2019-05-22 - Planning Stages

The work was still ongoing. The loan had gone through but there was still a lot about this venture that Sally didn't know. About the only really sane person she knew in this town was Jack and so it was him she had come to when she had questions. Inviting him over, she'd asked that he come anytime he had a break from work. Currently her truck was at his shop, she'd dropped it off there and taken a ride from him into town. Now it was later in the day and she had hired some crew for help with the clean up. There were still decisions to be made and she wanted more opinion. That's where Jack came in.

On a small square table that has three chairs scattered around it are a few bags of food from the local Fried Fish restaurant, along with a small ice chest of soda and water. Maybe a beer or two down in there in a bottle. Sally waits patiently for his arrival.

If there is work going on, presumably there is a door open to keep fresh air coming in. It wasn't hot like some places sure, but still a place being worked on and closed could get stuffy. That or another crew walked past and he grabbed the door. "I couldn't help but see your truck out back," he says, even if its not there or was in front, "And couldn't help but wonder what Jive played on the Juke in this joint." Maybe he liked older movies or soemthing. He comes towards her table where she is waiting patiently, "I'm not too late for the party, I was stuck on the manifold."

Certainly the door and most of the windows that could open are open. The food smells really good, over the dust and debris littering the old original fire station in downtown Gray Harbor. When Jack comes in Sally gets to her feet and she offers him a smile. "I've decided to stick around awhile. No better way to do that than to put myself in super debt by doing so." The smile inches up a little and she motions around. "Welcome to the future Firehouse Burgers and BBQ. I hope you've got some recipes to share." A motion towards the seat, table and food. "I got us fish and malt vinegar. I hope you're hungry."

"Fish," he says coming over at the smell and indication, "In a bureger joint, I have to try this." Dubious look on his face, but surely he is trying to stab at some humor. Jack will offer a smile as he comes to join, not quite teh inches she put up, but it shows a little at least. "Buying, that's good. Even with all the debt, when you're done you own the joint at least. Looks good, a firehall turned burger place. Glad you got it before, you know, star bucks or some other chain moved in." He's probably serious about that, he moves to a seat at the table, sits when, or after, she does. "You bet I'm hungry, had a light lunch, this would hit the spot. You can tell me your vision of the place, so I can pitch in and help."

"I have all that culinary training and experience, I just wanted to put it to use. I'm really excited about this venture. I figure I can still blog about it if I feel the need." She slides one bag to him and keeps one of the bags for herself. There are a few fish filets each and some of those chips, as well as packets of malt vinegar and ketchup and tartar sauce in each. "And drinks are in the ice chest, get what you want." It's a small chest with a small variety, but enough for them both to have something. "You're willing to help?" She does visibly brighten. "My view is to keep as much original as I can, and use the wood from it that I can't. I'd love to keep the pole and refurbish it, but either block it off, which I think would look tacky. Or build a spiral staircase up to the second floor around it and leave the pool table and dart board up there. Maybe add a 21 and over place for drinks, if I can get a liquor license. Or leave it open for all ages and add a few more games for fun." She smiles a little. "I'd like a few televisions and make it sort of like a sports bar or something down here. Booths, tables, a small bar?"

"See, finally doing what you trained for," culinary training and experience that is, as he reaches for the cooler. He'll probably come up with a beer, offering to grab her one by virtue of looking her way while he's doubled over to get his own beer. "Do both, run this place, and get out once a week or so to some other place. Would probably look good with folks around here, you doing good reviews for them. Less competition more .. community?" That seems about right as he pops open his beer (bottle or can, whichever). "The old wood is good, I'd be muscle on moving things around, not sure how good I'd be doin g the work, but I'm sure there's older furnace, maybe some conditioners in the windows. I can help with those bits for sure. I like the second floor open, keep the pool, make it sturdy enough, let folks slide down it. Probably need pads on the floor for insurance, but I'm sure some folks woudl give it a whirl. Sports bar would be good, but only on a few TVs, pick the right local team and you're golden I think."

"I really would prefer building a spiral staircase around the pole," Sally produces a picture for him on her phone, proof she'd been Googling it. http://www.hamden.com/images/HFD%20Station%204-%20Pole.JPG "But maybe built around the pole. I'd never forgive myself if someone fell into the hold. They even have a staircase with a slide built in for the smaller kids. I just don't want to be espcecially for small kids only." One is a staircase spiraled upwards with a slide on the outer edge that is almost a complete cylinder for protection against falling out. The other is a complete cylinder for sliding minus the staircase. Both are wrapped around the pole to prevent use of it. She accepts the bottle of beer and opens it, taking a look around. "I do need a new cooling and heating system so the old does need removed. I've got the appliances and furniture on order." She starts digging in, using packets of the malt vinegar on the fish before taking a bite.

Brow lifts a little but then his mouth just sets in a stern nod, "Yep, got a point there." Jack says, between bites of fish, "More a liability, but that stair like that is pretty cool looking, keeps the look of it. Preserves the history. Could probalby ask the retired fighters for photos or copies, put them on the walls." Another paushe, a humph, "You probably thought of that too already, I should volunteer some names of folks you can tlak too instead of just throwing that out there." And he doesn't offer any just yet, but does take some of the vinegar as well, lifting to his teeth to tear it open instead of just his hands. "A new system, I may have to read up if its really new. I could see what you have now before you order all new you know. Its old furnace, like that first day you turn it on, you get that furnace dust smell. Has its own charm, its own bangs, no need to throw it out." He is older himself, not like old so much.

"Actually," Sally inputs thoughtfully, "There are a few boxes of things down in the basement that I could go through. Old uniforms and hats and stuff. Turnout gear and some pictures in frames. We could check through those and use some of it in decor with shadowboxes I'm sure. But I'm definitely not going to the basement alone. It's creepy. I did once and felt creeped out, so I didn't go through the things entirely yet." Like him, she eats, but she uses her fingers to open the sauce, watching him open with his teeth and all that hairy face. "I would definitely appreciate you checking it out for me. I would like to keep it as original as possible."

"Check out the basement, or the gear," he ponders holding an packet in hand, ready to pour a little on some of the fish. He did listen quickly, a pause in pouring to leave him there, when she discussed creepy basement. "I can give it a look over, bring it up. If we can identify some of it, you could ask if they don't mind." Pouring now, then grabbing fish with his hand even. "Some folks around here, the ones before me, they get protective of information and such, might not want their mug on the wall. I know my grandma wouldn't want me showing her nurse pictures from the war on the wall, no matter how cool they are." Another bite, chew, chased with his beer. Held two fingers, knocked back quickly, and a wipe of his lips with his arm even. Helps the beard maybe?

"I'll get through it eventually, but it just felt like I was being watched. Probably some animal that's in there somehow or something, or I don't know, it's just weird down there. I'd definitely make sure it was fine before putting anyone's name or face up on the walls. I may just use the memorabilia or something." Sally does nod though, "I'd love the help in identifying." Like him, she concentrates on the food, dotting the bites between with sips the beer, nursing it more than gulping it down. Watching as he wipes his arm over his mouth and beard she smirks and lowers her eyes to eat more fish and chips.

A slow nod while Jack listens and eats relative to weirdness feeling of the basement. "I'll go with," he affirms on getting stuff from the basement, or get it, whatever they work out, he'll help with the creepy factor, or be creeped out. "Some might like it, honoring the falling, we'll ask around if we can." He sort of twists elbows out even while eating, like guarding his sides or food even, just naturally like some do. "Try to avoid any skeletons down there, in the photos, probbly just an animal though. I can check the foundation for cracks too." A slight shrug, "Not saying I can fully fixt that, but if something can get in, save you in the long run when you get closer to storing food here."

"Thanks, I would appreciate the company down there. Maybe it won't be so creepy that way. I've never really been one to jump from my own shadow or anything, but the shadows down there are definitley not mine. I don['t think." She finally finishes eating and remains there seated to drink more of her beer. "I'm not sure I want to know all of the skeletons of a fire station. I do want to know the safety of the building. I had the initial inspection before I bought it and the building is sound and safe as far as I know."

"Oh yeah, I'm sure you had too, part of the gift of accepting the debt," dryly stated by Jack as he eats the rest of his food to catch up, then sits back a little now to finish off the beer, still two fingered grasp. "Structurally sound and all, but may be an old heat vent tired to the furnace that something can get in. I could check the roof if you like even." Not structure wise, minor things like those vents he mentioned. "So, gonna see about a little settle, try out the restuarant business? I'll have to brush up on this chatting stuff, visit you a little more."

"Oh and for relief in my own mind, I had to have it done, just to make sure the building wasn't going to cost me even more after getting financed for it." Sally finishes off her beer and gets to her feet to dispose of her own trash in a large, round metal trash can. "Yes, whenever you think you could get to it, vents and all, the roof, the basement, the upstairs area.." Pausing there a moment she wears a smile. "I am also contemplating turning the firemen sleeping quarters up there into a private apartment for myself and leaving the rec room the game area with that pool table I mentioned before. Then that leaves the whole garage area where the trucks parked. Do I just restore that part and leave it as a place to look at through the windows? Do I redo the flooring and make it into more of the restaurant for the tables? Or do I make it as the kitchen area, since the floor is already good for that, all fireproof and all." Concrete as it is. "Or do you need a garage area for your mechanics shop and want to rent it?" A teasing wink follows that part. "Really though, yes. I've decided to stay in the town. I'm becoming attached to the weirdness of it."

He rises after here, after she puts hers in the can. Jack nods and grabs his own, following suit steadily to pick up after himself. Food things, then the bottle clanks into the can as he gives it a slight toss too. "Lets take a quick look, and I'll do that all each night after work at the garage." A pause, "But Saturday, that's when I tend grounds at St. Mary's, sometimes during the week, but we'll be good." LIke he's applying for a job almost. Catching the wink, he looks at it curiously, probably no one does that to him so its stands out a little. "Not a bad use for the garage, but you might get more for your place using it. I like the kitchen idea, if you could put a table or two nearby, they could watch the work even. Your customers." Like custumoers needed to be specified. "Besdies all that, its a firehosue, good or bad condition, its a good start to what you're doing. I'll try to help, means you'll stick around longer if it's successful." There, another hint of genuine smile even from Jack.

To be fair, Jack wasn't usually her type. Not that she had a type, but Sally finds herself winking and reacting to those grudgingly given smiles all the same. "I think I agree. I like the idea of the kitchen in there and living arrangements upstairs. I'd prefer that to renting another place outside of here and having two payments." A nod at his weekend plans and she smiles. "I won't take too much of your time, I do appreciate the help you can give and I'll pay you of course. All that's in the operating costs I've got set back for all this stuff. And I'll make sure you're fed, whether I bring in take out or make something at home and bring it."

"There you go, all laid out," responds Jack, moving a little to look in the directions beind discussed at least. "A good floorplan." Specificed a moment later to be certain what he meant about laying something out. "Yeah, save the trouble of that mess. Besides, need space to do the blogging too. A comfy apartment here would be great." And save the trouble of tryinng to find a house too even. "Deal, just let me check after your truck, don't worry about the labor, I'll let you know if anything is needed for parts. We'll call it square?" He turns more to look at her, "Otherwise, seems like I'm getting the better deal out of all that. Need to keep it fair."

"As long as you let me pay for the parts, I'm good with that." Sally walks through, showing him the garage area then up the regular stair case to the second floor. The pole is actually in the garage area and she studies it a moment before turning more to face him. "I am really excited about this venture though. I look forward to the opening. I wonder if I should have music going or just televisions. I'm not set on having televisions, I think that it sometimes detracts from conversations. Maybe one only near a bar area?" Sally considers, looking around.

"Certainly," he returns on paying for the parts, probably left that in there so she felt it was fair. Giving a look as he follow, hand tkes the rail as he comes up behind her. Finally looking around more than forwardish once the top is reached. "One TV near the bar is good, everyone can tune in if its a good game or easily tune it out. I'd not do music like station or satellite. Get a real band, don't have bands all the time. Make it special like that." He only offers, its her place, but that sounds good to him. "This your first go at a restuarant like this?"

"Good idea with the tv, just something there for the drinkers. I have to apply for a liquor license and all. It will be really exciting once everything is finished. But a lot of hard work before and after." Sally hesitates before giving him a nod. "A place where local bands can play and get their start, I like that much better than anything piped in and it's more a personal touch. I should hire you as my ideas man, or PR or something." Looking around a little she smiles. "First time I'd have owned my own. I've worked for others, but more high end than I want to do here. I have a feeling high end wouldn't do real well here in this place."

A slight squint at her as he listens, Jack corrects, "You got me here for free, I'll give you ideas as long as you listen." A slight sigh to exhale a little, "Not saying they're all good, some are though." More quiet as he finishes that sentiment, half to himself it seems. "Glad it took this long for you to get your own then. You seem a natural at this, food, a business, all that. Like a motor, everyone nearly has a car, they all need work. I can mechanic it up all day long, it fits. But this, new food ideas, decorating it up, nah, that's beyond me."

"Oh I don't know, you seem really confident in designing. Maybe not the decorations, but it was you suggesting pictures and all of prior men who worked here before. It's a solid idea." Leading the way back down, she heads over for the basement stairs. Reaching for the knob to the door, she hears a scuffling sound from below them and laughs nervously. "Resident raccoon setting up shop. He wins, We go down another time." A whole lot of Nope. "For now, I need to go by the power company and pay the deposits and all, get that on and the water. Then I need to go by garbage disposal. A whole lot of errands for now."

A look over at her, more direct from Jack as she points out his idea. Not certain which way to take it, but A slight grin on his left side. Not quite a smirk, its more intentional as if he's fighting it even. "Fair enough." He walks to the basement door then. "Probably, or rats. Not many this time of year, but they're coming out of their holes I bet." A pause he looks at he door then to her, "Give me a couple days, I'll rope up some traps or something, we can go down then, lay them out. I'll get to helping around here when you run those errands." Just to clarify that he was still gonna pitch in, with the other crew at least. "And thanks for the invite, good to see you again."

A wince at the mention of rats. "Let me add exterminator to that list." Sally mentally pencils it in. "You have enough to do without being the exterminator also. There's a whole lot you've already volunteered to do." Dipping a hand into a pocket, Sally removes one of two keys on a ring and offers the single key to him. "This goes to the front door, in case I'm ever out when you get here, you can go ahead and make your rounds if you need, start checking things," Dangling it there for him if he takes it.

"Works for me, its not volunteer, I get food and company." That said, Jack looks at the dangling key, contemplating, like its almost a trap. Finally though he reaches upto grab the offered key. "Thanks, Sally. I appreciate this." The key offer, the trust implicit in the offering even. Like he's shocked someone trusts him, outside the church but who knows. "I'll get to checking, you get to your errands, we'll meet in the middle somewhere." Or later, catch up. "We'll get this place up and running, center of town like, folks will love it. I'm sure your burgers are even better than the fish, which was great. Thanks for the food and beer too."

"Oh good, and I'd love your input on the menu. Like what is it that big strong guys like on their burgers. I figure a few specialty burgers, some barbecue also, different favorites. I have a few of my own and of course I'll hire another chef and a few cooks and waitstaff, get input from them." Sally offers a smile. "Just something to think about while you're working, if you like. And you're most welcome for the food and the beer. Anytime, honestly. Much better than eating alone all the time."