Wednesday July24 Retirement Party

Bobbie got up and made her rounds. She checked on the gang in the kitchen. Mark showed her the case of take-out dishes for chili on Saturday. He laughed and showed her a spreadsheet for making 4 batches of chili at once, one veggie and 3 meat lovers.

“Oh Mark. You have all the ingredients, and methods and… this is awesome!”

“Ha ha, I knew you’d like it.”

Bobbie smiled. “All right everybody, the show must go on.” Bobbie grabbed her coffee and sandwich and went into the dining room. She could hear the giggling on her way out.

Brose called her, yesterday, after he saw the little GIF. He told her that both his PR guy and Brock thought it was great and she should lean into it. And too bad she wasn’t a politician. Trixie thought the video was a little mean. Bobbie thought about it and she really didn’t need anyone to take her too seriously so maybe it was funny. Mink just shrugged and said now she was more popular than Mink. Bobbie assured them it was only for 10 minutes.

She finished her coffee and went over to reception. Two couples were there and Bobbie introduced herself and asked if they were thinking of hiking up the mountain. They were dressed for hiking and one of the girls was quite chatty. “Yes were going to hike up the mountain and then we are going to go tubing on the river. Then we’re going to get dinner and see Walk off the Earth at the Clipper Nightclub.”

“That’s a very full day. Have a good time today.”

One of the young men said thanks and then said. “The show must go on! Can we get a selfie with you?”

“Sure?” Bobbie really didn’t know what to think.

Lacy was clasping her hands together looking at her with glee.” You’re famous Bobbie.”

Bobbie shook her head. “I think they’re making fun of me.”

“They’re having fun with you. The story is that you didn’t flinch in the face of terrorist threats and are an inspiration to us all.”

“It certainly wasn’t a terrorist threat. But if the little GIF inspires someone, that’s good I guess.”

On her way out she said. “The show must go on.” Everyone clapped.

She went out by the pool and sat down. Moments later Rick was coming out of his room using a cane and sat beside her. “How’s it going today.”

She looked at him. “It’s a weird day. I think everyone, including me, has lost it.” Her phone pinged and she looked down and groaned. It was Barb. She typed a fast reply.

“Bad news?”

“Not really, I have a retirement party to go to tonight and my date just cancelled on me. I don’t think I’m going now.

“I could go with you. I just got a lighter cast that I can walk on a little and don’t need my crutches. I can get around with a cane now. I have a suit.”

“You have a suit?  Well OK. How about I come by your room around 6:00. It is a dinner too. The food should be off the charts, Joan ran the culinary program at the college. Have you ever heard of the band Walk off the Earth?”

“They’re one of those bands that changes musicians every once in a while. They do a lot of covers and they have a children’s album.”

“Cool, I’ll check them out and maybe get the children’s album for my grand kids. Alright, I’ll see you around 6. We’ll be there around 6:30, bring your appetite and wear your suit.

Bobbie went upstairs and made some tea. She warmed up a biscuit and poured some tea and went into her media room, started up a game she liked and killed dragons for a few hours. Around 4:30 she saved and went for her shower. She sat on her bed to let her hair dry a little. She made a nice pair of socks as a retirement gift for Joan. She put them in a little box with the card.

She finished drying her hair and put on some makeup and a nice pair of plaza pants that had a subtle pattern, and a navy-blue silky button up top. She decided a shawl would just be too fussy. She wore a new gold and emerald pendant that Jamie made for her and some gold bangles and a pair of gold and emerald earrings. She really never got a chance to wear her jewellery. She grabbed her things and went downstairs to get Rick.

He was waiting for her and smiled. “You look great Bobbie.”

“You look great too Rick. Let’s go.” Bobbie was anxious to get it over with and wondered why she was going at all; she wouldn’t know anybody except Joan.

They arrived at the yacht club and were shown into the large dining room. There were several large round tables, a small stage and a small bandstand with a few instruments. “We should go over and congratulate Joan.” Bobbie started over to Joan and dropped the card and small box on the table that had other cards and presents. “Hi Joan I’m, so happy for you. I can say that retirement won’t be boring and will probably allow you to do things you always wanted to do.”

“Thanks Bobbie I hope you’re right.  My niece, who’s getting married at the motel, is around here and wanted her to meet you. Mary, Bobbie’s here.” Mary came over and got a funny look on her face and looked at her hands and then asked to get a selfie with Bobbie.

“Sure.”

After the selfie, Mary left and Joan asked. “What was that all about?”

Bobbie shook her head. “I’ll tell you later, enjoy your night Joan.” She turned to Rick. “I need a drink.” And walked over to the bar. She got a shot of tequila, that she downed right away and ordered a dark rum on the rocks. “OK, let’s get a seat.” Bobbie looked around and saw George and an attractive petite lady sitting at one of the tables. Bobbie moved over hoping they wouldn’t mention the GIF. “Hi George, fancy meeting you here, can Rick and I join you?”

“Sure, Bobbie this is Marie, Marie Gaudet and Marie, this is Bobby Orlov, she owns the motel where I stayed and this is Rick Dawson.  Marie smiled. “Oh yes, I saw you on the local news last Saturday. Good for you for not throwing in the towel and still having the Planned parenthood meeting.”

“Yes, the threat was well contained so… How do you know Joan, are you connected to the Community college too?”

“Mais oui, I teach French at the college. How do you two know Joan?”

“Joan and I went to high school together; I’ve known her forever. And Rick met her through me at the motel.”

Rick nodded. “I’ll go get some more drinks. Maybe they’ll give me a tray.”

“I’ll just come with you and help. Excuse us, we’ll be right back.” They moved to the bar. “I’m sorry I’m being so weird tonight. I’m feeling so self conscious about that little video clip. I’m worried everyone who meets me can only think about that video.” The bartender took their order, smiled and asked her for a selfie. They got back to their table and George and Marie were talking to someone else. Bobbie sat there and smiled, hoping some food would come because she was starting to feel tipsy. Rick came back from the washroom looking refreshed and they chatted about the class he was going to teach and finally first course was served. It was a lovely fresh tomato and feta bruschetta. Bobbie ate hers a little quickly. She sipped water and nibbled her last piece. Finally dinner was served. The table closest to the stage was served first and as they finished, Joan’s colleges gave their tributes and told stories and reminisced. Joan stood and gave a thank you and goodbye speech.

Bobbie’s meal arrived; braised short ribs, risotto and a delicious looking slaw of fresh veggies. She looked over at Rick and he looked at her. “It’s really good.” Rick, who was only picking at his meal nodded. She finished and excused herself and went to find the ladies room. She was asked for a selfie 6 times. She left the bathroom before anyone else came in. She quickly sat down. Her plate was gone. She went to pick up her water and chose her drink instead. Waiters were coming around with choices for dessert. Bobbie chose a piece of coconut cream cheesecake. “I probably can’t fishnesh this I’m pretty full.” Slurred Bobbie.

“We could share.” Bobbie nodded, took a bite and pushed the plate over to Rick. He took a bite and pushed it back. They both laughed.

“I should probably have coffee. Can you drive with your broken leg? It’s an automatic. Are you as drunk as me? You’re not as dunk as me. I’ll have two coffees and maybe not be so drunk. Can I have Baileys in my coffee?”

“People were milling around and Joan came over and knelt beside her. “Joan, the meal was shuperb. That’s my favourite cheesecake and we were too full to finish it. I’m a little tipsy. The bartender wanted a selfie with me.”

Joan hugged her. “I’m not sure what’s going on with you Bobbie but everyone is acting pretty weird around you.”

“I’m wrecking your retirement. I should probably go.”

“Don’t be silly You’re not wrecking anything. You should probably get going though. People are taking a lot of pictures of you.”

“Happy retirement and thanks for inviting me, we’ll be in touch.” She handed her keys to Rick finished her drink and stood up. The rest of the night was foggy. She got home and sat by the record player and played one of Alex’s favourite records. She drank water and cried a little and listened to Billy Brag and Wilco until about midnight and then she went into her bathroom, hovered over the toilet and lost Joan’s lovely meal, brushed her teeth and passed out.