Julio – The Growing Years

 by: Miguel Sanchez

© 2006-2008 by the author

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

This was agreeable to Mr. Malone. We stood and shook hands then he left the hotel. Angel and I talked for a few minutes then Ronnie and Darrel came in with their hands full.

Chapter 34

My eyes liked to have bugged out of my head when I saw what they were carrying. “My God son, did you leave anything left at the store?”

I took the things out of Darrel’s hand then he returned with a large cart. Ronnie emptied his hands then handed me back my now well used credit card. “I got enough for the weekend Dad. I made a mental menu and this was what I came up with.”

I saw what looked like rib roasts, fish and cuts of beef that I had no idea what they were. Darrel came over and handed me a piece of paper. I read it and there was Ronnie’s menu for the next two days. Tonight there was going to be Prime Rib, 3 different kinds of fish, stuffed pork chops and Château Briand. Ronnie took the cart and disappeared into the kitchen. I found my son putting meat away in 1 cooler and then took the fish and put it in the other. “Man it’s like a freezer in here son.”

He put the fish in clean containers then closed the door. “Yes sir, it has to be in order to keep it fresh. I know this stuff won’t spoil now.”

I could sense what he told Darrel he would do and I didn’t have a problem with it. “Ronnie, am I to assume that someone is going to be busy cooking tonight?”

He looked me in the eyes and smiled. “Yeah Dad, I told Darrel I’d help him tonight. He is going to cut his hours and try to hang on by opening at 5 and closing at about 10:30. There are a couple of guys in my class looking to move. Maybe one of them might like to come here. In order to have a decent lunch, they’d have to start prepping about 9. Now some things can be mass prepped and stored and it will last for a couple days but he’s decided not to open for breakfast right away.”

I could see he was now in his domain. I pulled him into my arms. “I’m going to talk some with Darrel then tomorrow I’ll sign lease papers.”

Ronnie lit up like a little boy. “Oh Dad, thanks. I can’t wait for school to get out.”

I relished the hug from Ronnie. “Just concentrate on school. You’ll be here soon enough. You go and do what you have too. I’m going to talk with Darrel then your brother needs to talk with me. He’s found a place for you and him.”

Darrel handed Ronnie an apron and poured two cups of coffee he’d just made. “I heard you wanted to talk with me.”

We went over and sat down at a table. “I looked over your current lease and saw what all was included on what you were paying. I’ve negotiated a new one for myself and will sign it tomorrow. The one thing I want to talk with you about is having you stay on here as manager. You know the place and you and my son seem to work well together.”

Darrell was moved when I made him the offer. “You still want me to manage the place?”

“Why not?” I replied nodding my head. “You did what you could to run it. If you had had a chef that knew what he was doing, you could have made a go of it. The only thing is what will you do when you close?”

Darrel finished his coffee then set the mug down on the table. “I have a little money saved so I’ll manage until then. I will have the place ready when he gets here and all the inspections will have been done. The man at the meat market has agreed to be our supplier. I can cancel the produce vendors and restart them when we’re ready to reopen. I just need to give them 48 hours notice. I’ll look at all the canned items and toss out anything that will expire while the place is closed.”

Just then, Angel and the others came in. “Daddy, Jay has something to tell you.”

Now why did this seem like something when they were younger? When ever someone did something wrong, this was how they tattled. “Ok son, what have you got to tell me?”

Jay went into the kitchen then came back with Ronnie in hand. “Well, I kinda made some phone calls and told them about how good the food is gonna be tonight. I think you’re going to have a good crowd tonight.”

Ronnie looked at his brother then kissed him passionately. “Well bro, if that’s the case, looks like I’m going to need some help.”

Angel stepped over and looked at Ronnie. “Hey bro, I wouldn’t trust Jay with a sharp object in his hand. I don’t know how he’ll do at being a surgeon.”

Darrel looked at me curiously. “You can tell they’re brothers and sister. Angel be nice now but I think you’re right. Jay, you’re not very good with a knife but a potato peeler might work better.”

Jay just stood there glaring at me. “Daaaaddd, whose side are you on, any way?”

Ronnie leaned over and hugged him. “Why don’t you show Dad what it was you needed while Angel helps me here. We’ll prep everything after I get some of the roasts going.”

I looked at Marco and Steven and they were smart. They just stood in the back ground and kept quiet. Marco stepped over to Ronnie. “Hey, I’m good around the kitchen too bro. I stay back at home because it’s your domain but I’ll give you a hand here too. Steven and Jay can check out the condo we found. They close at five so you might want to get going. Here are the directions Dad.”

I looked around the lobby and noticed Alex and Doug were nowhere to be found. “Where’d Alex and Doug go?”

Jay came over and Steven was right behind him. “I think Doug went over to Alex’s place. They took different routes and there was plenty of time between them so hopefully no one will see anything.”

Ronnie, Angel, and Marco came and gave me a hug then we took off to see what Jay had found. It took about 45 minutes to get to the site and on the outside, the place looked quite nice. Jay led the way and the sales lady remembered him right away. “Nice to see you again sir, is this your father?”

Jay shook her hand then she held hers out towards me. “Yes, I’m Miguel Sanchez. My son tells me he found something that I might like for him and his brother?”

She handed me a brochure and pointed to the one Jay liked. I looked at the floor plan and it had three bedrooms. There was a full bath off two of the rooms and another full bath off the hall. The kitchen was large and had a separate dining area and what looked to be a large living area. Jay came and stood beside me. “Sweet isn’t it Dad. Come on, they have a model if you’d like to take a look.”

Jay grabbed my hand and I was out the door almost at a run. “Slow down son. You’re acting like when you were 12.”

Jay stopped and turned several shades of red. Steven was behind me laughing his head off. “Sorry Dad, I just want you to see this place. It’s really nice and the price seems reasonable.”

The three of us went over to the model and went inside. The grounds around the house were nice. The first thing I saw when we entered was a spacious living area then the dining area. They had it nicely decorated and there was a sofa that divided the living from dining rooms. The kitchen was large and spacious. The diagram in the booklet didn’t do it justice in my opinion. Jay showed me to the master suite which I knew would be his and Ronnie’s. There were 2 nice sized walk-in closets and they even had a king sized bed set up in there. There was plenty of room for a desk where Jay could study. The second bedroom was a little smaller but just as nice as the master bedroom. The third room was set up as an office but it would make a nice guest room also. “How much are they asking for this son?”

Jay dug into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “There are three different prices. She said if you decided to buy now, this particular model is $75,000 and that includes all the closing costs. When they start the next units, the price will be higher. I guess they want to see each unit completely sold before starting on others but with what it will come with, I don’t think it’s outrageous.”

I liked the fact that we would be owning the property rather than renting. It also meant that we could rent it out to other students and that would be a plus. I had to think of how I was going to do this. I could swing the loan myself but with getting the restaurant, I didn’t know how long it would really be before that was self sufficient. If The Foundation bought it, it would be sheltered if anything happened to the restaurant. “I think getting the place now would probably be the best son. When will they have one of these models available?”

We left the model and went back over to the office. “I think she said they should have one of these finished in a couple months.”

I thought about that for a minute but if push came to shove, they could always stay at the hotel until they were ready to move in. As soon as we walked into the office the sales lady was right there. “How did you like that model? It’s our largest one we have and is popular with a lot of people.”

I came right to the point as I needed to know something for the boys. “When would there be one available so my sons could move in? My middle son is opening a restaurant in about 6 weeks and I’m looking for a place for him and my son to live. He will be attending the Medical School in the fall.”

The lady went and looked at some papers. “The builder says there should be 2 completed in about 8 weeks.”

I sat down and Steven and Jay went outside to look around. “Are there any contracts out on them?”

“There is a contract on one of them,” she replied looking at more papers. “There was a couple in yesterday that showed an interest but didn’t fill out any papers.”

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my checkbook. “How much of a deposit would be required on the other one?”

I liked the fact that it was upstairs. That way, the boys wouldn’t have to be worried about noise filtering down. “Normally a $1,000 deposit is required, Mr. Sanchez.”

I started writing the check and the lady got more forms. The boys came walking in while I was getting writer’s cramp. Steven smiled at Jay. “Looks like you and Ronnie have some new digs bro.”

I stopped and looked at the boys. “I think you’ll be happy there son. There will be plenty of room for you and Ronnie and room for Marco when he visits.”

I finished filling out all the paper work then looked at the sales lady. “When will you need a check for the balance?”

She went and made some photo copies of the papers and handed me a thick stack. “You have a detailed report in there. The closing costs are handled by the builder. Taxes will be prorated at closing. The balance will be in the neighborhood of about $80,000.”

I didn’t like being told it was around anything. “When will I know and have an exact closing figure?”

The lady thought for a moment. “Will I’m not sure. It’s all based on when you go to closing.”

I thought for a moment. “Fine then, I’ll not pay more than $80,000 at closing.”

That took the sales lady by surprise. “Um, very well Mr. Sanchez.”

We shook hands then I gathered the boys and we headed back to the restaurant. Ronnie and the crew were sitting at a table when we walked into the place. “Bro, Dad did it. He bought us the place.”

Ronnie lit up like a little boy. He came over and hugged me so tight I almost couldn’t breathe. “Thanks Dad. That is a nice place and what I liked about it was there weren’t a lot of college kids there. I know Jay will need to study and when I get home at night, I’d like to be able to relax and not have a bunch of noise to contend with.”

Ronnie had a point I never really considered other than noise. I looked at the clock and it was almost 4:30. “Are you ready for tonight?”

Darrel came over and nodded. “I made a couple of calls and two of my children will help Ronnie in the kitchen. They should be here soon. I have a full wait staff coming in so we should be ready. Miguel, I don’t know how to thank you for this evening. Ronnie has showed me some things I can do so I think I’ll be alright until we close.”

I was getting hungry and I wanted to taste Ronnie’s cuisine. I saw Jay and the others talking with Ronnie and I was about to get their attention. “Oh Miguel, before I forget. You and your children are my guests tonight here.”

I was taken aback by his offer. “No Darrel, I can’t do that. Ronnie is doing something he loves.”

Darrel shook his head. “I know Miguel and he also told me the money for the food was a loan but I insist tonight you have dinner here on me.”

I wasn’t about to argue with him. “Alright Darrel, we will be honored to have dinner here. OK kids, let’s get going. Ronnie has work to do and we need to all get showers.”

I rounded up the kids and it was hard for Jay to leave. We were on our way out when two teenagers came in. “Miguel wait a minute. These are two of my three kids. David is 15 and loves to cook and Darlene is 17 and is going on to nursing school.”

I shook their hands. His daughter gave me a tight hug. “Mr. Sanchez, thank you so much for what you’re doing for Daddy. This place meant the world to him. If we weren’t in school, we would help him more than we are but when school is out, David and I will. Our other brother is in the Army so he can’t help. I’ll be attending Duke and living at home so I’ll still help Daddy.”

I was amazed at his kids. “Well, when things get going well, you won’t have to worry about that. Ronnie will be running the place and your Dad will be the manager. You just worry about becoming a nurse.”

Darrel came over and got his daughter. “Mr. Sanchez has to get his boys ready for dinner. You can talk with him later.”

I got upstairs and took a warm shower. I was the last one out because Marco seemed to be taking his time. Angel came in and I was putting my shirt on. “Daddy come on, we’re going to be late.”

I looked at my watch and it was only 5:30. “Going to be late darling? We don’t have reservations.”

She just sighed. “Men, they’re so helpless.”

Roars of laughter went up at that. “Helpless?” Steven said kissing her on the cheek. “Who is it that’s the last one dressed most of the time?”

Angel turned around and wasn’t amused. “Don’t you start now Steven Sanchez!”

“Alright children,” I said calming things down before they got out of hand. “Let’s go and have a nice dinner.”

We went downstairs and had one of the best meals I can recall having in a long time. Ronnie’s food was superb and I knew he was in heaven back in the kitchen. Darrel gave us a nice table out of the way so we could enjoy ourselves. The place was full and I had Jay to thank for that. I could hear the comments as they ate and there were “My compliments to the chef” coming from almost every table.

I was enjoying a Bailey’s on the rocks talking with Darrel when he had a few minute when Ronnie came out. I saw him coming and met him in a huge hug. “Son, you have out done yourself. Luiz would be so proud of you. I know he’s watching and blessing your work.”

Ronnie had to pull himself together at what I said. “I wish he could be here Dad. It hot back there and this is the first break I’ve had but I really love it.”

Darrel came up and shook his hand. “Ronnie, I owe this all to you. We’re seating our last diners.”

Ronnie smiled when he heard that. “Good Darrel, I’m glad because we’ll have just enough. I had to take the fish off the menu because I ran out. I didn’t plan on this may people but in a way I should have. Thanks Jay. Your friends really made this a night to remember.”

One of the waiters came over and shook Ronnie’s hand. “Don’t worry about cleaning up back there. We’re getting things cleaned up now.”

By 10, the last of the people were leaving with full bellies. Darlene came out and hugged Ronnie. I think the girl was taken with him. Darrel made sure everything was secured then we left the place and locked up. “Miguel, I’ll see you here tomorrow. I know you have a little business to take care of before you and your wonderful children head home.”

David was talking with Ronnie and I could see the two smile at each other. I had a feeling Ronnie had a fan and knew he would give him tips on cooking when ever he was around. We headed for the elevator and as soon as we stepped on, Ronnie was in Jay’s arms. “God love, I’m so tired but I feel great.”

Jay kissed his lover passionately. “I’m so proud of you baby. The first Sanchez child has just made his mark on the world.”

I didn’t mean to bust Jay’s bubble. Ronnie returned Jay’s kiss. “Jay, I don’t think so. Angel’s vision for the Children’s Home has come to pass. I’m not in a contest with you all. You and Marco are going to be great doctors like Dad and Steven will be a great vet. I’m just happy I’m able to do what I love to.”

I couldn’t argue with Ronnie. As long as my kids did their best at what ever they did, I would be proud of them. As we got off the elevator, I saw Jay wrap his arm around Ronnie and hold him as the two of them walked down the hall to their room. Marco walked ahead of me and opened the door to our room. He and I went in followed by Steven and Angel. He sat at the table while Angel used the bathroom. “Dad, there is only a week before spring break. I was wondering if I could. . .”

I stopped him in mid sentence. “No son, you can’t start yours early. I know you miss us and believe me, I miss you too but you can’t skip class. After spring break, you’ll be gearing up for finals and what you miss coming home could come back to haunt you later.”

Steven thought about what I had just told him. “I guess you’re right Dad. I just miss home so much. Having Angel there has been great and it’s helped me stay focused but seeing you this weekend just made me miss home again.”

Angel came out of the bathroom and I made quick use of it. Marco was talking with Steven about him missing home. “Bro, I have it twice as bad. I missed Dad and Pop when I was in school and it’s going to start again. Dad is on an extended business trip or I’d be with him. I am lucky that I have Pop but it’s not that same. I will be glad when Dad slows down or totally retires but I know he loves his work.”

Angel then spoke to her husband. “Steven, you’re getting to do something the kids in Brazil will only dream of. You’re bright and I’ve seen the grades you make. You’ll be home in a week then you’ll have the summer to be with Dad and your brothers.”

“Alright you guys,” Steven acquiesced as Angel sat on his lap. “Dad made the best sense because I don’t want to miss anything this close to finals. As long as you’re with me sweetheart, I’ll make it.”

Angel kissed her husband passionately. “I’ll be there with you love, you know that but there will be times I will have to be with Daddy.”

Steven caressed her back and I stood there. “Um kids, you should take this to your room.”

Marco giggled as Angel turned red. “Alright Daddy; don’t you want to see a potential grandchild made?”

Now it was my turn to turn red. “I already know how that’s done darling. Are you trying to make me a Grandfather?”

She got off Steven’s lap and came over to hug me. “Not yet Daddy but I can’t wait for that time to happen.”

I kissed Steven and Angel as they left for their room. Marco started getting undressed and ready for bed. “Pop, I know you’ll be happy with a little one around.”

I got undressed and hung my clothes up. “I can’t deny that son but I just assume they’ll wait a little longer because I know Steven will want to be with his child and won’t be concentrating on his studies.”

Marco and I talked a little longer then I turned the TV on to watch the news. After the news was over, I called it a night because we had a full day tomorrow. 

To be continued...

Posted: 07/04/08