My long-range forecast -- chapter 31
Hello everyone and a special shout out to Cameron, Chuck, Darrell, Don, Geoff, Jim, Michael, Rick and Tom! I continue to write more chapters of this story and I'm seeking any suggestions, constructive criticms or positive feedback you have about the story. Please send information to cjwilson328@aol.com. For those if you who have already reached out to me - my thanks! I'm working your ideas into future storylines.
This is the chapter that many of you have been waiting for. Finally, I address the topic and CJ comes clean with UD about who he is. There's a twist though and once you read this chapter, please let me know what you think. The next chapter is the station meeting, and UD's big lunch for CJ's entire station crew.
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Once again, I had a good night sleep and did not even feel Wally join me in bed. I heard the alarm go off and shut it down. I gave Wally a kiss and headed for the shower to begin my morning grooming routine. I'm surprised I slept so well knowing I have a huge weight to get off my shoulders with UD later today.
I went out to the breakfast bar and Wally was reading texts on his phone. He said "look at these pictures sweetheart of the pool playing, and the cigar smoking session at the pool last night." I left UD and Alex at 12:30, as I felt like I needed sleep." I smiled and said "here you are one hour later looking like you need sleep sweetheart. Please, once I leave get some sleep Wally. Do you want me to tell Alex to cool it for the rest of the week?" Wally smiled and said "no, he is fine. Watch yourself though, UD may rewrite his last will and testament to include Alex!" I left out a hearty laugh on that comment and said "UD is enjoying being with all of us! I hope I don't let him down too much this afternoon."
Wally got up, rubbed my shoulders and said "CJ, it's all going to be fine. The more time I spend with UD, the more I realize he wants nothing but happiness and good health for you. Once he hears from you that you are truly happy, he will be happy for you and support you moving forward. I also feel as though he knows about you and I and will be very accepting of us. You have got this today, CJ! I am going to meet a client at 1:00 today, but I will be nearby if you need me. Please text or call me when your discussion is done, and I will do whatever you need me to do. I love you CJ." I turned to face Wally and said "I love you too Wally. I know I have this today, but I'll feel much better once I have it off my chest."
Wally poured my coffee and walked me to the door. He gave me an extended hug and kiss. He said "I'm sending all of my positive energy to you today babe. Go in thinking you're a winner, and you'll come out a winner." I smiled and said "obviously, you have heard me say that phrase way too much! I'll see you later Wally and I love you so much sweetheart."
My morning went by very quickly. This was good for me so that I did not have time to dwell on my upcoming conversation. Angela and I were joking back and forth, and Nick was throwing jokes at me for most of the morning. Ross was very chipper and walked by me a number of times in the newsroom. On each walk he was singing a different song. As he made his way to the coffee pot, his first song was "leaving on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again." He then returned to his desk singing "BYE BYE BYE....". Angela cracked up and said "that was the absolute worst NSYNC impression I have ever heard! If you're thinking about singing that at Mel's on Thursday Ross, please make another selection!" I suddenly realized what he's doing, singing every song he can think of with a goodbye theme. I texted Angela saying what he was doing. She replied "okay, let's join in with him and get this news room rocking this morning!"
Ross began his second trip and I started singing "Nah Nah Hey Hey, Kiss her goodbye!" He cracked up and said "ah grasshopper, I have taught you well!" Angela joined in with some songs, and Nick caught on to what we were doing. He soon started belting out "another turning point a fork stuck in the road....". I thought to myself "hey butthead, I'm the official Green Day singer of this group!" I joined in with him, and soon we were in a duet on the song. Once we finished up the newsroom was full of applause and Nick said "thank you, thank you everyone! Join CJ and I at Mel's on Thursday where we'll perform that tune and more for everyone on Thursday night karaoke."
Vicki was smiling throughout the tunes and did not even think about us mocking her with all of the song choices. Ah well, at least several of us were having fun at her expense this morning.
The four morning shows went very well this morning, and before I knew it another two hours passed me by. I exited the stage and went into the newsroom. Ronny, Carl and Trevor were in there waiting for me and Trev said "morning CJ! We're here to take you to breakfast, so are you ready to head out?" I smiled and said "yeah, I am. Thanks guys!"
It was a much cooler morning today, so we decided to walk to Cecilia's. As usual, she was at the front counter greeting us with her usual pleasantries. She said "CJ, I understand your family is here this week. Please bring them in for a breakfast sandwich this week before they leave!" I smiled and said "I'll try Cecilia, their agenda is full but I'll tell them the sandwiches will be the highlight of their trip." She sat us down at a table, and took our drink and breakfast orders."
I smiled at my friends and said "is this a morning intervention to keep my morning spirits uplifted?" Carl said "hell no, we just all want breakfast this morning and decided to treat you." I smiled and said "thanks everyone. I'm doing good this morning. I know I've got the big talk later, but I'm ready to do it and feeling very positive about the outcome." Ronny said "good deal bro. Let's not dwell on it though, because it is going to go fine for you today." Trev added "if you need to talk to any of us later today, just text or call CJ and we'll come running!"
The guys changed topics and our lively conversation continued throughout multiple topics. Before I knew it, the time was approaching 9:00. I said "I need to get back to the station and get my noon show moving." We paid the bill and walked back to the station.
I went to the office and checked emails. Mindy sent me one saying "everything is set for the lunch tomorrow. Have your family park in the front guest lot and ask for me. I'll will get them to where they need to be." I received two more emails from fellow staff members saying they want to join the race next February. There was also a note from Bailey to Mindy with a carbon copy to me. Bailey said "Please get the Skinner family set up with channel 2 clothing and gifts tomorrow before they leave. Thanks Mindy." I did a reply to both of them saying "thank you both for your help with my family and the luncheon tomorrow. I appreciate all of your support. Have a good day."
Angela knocked on my door and said "do you have a few minutes for me to show you some software updates we received on the switcher and graphics package? There are several new features I think you will want to see and perhaps work into the weather segments." I smiled at her and said "that sounds great Angela. Pull up a chair and let's try to work something new into today's noon show." We spent over an hour, and came up with two new patterns to work into the weather segment. Everything looked good, and I went ahead and updated current statistics. We loaded it to the switcher together and I said "thanks so much for showing me the new functionality. I like the new patterns. I won't overuse them, but I do plan to start mixing new features in with existing functionality." She smiled and said "thank you for letting me walk through the changes with you. You have a great show and enjoy your afternoon with the family."
I checked my phone for any text messages. I had one from Alex who said "I'm with you in my thoughts and prayers for today. I'm sending you every drop of positive energy I have and everything is going to go fine CJ. We had a nice breakfast at the diner, and UD is in a very upbeat mood this morning. I'm going to take your aunt and the girls out for the afternoon. If you need me, just text or call and I'll come to you wherever you're at. I love you CJ, and it's going to be a good day for you." I smiled after reading the text and said to myself "all of my friends are supporting me so well today. I love them all for their support. You've got this CJ! Go in thinking you're a winner, and you'll come out a winner."
The noon show started in and it's obvious that Ross and I are becoming a well-rounded team together. The show went well, and we needed to stretch at the end. Ross started in and said "CJ and I were discussing music in the newsroom this morning. CJ if you had to name your favorite song of all time, what is it?" I smiled and said "wow Ross, as you know I love so many genres of music. If I have to settle on one, I'm going to go with that San Francisco band of Journey with their song "Separate Ways". Whenever I hear it, I crank up the music and belt out the lyrics as loud as I can! How about you Ross, what's your most favorite song ever?" Ross said "well CJ, I'm going to have to stay in the San Francisco area with you. I also like Journey, but my all-time favorite song is "Who's crying now." Every time I hear that song come on radio, or at a karaoke contest I just have to belt it out. Such a great band, and it's never been the same since Steve Perry left."
Ross continued and said "so there you have it St Petersburg, CJ's and Ross's favorite songs for your Tuesday afternoon. If you're a Journey fan out there as well, contact us and maybe we can all meet up at a beachside bar sometime for Journey Fest 2023. Have a wonderful afternoon everyone, and tune back in at 5:00 for the latest bay area news." The floor director said "cut" and we both busted out laughing. Ross gave me a high five and said "could we have played that off better my friend?" I composed myself and said "that was great Ross, and she is probably clueless that we are mocking her!" Bailey came into the studio waiving a white hanky as a flag and was laughing his ass off. He said "if she gives me any shit for the ending guys, I'm taking you both down with me! Thank you both for the wonderful start to a Tuesday afternoon though. That was a classic we need to keep in our archives. I'll see you both tomorrow."
Ross and I went into the newsroom. Angela, Nick and the whole gang were still laughing at our stunt. Angela said "oh guys, you made my day! The bitch probably wasn't even watching. Ah well, her loss and good riddens! Have a good afternoon you two."
I made my way back to the condo and went into my place. I said "hey UD, are you around?" He looked in from the patio and said "I'm out here CJ." He continued on said "okay, I have to ask. Were you and Ross just slamming someone with your closing, because I know that song is not your favorite?" I cracked up and said "yeah, we were slamming someone UD. You'll understand more tomorrow after the lunch, but I'm so glad that you got the message loud and clear." He smiled and said "okay, I'll wait for the full story tomorrow son." I said "let me get changed and I'll be right back. Do you want to stay here, go to the pool or someplace else?" UD said "how about someplace else. I don't want us to be interrupted once we get into my news son." I said "that sounds good UD, I'll think of some places to go while I'm changing."
UD and I ended up at Mel's. We went in, got seated and the host gave us menus and the tap list for today. I said "this is the karaoke place on Thursday's UD. The beer selection is awesome, and the shrimp and grouper taco special on Thursday is to die for!" UD said "man, I wish they had that today."
Our waiter came over and said "good afternoon gentlemen and welcome to Mel's. My name is Lucas and I'll be serving you this afternoon. Can I offer you something on tap today or a mixed drink?" UD said "I want to try something on tap from Cigar City brewing." Lucas replied "how about an IPA, or we also have a good pilsner from them sir." UD replied and said "I'll go with the pilsner please." I spoke up and said "I'll have the IPA please." Lucas said "very good. We have an unadvertised special this afternoon besides those that are listed. We're running our shrimp and grouper tacos today." UD smiled at me and said "Lucas, you are my hero! My nephew here cannot stop talking about those tacos. I'll take an order of those please." I cracked up and said "make it two orders Lucas."
Lucas returned shortly with our beers. UD said "here's to us CJ. Thanks for giving me your time today." We clanked glasses and I said "UD, it's no problem. Please just assure me that your health is okay and you're not going to inform me that you have a terminal disease?" UD smiled and said "CJ, my health is fine and I plan on being with all of you for a very long time." I smiled back at him and said "okay UD, I'm all ears and please know whatever is said at this table today our relationship will not suffer. I love you, and there is nothing you can say that will ever take that love away. In turn, I hope I can tell you anything that is on my chest with the same reciprocation from you?" UD smiled and said "I want that as well CJ. You have my word that nothing you tell me will cause us to drift apart. You are such an important part of my life and I always want you in my life no matter what you share with me son."
Lucas came back with our tacos and said "is there anything else I can bring you gentlemen?" UD said "nothing right now Lucas and please give us some time before you return. We have some important items to discuss, and I'll just flag you down if we need anything." Lucas smiled and said "not a problem sir, let me know when that time occurs."
I said "UD, before we start talking do me a favor and eat at least one taco. You may want to finish the plate before we get into our deep discussion." I was right. Once UD had one taco, he could not stop. Before I knew it, he and I devoured our plates. He said "oh my god, that was great! It was so fresh. Even if I tried to replicate that recipe, I cannot find fish and shrimp that fresh to pull this plate off!" I smiled and said "good UD, I'm so glad you enjoyed it."
UD took a drink of his beer and said "CJ, I have only shared this with one person in my life. Your Aunt Sally and the girls do not know about this and I want to keep it that way. I love them all and if they ever hear this, it will devastate them and the family. Your father knew, and he accepted me as I am with no unfair judgement. I need to share the news with you now as I feel you are emotionally stable to handle it. I don't feel right with you not knowing it CJ. I'm sorry I've waited for eight years to share this with you, but you were not in a position in high school or college to deal with this." My face must have changed drastically because UD continued and said "are you okay before I go on? You look horrified CJ." I said "I'm fine UD, I'm concerned though with what you're about to share. I feel bad that you did not think I could handle the news until now."
UD took another drink of his beer, looked deep into my eyes and said "CJ, I have been in a secret relationship with a man for over ten years. You know the man, and I'm sure if I left you think about who it is you'll come up with the name very quickly. He's in the same position as I am with a family. We both love each other dearly, but do not want to harm our families. We've been hiding all these years, but still enjoy daily contact with each other, and spend as much quality time as we can together on golf trips, hunting trips, fishing trips and other events we can sneak away to." A light bulb went on for me and I said "it's Jack, your head chef." UD said "yes, it is CJ. Before you judge Jack or me, please let me explain." I smiled, took UD's hands and said "UD, I am fine with what you just told me. I'm surprised, but I understand why you held this news from me until now. I love you UD, and there is no judgment coming from me. I feel bad for you and Jack that you're both restricted in how much you can truly enjoy each other throughout your life." UD started to cry and said "thank you CJ. I was so worried that you were going to storm out on me and never talk to me again." I smiled and said "UD, I've been there for you in the past, I'm here for you today and I'll always be here for you in the future. What you shared with me does not change our relationship. In fact, I respect and love you more for the news you just disclosed to me."
UD got himself together and wiped his tears from his face. He finished his beer, and I gulped most of mine down. He motioned for Lucas to bring us two more beers and Lucas acknowledged the request. I smiled at UD and said "are you okay to continue, or do you need some more time?" He replied "I'm okay, but I really need to know what you are thinking now CJ."
Lucas returned with our beers and took our plates away. I took a drink, and said "UD, this explains so much to me about the last several months. I can wipe away my crazy theories now." UD replied "okay, please expand on that because I want to know what crazy theories I was causing you to have."
I took another drink and said "let me just roll it up into this one statement. I felt as though you had deeper feelings for me than just an uncle / nephew relationship. I believed that our trip to St Pete Beach was going to be your time to pursue more with me but your time was cut short due to the restaurant fire. Instead, you have been envious of me, watching me enjoy my life and create new paths for myself. You have witnessed all of this and have altered your thinking about me that I can handle your news. You want to clear your conscious with me and be open and free. Our bull sessions have always been good, but you need to expand them to share your feelings about you and Jack as you cannot do that with anyone else. The one person you did confide in is gone, and you need a replacement in your life to share your innermost feelings with." I took a drink of beer and continued with "am I even close in my analysis?" UD smiled and said "as usual CJ, you're spot on. I can see why you thought about us as an item, and I can assure you that was never on my mind. I feel that you are the only one I can share my most inner feelings with, and that is why I'm coming clean with you today." I leaned over and gave UD a hug. I grabbed his hand and said "UD, I am here for you for anything you need to talk through. Our private discussions will go to my grave with me. Thank you for doing this today. I love you, and I know our bond will only grow stronger after today."
UD took another drink of his beer and said "Good CJ. You don't know how much I needed to hear that from you today. CJ, I hope that what I just shared with you will clear your conscious so that you can come clean with me on anything you need to son. Remember, our circle is a judgement free zone and anything you share with me will be only between us son."
I smiled and said "God UD, I wish I had a shot of Jagermeister before I tell you this, but here goes. UD, I have looked up to you so much in my life, and I've been hiding the truth from you. I do not want to lose you or the family in my life. I have been going through the motions on my sexuality to you for a number of years. I always played the field and made it look like I'm interested in women through high school and college. The truth is I began to realize in high school that I was more attracted to men than I am to women. My feelings became solid in my college freshman year when I came true to myself with the realization that I'm gay. This is nothing that you, Aunt Sally or anyone else in the family has done." I broke out in tears and said "God UD, I hope I did not just push you away from me forever!"
UD motioned for Lucas and he came over. UD said "give us two shots of Jagermeister and two more beers Lucas." UD placed his hand under my chin, lifted my head, smiled and said "CJ, you have not pushed me away. I somehow already knew this about you. Growing up, I always saw you with boys. When you were with a girl, you appeared awkward and not happy son. I am not running away from you CJ. I'm here for you today and always. I love you and accept you for who you are. All I want for you is to be happy, healthy and safe in life CJ. As long as you can answer yes to those three topics, you and I are good today and always. I love you tremendously CJ, and that will never change son."
Lucas returned with our shots and beers. UD said "thanks Lucas. We'll be fine now, and if you want to drop the check to us that will be great." UD said "here son, take your shot. We both need one after our earth-shattering news to each other today." I took my shot, and tapped my glass and said "to the Skinner men. We'll always be here for each other through the good times and the bad times." We downed our shots and UD said "oh goodness, that gets rougher for me every time I do it! Are you okay to continue on CJ, because I think you have one more important topic to discuss with me?"
I smiled and said "you always have read me like an open book UD. I'm in a relationship UD, and it's someone you know. I'm very happy, I'm healthy, we're both healthy and I'm safe UD. I love him with all of my heart and soul, and I can see myself being with him for my lifetime." UD smiled and said "there, what was so tough about telling me all of that CJ?" I busted out laughing and said "oh UD, I feel about one thousand pounds lighter and hope I never disappoint you in my lifetime." He said "CJ, you will never disappoint me. You may shock me, but shock wares off son. As I have stated, I love you and we'll always be here for each other in the good times and the bad times."
UD took a drink and said "It's Wally, isn't it?" I replied "yes, UD it is. We're still early in our relationship, but we are both heading in the same direction UD. Is this a surprise to you?" He took another drink and said "yes and no. Before our initial trip here in May, I was guessing it was Ronny. When I left you and Wally in Sarasota that night at the airport, I felt as though you two will hook up in the future. When I watched your first broadcast and heard the name CJ Walters, I knew you two were heading towards a couple status. By the way, I know you are ending up with the man you're supposed to be with CJ. You two have so many similarities and watching you two these past two days, I can tell you care deeply for each other. My only concern son is the age difference. I can already hear you telling me that's not an issue for you though. So, if it's not an issue for you I am going to drop it and never speak of it again."
I smiled at UD and said "thanks UD. I also want you to know that you and Jack are welcome here anytime. Wally and I are looking for two others for a golf foursome, so it will be easy to plan golf trips for the two of you here, Myrtle Beach or wherever you want. Wally also has a boat docked in Bradenton and wants to take me fishing. We can plan fishing trips for the four of us." UD smiled and said "thank you CJ. You don't know what your comments just did for me. I know you accept me as I am, as I accept you as you are CJ. I love you, and be rest assured I will be here several times a year. Sometimes it will be with Jack, and other times the family and I will visit you. You and I know the real story, and thank you son for letting me get this heavy burden off my chest with you today."
I took a big drink of my beer, looked at UD and said "I love you UD. You made this easier for me than I thought it would be today. So, you will know, Ronny is gay as well. We came out to each other in college, and our friendship flourished. Sexually, we never hit it off as we are looking for different things in life and our soul mates. He and I have done a significant number of jo sessions, but that is the extent of it." UD smiled and said "I know that now after seeing the four of you this week. Ronny is in love with Alex, isn't he?" I shook my head yes and said "you figured it out UD."
UD and I took another large drink of our beer and UD said "okay, here is what we need to do. This conversation did occur, but only between us. No one will ever know that this occurred. You can share my news with Wally if you are comfortable with it, but just us three for now. Before we leave the restaurant today, I need you to call Wally and get him here as soon as possible. I need to cement your trust with me when I say I love and accept you. I do love Wally also and I need to cement my feelings with him also so that we can all move on from this day and enjoy our life CJ." I smiled and said "when I call him over here, you won't beat the shit out of him will you?" UD cracked up and said "No, I will not hurt him. I want him to know though that if he ever hurts you emotionally, physically or financially I will kick the shit out of him." I smiled and said "fair enough UD. I'll call him now. If you need a tension breaker with him, just ask him or tell him to free ball it with you!"
I called Wally and he said "CJ, are you okay and do you need me?" I laughed and said "we're both fine Wally, and we have had our best discussion ever. Yes, I do need you to come over to Mel's as we both want to talk to you. Don't worry Wally, it's all good and the three of us need to cement our trust in each other so that we can move forward." Wally said "I'll be there in five minutes my love."
Wally walked into Mel's and I could tell he had been crying. UD stood up and said "what the hell is this? This is a no crying zone today! You also better be free balling, and if you're not get your ass into the bathroom and pull the briefs off now!" Wally busted out laughing and said "thanks UD, I needed that. I want you to know that I love and cherish CJ. I will never hurt him, and I need both of you in my life moving forward." UD hugged Wally and said "I know that, Wally. You two have shocked me today, but shock wares away. My love for both of you will never disappear. I love, accept and support both of you today and always. Be rest assured though if you ever hurt him physically, mentally, emotionally or financially I will hunt you down and beat your ass to a pulp." Wally said "I understand that UD, and accept it. Again, I will never do anything to hurt CJ. He's my life moving forward and I'm always going to be there to support him in our good times and bad times." UD smiled and said "good man Wally. Okay enough news for today! This is between us for now. At some point I will need to clue Sally in, but we'll save that for a future day when we all can figure it out together. Does that sound fair my sons?" I grabbed Wally's hand, looked at him and said "that's fair UD, and I love you." Wally spoke up and said "that is fair with me UD. I love you and I love your nephew with all of my heart." Wally gave me a kiss and we sat down at the table. UD said "Wally how about a beer and tacos before we leave? The grouper and shrimp tacos are on the afternoon menu today. CJ and I need to switch to water, but let's get you something before we leave son."
I looked at the time, and it was after 4:30. I smiled at UD and said "Jesus UD, it's after 4:30. How about we just stay here for dinner. You can get some more of the tacos if you want, but Mel's has an excellent dinner menu as well. I'll give Alex a call and tell him to bring Aunt Sally and the girls over here. You and I can have a few more beers and if we need to, Laura can drive us home!" UD busted out laughing and said "oh God CJ, you just aged me 15 years with the thought of Laura driving. The truth is though, she will be a much better driver than Maddie and Josie. Christ, those two scare me to death. I'm going to have to visit you two every month for a sanity break until I get them out and on their own! Let's just stay here guys, I like this place. Think we can get the owner to let us karaoke tonight?" Wally said "I'll go check UD as I know Mel. Maybe we can even make it an early session so that CJ can enjoy it all with us."
I was able to get hold of Alex. He checked with the ladies, and they all wanted to eat tacos and karaoke. Wally was able to convince Mel for a 6:30 round of karaoke with no prizes. Wally sweet talked him and Mel reconsidered. He told Wally "Every contestant will get a Mel's tee shirt and the grand prize winners will each receive $50 today. We'll stop the contest at 8:30." Wally smiled and said "Mel, you are my hero! You just got $2,500 off your next renovation project with me."
Alex, Aunt Sally and the girls walked in around 5:00 and the dinner crowd began coming in as well. Lucas was able to continue as our waiter for the evening. UD told everyone to eat up, and Wally made the announcement about karaoke to the table starting at 6:30 tonight. Everyone was very excited about it, and soon the table was feasting on delicious appetizers, grouper and shrimp tacos and enjoying their beverages. I texted Ronny and told him to stop by when he got off work. I also texted Trev and Carl to let them know what was happening.
Trev and Carl were able to join us and Lucas helped us put another table together at the end of our table. Introductions were made around the table. Aunt Sally and UD were having a wonderful time. Aunt Sally leaned over to me and said "the combo of the tacos and long island ice teas is awesome CJ. I love this place. Wait till you see me get UD up on stage for karaoke!" I cracked up laughing. Soon UD also pulled me close to him and said "excellent idea to stay here CJ. I love you so much, and wait till you see me get Sally up on stage to sing with me." I laughed at him as well and could not believe the two of them together.
Mel got up on stage at 6:00 and welcomed the crowd. He said "due to popular demand, we're going to have a special session of Tuesday karaoke at Mel's tonight! I'll be distributing song charts to the tables soon. Get your selections into the DJ as soon as possible everyone. We're going to start off tonight at 6:30 and will be ending at 8:30. Everyone have fun tonight, and please tip your waiters and the bartenders well. Who knows, if you enjoy this special Tuesday session, we may make it a permanent feature at Mel's." The crowd went nuts and Mel began to distribue song charts to the tables.
UD went over to Aunt Sally and pointed to one song. She shook her head yes, and UD went off to the DJ table. Soon Maddie, Josie and Laura also went to the table with their selection. All of my circle members made a selection also. I was the final one to leave the table with a selection. I honestly hoped that Mel will not get to me so that I can just sit back and enjoy hearing my family, my lover and my friends tonight. I looked around the table and was in sheer enjoyment seeing everyone laughing, conversing and having a wonderful time together. The last person I looked at was Wally. He must have received my telepathic signal as he looked at me also and mouthed "I love you" to me. I winked back at him and mouthed "I love you more" to him.
The contest started and several performers from different tables were called up first. For an unplanned event, the crowd was really getting into this special Tuesday night version of Mel's karaoke. Mel said "okay everyone, we've got our first duet tonight. This is one of my favorite songs, so I want everyone singing along with it. Let's welcome Sally and Dean to the stage with their version of "Ain't no mountain high enough." Our table erupted in cheers, and UD grabbed Sally's hand and went to the stage. The music began and those two shocked the hell out of me! I had never heard either of them sing before. I think I may have got my vocal range from them! They finished up their version, and I had a few tears in my eyes by the end of the song. The audience gave them a standing ovation and UD planted a big kiss on Sally before they left the stage. They got back to the table and I was the first one to give them a hug and kiss. I smiled at both of them and said "I know who I got my vocals from now. I never knew you two can sing like that! You two were just fantastic." The rest of the table joined in with hugs and fist bumps for each of them.
Our next entrant from the table was the girls singing "What makes you beautiful". They did a fine job, but did not even come close to topping their parent's performance.
I was really enjoying the evening. I smiled as I saw my dear friend Ronny walk in. I motioned him over to the table and joined us sitting at the head of the table. He ordered a beer and tacos and soon was enjoying the evening as well.
Alex was called up to the stage next. I was so happy that Ronny had made it in time to see and listen to him. The music began and I did not recognize the song at first. However, Alex began belting it out and I said to myself "You're beautiful." I thought to myself "I wonder if he is singing this for me or for Ronny? Who the hell cares CJ, stop your Virgo over-analysis and enjoy the song!" The audience went absolutely crazy with a powerful standing ovation for him. Alex smiled and gave a bow to the audience, obviously wanting to grab that single winner title again.
Carl and Trev were called up from the table next and did a great performance of the Journey classic "Don't stop believing." I thought to myself again "okay, they obviously heard me and Ross at noon today and did a journey tune for me!"
Mel got back up on stage and said "okay everyone, it's unfortunately time for our closing song tonight. Before I introduce our singer it's my pleasure to tell all of you that due to the positivity of this crowd tonight, I'm going to continue a Tuesday night karaoke in addition to our regular Thursday night contests." Everyone stood up and gave Mel a standing ovation for his announcement. He continued and said "to all of the singers tonight, remember to turn your tickets in for a tee-shirt at the gift shop before you leave. Finally, let's hear a big round of applause for our last singer who is a regular here. Wally come on up and give us your song tonight."
Our table again went crazy again as Wally went to the stage. Before singing Wally said "this is for everyone at our table tonight. I'm so glad that we all made it out tonight, and I hope each of you has enjoyed this as much as I have tonight." The music came on and I immediately recognized that he was going to sing my favorite song "Time of your life." He belted it out better than any other song I have heard him sing. He finished up and the crowd gave him a standing ovation. UD leaned into me and said "your man just sang your favorite song for you son! If you don't give him a hug, I will!" Wally returned to the table and I gave him his first hug, quickly followed by UD. Everyone else joined in and Mel announced "I'll be back in a few minutes with tonight's winners everyone."
Laura announced at the table "this was way too much fun tonight! I want to come back Thursday and do it all over again! Everyone at the table started cheering her suggestion on. I'm so glad that everyone had such a good time and that we were able to have the girls join us in the family event.
Mel came back up on stage and said "Everyone, I cannot thank you enough for your participation this evening for an unplanned event. It's been so popular that we're going to give our normal $100 prize to the winners of tonight's contests." Again, the dining area was in a roar of applause.
Mel continued and said "let's shake things up tonight and introduce our duet or group winner first. It's a duet tonight, and I'm happy to announce that Sally and Dean have won us over with their version of "Ain't no mountain high enough". Sally and Dean, come on up and get your prize. They both got up from the table, gave each other a kiss and headed for the stage. They each thanked Mel, and UD gave Aunt Sally another long kiss with a dip on the stage. The crowd erupted in cheers and UD brought her back up from the dip. They gave a bow to the audience and exited the stage. I thought to myself "that damn charmer. He's going to get some nookie for himself tonight!" The girls were so excited for their mom and dad, and hugs, kisses and high-fives went around the table as they returned.
Mel took control of the crowd back and said "and now it's time for our single winners. Yes, I did say winners, not a winner tonight. The judges declared a tie tonight, so two lucky contestants will each claim a prize tonight. Our first winner is Alex! Alex get up here and claim your prize." Alex jumped up, went to the stage and claimed his prize. He blew kisses at the audience and took his bow.
Mel continued and said "our second winner goes to Wally tonight with that beautiful closing song he gave us tonight. Wally, come on up and claim your prize. Wally went up to the stage, gave Mel a high five and gave the audience a bow. I thought to myself "there we go again, our table claimed $300 in prizes. I bet Alex is just pissing in his pants with excitement!"
Mel concluded the evening, and Lucas came up to me and said "is this one check or multiple?" I replied "it's one check Lucas, and just put it on this card." He smiled at me and said "I'll do so CJ, and be sure to mention me on one of your broadcasts tomorrow!"
Everyone at the table was chattering away. I could tell they all had a good time. Lucas returned and presented the bill to me. He said "thank you CJ, and I hope you and your family return very soon." I smiled, looked around the table at all the happy people in my life and said "we'll be back Lucas, you can count on that."
I felt very relieved and love seeing most of the important people in my life together. I've come clean with my uncle and he has come clean with me. We're both still an important part of each other's life and I have my beautiful, loving man in my life journey now also. My long-range forecast continues to look promising, and I hope to continue my current joyous feelings long into my future.