Eliza was catching on quickly. It helped she had bartending experience from college. It was a matter of jogging her memory of the drinks our customers ordered, particularly our regulars.
“A 7 and 7 is,” Eliza said as she turned around to face the wall of liquor, “Seagram’s 7 Crown whiskey and 7Up. With an optional lemon wedge garnish.”
“You got it. Any questions come to mind over what we’ve gone over today?”
Eliza tilted her head to the side as she thought. “If people want to order food, can we do that at the bar, or should we grab a server?”
That was something I’d been thinking through. Lake Ridge had a limited food menu, but I wanted to expand it within thenext year. My goal was to turn Lake Ridge into a year-round stop for people. I wanted to serve a limited, creative food menu during the day for people seeking a lunch or dinner spot and transition to smaller bites in the evening and into the night when people came to drink and dance.
Right now, we kept the late-night food menu simple: fries, cheese curds, chips and salsa, and nachos.
“At the bar is fine for now. Make sure to give them a table number, so they can place it wherever they’re hanging out if they’re not sitting at the bar. During the day, it’s not a problem, but things get hectic at night.”
Eliza nodded. “I’m excited for the plans you have for this place. You’re going to take Lake Ridge to the next level. Already, it’s such a draw to get people downtown.”
“Thanks. I’m glad to hear you’re excited. I hope you know there’s no pressure to stay on bartending. There’s a spot here for you if you want it, but if you need to step back, let me know. We’ll figure something out.”
I wanted to create something new and innovative for Golden Falls, taking ideas I’d seen bars and restaurants implement in Madison and other areas of the state. As we expanded the food menu, I also wanted to implement sustainable practices, such as composting and encouraging customers to bring their own to-go containers for leftovers.
I also wanted to lead by example. If other businesses in town took note of Lake Ridge implementing these changes and succeeding, then they’d consider doing the same. Especially if I showed them how simple it was. It was a big dream, but it would be worth it.
Having Eliza’s help at the bar, as well as the college students who I hired for the summer, would free up my nights. I knew it would take time to figure this all out, hire the right people long-term, and get the right vendors in place, but the only wayforward was to start somewhere. I was excited for the journey, but it definitely added a layer of stress to my already clouded mind.
As long as Juliette was in Golden Falls, I’d be distracted. I just had to get through the summer.
Eliza looked over at me as she was wiping and cleaning her station at the bar. “Your stress is stressing me out. Is he always like this?” She turned to Louise before turning back to me and saying, “Maybe you need to get laid, Wes.”
I nearly choked on my own spit. “Jesus, Eliza. I’m not fucking talking about this with you.”
She shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m just saying.”
“It’s a great way to relieve stress,” Louise agreed, getting ready to continue Eliza’s training by showing her how to stock the bar before each shift.
I groaned. I did not need this. My fuse was short today, and I didn’t need any more reminders about how fucking good Juliette Campbell likely looked naked. I had plenty of those thoughts in my mind already.
“I’m going to the back to see what booze I need to order for the week,” I grumbled, stalking my way toward the back.
“Jules likes a good Aperol spritz,” Eliza called. “Make sure you have the necessary ingredients stocked!”
The first thing I did was add prosecco and Aperol to this week’s inventory.
25
JULIETTE
Mom
Thanks for sending the pictures. You look beautiful! Looks like you had a great weekend with your new friends.
Dad
Agreed. Looks like a great time. Glad you are having fun.
Mom
One of your new friends can’t stop looking at you in the pictures. He’s very handsome!!!
A summer fling might be fun.
