had to go. Then Bobbie was on her own, getting glasses washed, bussing the happy hour dishes and pouring the drinks on top of taking orders and serving.

The evening flew by and Bobbie was glad to see closing time approach and she called last call. She was pleased with herself thinking she did pretty well considering she had never worked in a bar before. The HE came up to the bar. It was white hat guy, that had been on the Greg’s new building crew and had been a jerk to Bobbie about ordering porta potties.

“Can I get you something before we close?”

White had guy was drunk and he slurred that what really he wanted is what came after the bar closed. He wanted to take her upstairs and…

Bobbie was disgusted. he continued on, suggesting the most vile explicit sexual acts she could imagine. She pursed her lips and said “I think you’ve had enough to drink.”

He continued saying that he was drunk but he could still perform…

“Enough!” She said, and called out “Can someone please take this guy home?” Everyone just looked down at their tables. Bobbie was so angry she was shaking. “OK we’re closing, everybody out.”

White hat guy grinned and said. “I’ll wait outside.”

They cleared out quite fast Bobbie was glad there were only a couple dozen people. She locked the doors immediately and went back to ring out the cash. Then she went out through the restaurant and into the back vestibule and checked that door was locked. She went up the stairs and into her apartment and locked the door behind her. Then she brought the elevator up and locked it. Finally she went to her side door and made sure it was locked and pulled the shade closed. She went into her room, drew the curtains and sat on the bed and started crying. She always cried when she was really angry but it turned to despair and her thinking what have I done? I’m so tired. I can’t handle this motel and bar all by myself. What ever made me think I could?

She wanted to call someone but felt too much like a fool and who she really wanted, was Alex. That harassment wouldn’t have even happened if Alex were there. She pictured them together with Alex behind the bar too and her tears turned to sorrow. That started her sobbing. She let the misery wash over her until she was exhausted. She went into her ensuite and locked the door and had a shower. She got out and crawled into bed finally cried out and she heard footsteps on the metal second floor walkway and that voice snickering and saying “Yoo hoo, Honey, I’m home”

She lay back in bed and said to herself, If he gets in here I’ll kill him!

Finally she heard footsteps go down the metal stairs and she fell into a fulfill sleep.

Sunday March 24

The banging on the door startled Bobby awake and for a moment she was frightened, she peeked out her curtain and could see it was Rocco so she pasted on a smile and went to open the door.

Rocco was standing there with his fists clenched and the skin around his mouth was turning white. He said through gritted teeth “Did one of my guys threaten to hurt you last night Bobbie.”

Bobbie tried to sound unconcerned and shrugged and said “Not at all. The guys on the other crew were finishing up and just had a but too much to drink and got a little mouthy.”

Rocco looked relieved and asked. “Are you sure?”

“Not a problem.” Said Bobby.

Rocco sighed. “OK then I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Bobby closed the door and sank to the floor. With her head in her hands, she thought. That’s it! I’ll stay until all the construction is finished and then I sell the whole dam thing. Maybe Greg will buy it. Then I’ll live with Mum in the summer. I have a good pension I’ll be fine and I can go down south in the winter.

She stood up and went to put on some coffee. She had laundry to do as well and she had to make some decisions about the jewellery. The grand kids were too young to have jewellery like that so she’d have to arrange with James to see what could be done.

She caught some motion out out of the corner of her eye. Someone was in the new building. Her heart leapt into her mouth and she went over to the window. Greg’s car was there and was relieved to see Trixi getting out.

She was coming up the stairs and Bobbie opened the door.

Trixie said “The new building is almost done they just have to finish the flooring on the upper floor and do some painting, you should come check out your reception area/Art gallery it’s very grand!”

“Great.” Said Bobbie. “Come in and have a coffee, I’ll get ready”

“OK” Said Trixie. “I thought you’d be more excited.” They sipped their coffee and Trixie sensed something was off. She asked “So how was the bar tending last night?”

“I hated it! It was like a drunken frat house, I never wanted to own a dive bar, I wanted a nice quite wine bar. Where guests can gather before dinner or travellers can have a nice brunch. I don’t even think we should have Saturday matinee’s! Weekends should be reserved for special events. And we need to hire a bar tender because I’m not going there at night again and I’m too old to be a full time bartender!”

“Oh my God Bobbie, what happened!?”

“Ohh the workers were there celebrating and one of them got pretty drunk. He came over to me at last call and in no uncertain terms described how he was going to rape me in every orifice until I’m blind or something.”

Trixi looked horrified.

“Oh it gets better!” continued Bobbie. “They all sat there and listened to it. Not one of them lifted a finger to stop him, construction workers are pig dogs! So I kicked everyone out and locked up and then I could hear someone creeping around my apartment half the night. I was ready to commit murder.”

Trixi got up and hugged her and Bobbie could tell Trixie was upset. She said “I’m so sorry this happened Bobbie we’ll hire a new bartender and I’ll pay their salary myself don’t worry. Things are going to be fine! I’ll get Quinn to tweak the website and we’ll end happy hour and make this the snootiest, most boring wine bar you’ve ever seen!”

Bobbie started to cry and hugged Trixie back feeling a sense of relief. Then she said “I guess not all construction workers suck but since it was Greg’s guy that was the asshole, maybe Greg should pay for the bartender.”