Welcome back to work20:55 Mar 21 2010
Times Read: 829
And of course, my first function after virtually a month of NOT, was a wedding. Thankfully, while the logistics of it were just too out there for words (2 bars, liquor service from 5:30 to 6, then one bar closed while my bar was strictly non alcoholic until 8:15, only 2 brands of wine, 7 course plated dinner, and the bride and groom had a private table at midnight in gallery where they chowed down on hamburgers, french fries and milkshakes) for the most part, the people we had were a joy to play with.
When they had the couple's first dance, I had to grab a handful of napkins to keep my makeup from sliding off my face. Their song of choice was "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascall Flatts. Since that is the song Scott sent me the night he first proposed to me on the computer, and since it had such strong significance because of the situation I was in, I was honestly moved to tears. I know that there are several people here who can not only relate to the song, but to the situation I was in, since they have been in the same situations themselves....right Chordi? That song has gotten us through several days when we just didn't think we could get where we needed to go, and now look at us. Both with the best men in the world, happy and safe for the first time in a long time, and moving along with our lives. Amazing how far we have come...
The song the bride danced with her father to was of course another strong emotional song for me. "Dance with my father again" by Luther Vandross always makes me cry, since I lost my father almost 6 years ago, and I did indeed dance with my father at my first wedding, but was unfortunatley unable to include him in my current happiness.
Then, however, the father of the GROOM started moving around....
"I want a Bailey's on the rocks"
I'm sorry sir, premium liquor was not included in this package, since it is hosted.
"Oh REALLY"
yes sir, can I get you something else?
*at this point he throws his hands up and stalks off. Did I mention that he was Persian? And short?*
Later on....
"I want a triple vodka, straight up"
I'm sorry, sir, I cannot legally serve triples, and due to the fact that this is a hosted function, I can only serve singles.
"Fine, I want two single shots of vodka in tow glasses"
*at which point, he stands there and pours one glass into the other, like I'm flaming stupid or something, looks at me and gives me that fooled ya look....can I get an answering growl from the zoo?*
later still...
"Have 'you' gone over budget yet?"
*Is he serious?*
I'm sorry sir, we won't know what the total sales are until we are finished and can do inventory.
"Just make a flaming guess"
*this close. I was this close to telling him that not only was he so far over his"budget" that it wasn't even funny, but that he owed every single staff member a personal $100 tip on TOP of it. But no, fellow zoo members, I kept that growl low in my throat, and I was good.*
*almost closing time*
"I want a vodka straight up"
"with ice"
"and cranberry juice"
So I got the glass, added ice, poured in the vodka, turned around to get the juice out of the fridge, turned back around to see him walking AWAY from the bar. WHILE I am standing there, juice bottle still in hand, he turnes around, walks BACK to the bar, slams the glass on the bar, and tells me "You FORGOT to put the cranberry juice in"
At this point I'm about to start sharpening puppy claws on the bar in preperation for tearing this skinny little bastard into kibble.
BUT NO
I was good.
I gave him his juice, and turned away.
Finally, FINALLY, it's 12:30 and the bars are officially closed.
Bottles and what not pulled down.
glasses restocked.
CLOSED sign planted FIRMLY on top.
I am doing inventory.
Behind me, I hear the ominous sound of someone drumming their fingers on the bar.
Slowly I turn....Inch by inch...
And sure enough there stands my favorite customer.
"You closed?"
*bear in mind I can hardly SEE him, because the "BAR CLOSED" sign is right in front of his face.*
Yes sir
"WHY?"
Because it is 12:30 and the bars are closed"
"Are you SURE"
I just looked at him. For hours I have put up with this guy, and now I shouldn't have to anymore, so I look at him and say:
The bars are closed because that is how the BRIDE and GROOM asked for it to be. I am only doing what the contract that THEY SIGNED instructed us to do.
His hands go up in the air again.
"We have a problem."
*somewhere in the back of my mind I heard myself say you better fucking believe we have a problem, and it is going to be getting YOUR blood out of the carpet in front of MY bar.
But no.
I was good*
What seems to be the problem.
"There were 4 glasses of wine on our table, and the staff took them. Why?"
Because the event is over, and they are cleaning up. That is their job.
"But we were still drinking those glasses of wine. I want them replaced."
*the people who had been SITTING at that table had long since gotten their coats and LEFT, but at that point I failed to see tha tpoint of arguing. AND he was lit up like a Christmas tree, but who am I to judge?*
After consulting with Tristan, my wonderful supervisor, and determining that there were 2 half empty bottles left at the other bar, I promptly GAVE him said bottles, plus 4 glasses, and even carted it to the TABLE, and then I ignored that bastard for the remainder of the night, with the firm assurance from Tristan that I was NOT to serve him anything else, no matter WHAT.
It's so good to be back at work...LMAO
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