I Said Yes

I got to Zig Zag a lot earlier than the guys. It was a good chance to catch up with Murray as he was just coming on shift. I had a bit of a buzz going, after my afternoon with Steve at the Pub. Murray told me that all was well with him…he was starting to cut back on his hours as it was getting harder to handle all the business…he was just about to turn 70 so he thought it time to start training some kids to be ready to take over. Murray was a legend in town and there would be 100 bartenders ready to step in and be mentored and trained by him. I always thought that he ought to open his own school and train bartenders the right way…not like the certificates you get after a 3-day training course. Murray had a silent interest in the bar so I was sure that, when ready, he would just kick back and reap the benefits of all the years of hard work.

I was out on the patio, just after dusk, having a cigar and just sitting there, looking at the amazing sunset over Elliott Bay. God, I missed that spot…that view…and my people. I was determined to, someday, figure out a way to get back there…maybe I would own my own spot…maybe I could work a deal with Murray and Zig Zag…who knew…I was just relishing the moment with my Murray cocktail, the cigar and the view. Suddenly my peaceful moment was destroyed when the gang came bouncing down the stairs next to the patio…Chris, Nolan, Corey, and Rob all hopped the fence rather than going in through the door. After a, somewhat celebratory, round of hugs and fake kisses, Nolan, Corey, and Rob all went in to say howdy to Murray and order drinks. Chris grabbed my cigar and took a long toke…

“How you doing brother?” (Chris)

“I am ok…feeling a little nostalgic at the moment, but I am good…a little buzzed, but good”

“I assume you stopped to see Steve…hence the buzz?” (Chris)

“Guilty as charged…couldn’t pass by and not say hey”

“True…you’d be in deep shit if you didn’t and he found out you were in town” (Chris)

Yea…had to do it. How was the gig?”

“All good…before the yahoos get back…Michael knows you are in town…I hadn’t said anything about meeting up with you but Nolan kind of let something slip at dinner and Michael figured it out…I am sorry about that” (Chris)

“Oh, no worries…I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret…I mean I am going to buy wine from you guys so he is gonna know, if he doesn’t already…besides, if he had any interest I would have heard something from him, right?”

“Yeah…I guess. You know him though; he will find a way to be cranky if he gets in a mood…but I just didn’t want you to be surprised that he knew you were here” (Chris)

“Well, that’s his deal…not mine. I don’t think I have to notify him if I am going to be in town…and seriously, I am going to buy wine from them…we don’t have to talk as long as I can get the product I want…right? I will just go through you or Diane…Listen to me…I am getting worked up about something that hasn’t even happened…moving on”

That part of the awkwardness settled, we hunkered down for a long night of drinking, cigars, laughter and fun. It was like old times…the Amigos back together, minus one, and we were all hell-bent on having a good time. The place was packed…it was a Thursday and it was Industry night, as usual at Zag. I saw lots of old friends and many friendly faces…It was good to catch up with my pals and former crew from Elliott’s and the Met…but it was even better to spend time with the guys. It was getting close to closing time and I figured I would need to head back to the hotel soon. I purposely got a room about 3 blocks from Zig Zag and the market so I wouldn’t have to drive around town. I would be going over to the wineries on the east side of town the next day and then hit a few of the tasting rooms downtown. I was going to try and score some deals, directly with the wineries, so as to cut out the middleman in terms of distribution. Chris gave me some good tips on who to talk to…I had been out of the scene for almost two years, so that was really helpful. We all walked off the patio together…trotted through to say good night to Murry…I told him I would see him before I left town…and we headed to the front door.

Rob told me he wasn’t sure if he’d see me before I left so he pulled me into one of his big old bear hugs…Corey and Chris were staying in town, a different hotel, but close so I would see them for breakfast…Nolan, I would see him at the winery the next day so, all in all, it wasn’t the big, old farewell like the last time…we all knew there would be one more chance to hang out…except for Rob. The guys went out the door and headed to the parking lot…I went out the door and went to the left to start my 3-block, uphill trek to the hotel…as I turned the corner on the second block…bam…I ran right smack-dab into someone…caught me totally off guard…wouldn’t have thought anyone would be out and about at that time of night…damn…as I looked up and started to apologize for not paying attention, the guy was leaned over retrieving his phone that dropped to the sidewalk…as he leaned back up and stood up…

“Oh Shit…Michael”

“Hi Matt”