Something Else (4)

Chapter FOUR – Career Opportunity

I was off work at the restaurant on Tuesday of the next week, so I decided to drop by Something Else in the late afternoon. There were only three cars in the parking lot, so I assumed that there was somebody in charge inside the building that I could talk to. Two of the cars parked on the side of the building had advertising signs affixed to the roof imprinted with the logo of the disco. The other car was parked in one of the ‘Reserved’ spots right near the front door. It was a brand-new gold Cadillac El Dorado with a logo on the car door that read “Bud Winner Enterprises.”

The door was open, but lighting was limited without all the glitz and glitter I’d seen the previous Saturday evening, and it was very quiet. I walked into the main room, which was also dark with the only lighting over the bar. Behind the bar were two men who appeared to be taking inventory of the bottles: one man counting, the other writing on a clipboard.

“Can I help you?” Said the man with the clipboard looking up from his task.

“Yes. I’m wondering whether you have any openings for a bartender.”

“As a matter of fact, we do,” said the man. “You got experience?”

“Sure.” I said. “Steak & Ale and Stag & Hound.”

The two men looked at each other and the man with the clipboard said “Take a seat. Gimme ten minutes to finish and we can talk.”

Richie Conner introduced himself as the General Manager of the establishment. His cohort from behind the bar was Eddie, the Head Bartender. We sat at a table near the bar.

What’s your name? Richie asked.

“Jack Tanner.”

“You got a resume’ Jack?” Richie asked.

“No. Do I need one?”

“Eddie, go get me an employment application and a pen.”

Eddie rose and went into a hallway where I assumed there was an office and disappeared.

“Tell me Jack. How do you make a Harvey Wallbanger?”

“A shot and a quarter of vodka, half a shot of Galliano and fill with three ounces of orange juice. Some people like the Galliano floated on top but I think it’s better to blend it.”

“What’s the garnish?

“At Steak and Ale, we served it with an orange slice and a Maraschino cherry. At Stag & House we only do the orange slice.”

Eddie returned with a single piece of paper and a pen and placed it in front of me.

“So, what other experience do you have?” Richie asked.

“Before I went in the Army, I was a cook, a busboy, a dishwasher, and an assistant manager in steak houses. I started when I was fifteen.”

“What did you do in the Army?”

“I was Military Police.”

“Really? An MP?” Eddie asked skeptically.

“Yah. Really.”

“Were you in Viet Nam?”

“No. I fought the Chattahoochee campaign in Georgia and then I stormed the beaches of Waikiki in Hawaii for sixteen months. Then I got out.”

Both men chuckled and Eddie said, “Funny guy.”

“Why do you want to work here Jack?” Richie asked.

“I paid you a visit on Saturday night with a buddy of mine. I like the energy. I like the excitement. But honestly, I think I can make a lot of money.”

Eddie said “And I bet you like the ladies too. Right?”

“Don’t we all?” I thought to myself but didn’t say it out loud.

About that time a tall older man, immaculately dressed in a beige suit and brown print tie emerged from the darkened hallway and walked toward the three of us. He didn’t look happy. He ignored me and said to the two men, “The banks are short. What the fuck is going on?”

Richie stood quickly and said, “How short?”

“Jaycee’s is down $20. Teri is down $23 and you, Eddie. Your bank is down $42. Aren’t you reconciling them at the end of every night?”

Richie looked at Eddie but said nothing. Then Richie said “I’ll handle it. It shouldn’t be that hard. It’s all cash. They start with $150, and they end with $150 and the difference balances with the NCR tapes.”

Looking at Eddie the well-dressed man said “It ain’t rocket science.”

Then he turned his attention to me and asked, “Who are you?”

“I’m Jack Tanner. I want to work here as a bartender.”

“Why?”

“Because Disco is hot right now and I want to be a part of it.”

“Are you a good bartender?

“I’m a great bartender!” I replied confidently.

The man extended his hand toward me, and I shook it firmly. “I’m Bud Winner. This is my place. You’re hired. But don’t ever steal from me. You hear me?”

Before I could reply he turned to leave. Over his shoulder he said “I’ll be back Thursday night for the Bikini contest and there better be at least six gorgeous ladies. Eight would be even better. You got it?”

There was silence for a long time as the owner departed. The two men turned their attention back to me and Richie said “Fill out the application so we have it on file. Eddie will get you the tax forms when you start. I need you this weekend. How about coming in on Friday?

“I can make that work.” I said standing and shaking their hands.