Part 1…. Chapter 19

Good morning Swansea…. And what a beautiful mid-May morning it is. I am feeling pretty dam good today. I’m not going to ask the Gods why? I shall look into my crystal ball and it’s saying…. Fuk you, work it out yaself.... I’m just feeling dandy after a great night’s sleep. I have been up since the crack of dawn with loads of energy, and now I'm sitting out on the roof terrace with my laptop, tapping away. Sipping a freshly made fruit juice, munching and crunching on toast, and with the ritual joint rolling only a few moments away, I feel on top of the world. Whilst watching and listening to the seagulls squawking, and squaring up to each other in the open sky….
Its reminding me of bikers for some reason, at rally’s ;-)….

One of these giant albatrosses, attempted to swoop in close and grab my toast but it was in my mouth before it had the chance of its own sweet victory. It must have known a race had begun as I clocked it descend in my direction, wing span blocking out the sun. Who would be the fastest in the west and claim the prized toast and jam. Fuk they’re bloody big birds, daft too…. Ok, it’s time to get to work…. I have a very busy day today…. Plus, I have to finish my smoke…. Type later….

It was a brief moment with nature at 7.20am this morning…. After that encounter, I spent about half an hour at least, crippled over like the Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Going around the gardens with a bucket picking up all the fag ends. Scattered everywhere by my adored customers. Except in the ashtrays that are provided and put out at all times for such habits.
After all of that bending up and down activity, I went back inside to check what kitchen cleaning and food supplies were needed and noted on a list by the cook. Next job done was a beer bottle, spirits, crisps, nuts, etc stock take. Then the cellar stock take before pelting up the stairs as fast as a bullet to my office. I took out my to-do list and off I went, henceforth and sat at my desk. With ashtray to hand, pen and paper ready to be scribbled on, the countdown begun.

First I rang in the beer order, followed with a call to order gas for the cellar. Then I arranged a collection date for the used cooking oil accumulating out in the back yard. I filed up-to-date invoices and finished Crowley’s accounts. Sorted out the till floats and change bags for both pubs, and finished printing next week’s staff rotas. Followed with yet another call to British GAS to question the monthly pay plan for the Cricketers. The cheeky shits are taking out more than agreed. I got through eventually, after being on hold for what seemed like an eternity. To a girl/woman/thick twat, whatever she was. She wasn’t the brightest flame burning with this gas company that’s for sure. Her capability of not understanding my very basic English words at the time, seemed to baffle me over and over. To the point where the wrath of my voice down the telephone blasting into her ears, must of shook her tiny little brain to the realization that she was STUPID!!!.... Joint needed…. Ashtray pulled in close…. Amanda better…. ;-)

I booked bands for the following 2/3 weeks. I squeezed in a trip to the council to pay taxes and then to the bank, which had to be done before a run to the cash and carry…. I’ve had a very productive and organised day today. Time passed so quick, it felt like it just whizzed by without me. I’m back upstairs in my office and the night staff have now arrived for their shift.

I haven’t spent too much time thinking about where the other half is staying, or if he’s coming back. What I have been thinking about is what shall I do with the Cricketers. Shall I keep it, and find a manager to run it or shall I just sell it, if we split up?

It was coming close to closing time so after the last customer left and I heard the doors being locked I made my way downstairs. Staff were busy cleaning and setting everything back ready for the next day. Once all was done, one left and the other stayed behind and poured me a drink. We sat at the bar chatting when he asked if I was ok and if there was anything he could do. I could of said, “Got time for a quickie”, but I didn’t. He’s good looking candy, with a head full of thin black perfectly formed and created dreadlocks and sparkly big dark eyes. I told him what had happened and it seemed quite funny really as he had made a move to kiss me just before Christmas and I turned him down, because I was loyal to my man - then…. We were drunk walking ahead of the rest of the gang, back to a mate’s house to carry on with the party. Drunk or not it was sooo close to happening. When I look back I could kick myself for not going with that flow. I knew then that my relationship was doomed. I found that out when we were over at the Dam for Christmas.

Putting that memory aside, we had a good talk and it was good to know that he was there to help if anything was needed. He is a good friend. We said good night and I locked the door behind him, checked all the other doors and windows were locked, picked up the till trays, turned off all the lights and took myself up to bed…. The Cricketers is a big pub to be alone in…. Zzzzz