Robbie and Tommy got up, showered with some brief kissing and stroking, saving themselves for later that night after the party. They dressed casually for breakfast and they walked into the living room. The doorbell rang and Bradley, the butler, answered the door. Daniel and Cynthia entered, and they all hugged and kissed their boys.
Bradley had set the table for four and chilled orange juice was waiting, as well as delicious smelling French Roast coffee. Everyone sat down and Bradley brought in a platter of scrambled eggs, sausage patties and home fried potatoes. Sour dough toast was also on the table with strawberry jam. This seemed the easiest for everyone. Coffee was poured and everyone tucked in.
Robbie asked his Dad, if they could take this suite permanently as they would be down here often for the restaurant. Daniel agreed and said that was fine. It would be easier than booking a room at the last minute. They chatted about the restaurant and the re-opening that evening. Robbie said everything was set, the staff were great, and all were hard workers. Especially the Raoul and Carlos, the kitchen staff, bussers, and the dishwashers. Sandra, the person trying to park illegally, came in as a server and so far showed great potential The new POS system was a fine addition and should work well. It would be a fun evening. Cynthia asked what the menu was, Robbie laughed and said they would have to wait and be surprised.
Tommy asked how things were with both of them. Cynthia answered first and said she was busy with her charity work and playing bridge. The house kept her busy and they were looking forward to the new Opera season in the September. Bradley poured more coffee.
Daniel said he had several meetings that day at the office in town and would be gone for most of the day and needed to get going. Cynthia said she wanted to do some shopping and asked if the boys wanted to go with her and have lunch out. Both men thought for a minute and Robbie said let me call the restaurant to see how things are going this morning.
Dean answered and said things were great. The flowers had come and the whole place looked fabulous. "I've got things under control here, so take the day and relax before tonight." He would see them about 5:00 or so as the party started at 6:00. Dean also said they had a few more calls from more people who wanted to attend. Robbie said that was fine. "If you need me, just call my cell as we will be shopping and having lunch with my Mom and that we will see you tonight."
Daniel kissed Cynthia goodbye and hugged the boys and then left to go to the office for meetings. They were thinking about buying several office buildings in and around the L.A. area. These buildings were good deals and the corporation wanted to increase their real estate holdings in the area.
Just as they were finishing breakfast, Sgt Taylor called and the coroner deemed Ralph's death as a suicide, so case closed for now. He also told Robbie that he had a visitor two days before he died. It was his slightly younger brother and seemed rather ruff around the edges and somewhat unkept. His name was registered as Bernie. Bernie appeared to be in his early 40's. No one thought much of it although it was his only visitor except for several attorneys that tried to work with him, but to no avail.
Sgt. Taylor, of course, was invited as a guest for the party and he had accepted. He asked if he brought a guest, was it alright? "Of course, dear friend, we will see you this evening, and again thank you for all your guidance and help with this mess!"
After Daniel left, Cynthia and the boys were out the door to do some shopping on Rodeo Dr. and to have lunch at the Polo lounge. The hotel town car had been brought around with a driver for the day. Robbie and Cynthia got in the back while Tommy rode in the front seat. Cynthia had mentioned she wanted to go to LV for a new purse and wallet and then to Gucci, as did Robbie, since he wanted a couple of pairs of new loafers and a couple of belts. Also, to Hermes, for a belt for Tommy and a couple of ties. Robbie and Tommy also got a couple of ties for the dads. Robbie would treat Cynthia to a new scarf, which they were famous for, as well as a fabulously expensive Birkin handbag. Cynthia already had several of the purses and was carrying one today!
(They start at around $20,000 and up depending on the purse [been there, done that] I would kill for one of the belts but those run from $850 to over a $1000 and the leather straps alone are close to $900. Although, I do have four men's ties from there. They cost about $200 apiece and they are gorgeous!! True story, last time we were in Monte Carlo on a cruise, we went for drinks at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. We were in the lounge having a drink before a show when three young ladies came in, each carrying Birkin bags. They literally threw them on the floor before collapsing into chairs and demanded service! Over $70,000 worth of purses being thrown around? Who can figure! Anyway, back to the story.)
They arrived at Gucci and found what they are looking for. Robbie found his shoes and bought a pair for Tommy with matching belts. Cynthia really didn't find anything special, so they headed to Louis Vuitton. Cynthia chose a new purse with wallet and checkbook cover and a new make- up bag with the classic LV logo. Tommy and Robbie each choose med sized travel bags and a carry on also in classic LV style. Since they flew private, there was no worry about theft.
It was nearing noon and a pick me up was needed, so off to the Polo Lounge for a bite by the pool with large-iced teas and salads. They had their purchases sent to the hotel and delivered to their suites. They were excited about their shopping, and all were looking forward to the party that evening.
Lunch was salads. Cynthia had a shrimp salad with Louie dressing, Robbie a Cobb salad with blue cheese dressing and Tommy ordered a tuna salad. All had iced teas. They were delicious. They declined dessert. Cynthia looked at her watch and said she wanted to get back to rest a bit before getting dressed. Robbie and Tommy thought that was a great idea as well. On the drive back to the hotel, Robbie said he needed to be there by 5:00 to check on things. Tommy would go with the parents and arrive just before 6:00.
They returned to the hotel and the men escorted Cynthia to her suite. She kissed each of her sons and thanked them for a wonderful day and would see them later at the party. The guys let themselves into their suite and as soon as the door closed, they were in each other's arms, kissing. Robbie pulled back and said he had a great time shopping. Tommy agreed.
The men stripped off and laid down for a cuddle and a quick snooze. They woke about an hour later and went to shower and dress for the evening. There was a little playtime in the shower but both men decided to save it for later, after the party. They dried each other off as was their custom and picked out the suits they would wear for the evening. Robbie had chosen a classic black Armani, with a black French cuffed dress shirt and would pair that with diamond cufflinks and a black and white geometric tie, a diamond lapel pin and black suede Gucci loafers.
Tommy on the other hand, had chosen the dark blue suit from Hugo Boss, they had purchased for the wedding with a white shirt and striped tie in blue, raspberry, and white. He had also brought his sapphire and diamond cufflinks and dark blue Ferragamo leather slip-ons. The men kissed and Robbie looked at his diamond Rolex seeing it was time to leave for the restaurant. Tommy was not dressed yet and he had a bit of time yet, as it was only 4:45. One of the hotel town cars would drive him and he would come back to the hotel with his parents in the hotel limo, a dark blue Rolls.
The drive was an easy one, just a bit of traffic and they arrived just before 5:00. As he walked in he was amazed how fabulous everything looked. The Chandelier gleamed and the flowers were fantastic. The whole place looked great. The staff were checking the tables and the buffet stations were organized. The staff looked excellent in all black with white ties.
Robbie chatted with Dean, and they were both excited for the party to start. As they were talking, Sgt Taylor arrived with a striking man at his side. Sgt. Taylor (Andy) introduced the man as Gregory, his husband. The man was tall, had dark hair, was clean shaven with gorgeous hazel eyes and seemed to be very well built under his tailored dark suit. The men seemed so suited for each other. Andy was also tall, with lighter brown hair and green eyes, and equally well dressed.
Andy said they had been together for nearly five years. They had been married for two. They lived in West Hollywood where Gregory was a lawyer specializing in family/inheritance law. He was doing very well and would make partner soon.
They walked to the bar and each ordered Chardonnay. Ryan smiled and the men thanked him for the wine. As they stood there chatting, there was a ruckus at the front door and a disheveled man entered demanding to talk to some "fag named Rob," and right now! Dean asked what the problem was? He just pushed Dean away. "I want the faggot now, and I mean right now!!"
One of the staff helped move the very scared Dean off the floor. Andy stepped forward, asked what the problem was and showed him his badge. "I want that faggot Rob now. He has to answer to me for my brother's death. He walked into the bar and demanded the staff hand over cash and jewelry. Robbie stepped forward and said "I am Robbie Blackford and I had nothing to do with Ralph's death. That was his own doing. Ralph had stolen major money from the restaurant, had slandered everyone and had claimed ownership using forged illegal documents from my family corporation."
"Give me your fucking money now, faggot, as well as the jewelry you've got on!!" He waved his gun around and then shot once up at the ceiling. The shot scared everyone and one of the ladies screamed!
During this mess, one of the servers, a young man named Seth, silently walked up behind Bernie, and crashed a bottle of wine on his head. He fell like a ton on bricks, stunned. Andy stepped forward and grabbed the gun. Then he handcuffed Bernie while an ambulance was called. He was still slightly conscious as blood ran down his face. The ambulance arrived in short order and so did several policemen.
Sgt. Taylor showed his badge and told the officers what had occurred. They loaded Bernie into the ambulance while reading him his rights and placing him under arrest. He would most likely stand before a judge in the coming weeks. Thank goodness there were no guests yet. As the ambulance and police drove away, the first guests started to arrive. Several asked right away if there was a problem and were quickly assured that a guest had fallen and was taken to the hospital for observation but was not seriously hurt. Another disaster averted, thank God!! Robbie and Tommy were shaken, but it all had been handled quietly. The staff understood and were a bit anxious but went right back to work as guests were arriving at any moment.
Everything was put back in order as more guests started entering and everyone looked splendid. The dark blue Rolls pulled up and Cynthia, Tommy, and Elsa, got out help with help of the driver. Cynthia looked stunning as always, wearing a stunning midnight blue lace cocktail dress, by Givenchy with matching evening heels also in dark blue lace. Around her neck was a stunning diamond and sapphire necklace with matching earrings and her rather large 26 carat emerald cut, diamond wedding ring sparkled as well as a huge sapphire and diamond ring on her right hand and a sapphire and diamond bracelet. Thom Sr. looked stunning in his dark blue Hugo Boss suit. They made quite a pairÉ
It was a short time later that Daniel arrived, also wearing a dark navy suit from Armani and a white custom French cuffed shirt with a tie featuring different shades of blue and silver. He added diamond and gold cufflinks. He greeted his sons and kissed his wife!! Nothing was said about the incident. All the guests were dressed in similar fashion; The ladies gleamed and sparkled while the men looked sharp in their wonderful suits. Robbie greeted everyone as Hors`d oeuvres were passed and so were glasses of wine, both red and white as well as champagne.
Just then Daryl and Sam walked in, dressed quite nicely, and greeted both Tommy, Robbie and the senior Blackford's! Daniel asked Sam how the new horses were. "The delivery came this morning and if you have time, before you head back up north, I would love to have you come and see them. I think you will be quite pleased!!"
Daniel thanked Sam for his diligence and hard work. Daniel also greeted Daryl warmly and asked how things were going?
"Just great Sir and I'm happy to be at the ranch. I really love being there!"
Sam and Daryl went to mingle and meet people. They seemed to fit in well! Daryl was introduced for now as his good friend. They would save the engagement news for the next day! Some people knew that Sam worked at the Blackford ranch as head of the horse stable and for handling purchasing. He really was quite good at what he did. Consequently, he was paid very well for his efforts, and he totally loved his job!!
Tommy was chatting with friends he knew from the offices here. He looked up and standing before him were both Thom and Danielle, his parents. He was so shocked he couldn't speak for a moment. Then he asked, "Mom and Dad, why didn't you say you were coming?"
"For the simple reason, we wanted to surprise you both. SO SURPRISE!!! He grabbed his Dad and gave him a huge hug and kiss and the gently grabbed his mother and kissed and hugged her. "I love you both, play along with me." He went over and grabbed Robbie and said, "I want you to meet a couple of friends of mine." Robbie was slightly distracted and replied, "Ok Babe, and was soon standing in front of his other parents. To say the least, he was was dumbfounded! "Mom, Dad. Why didn't you let us know you were coming, we could have picked you up and gotten you a suite at the hotel!! What a grand surprise. Thank you both for coming!!"
"You think we would have missed this party given by our sons? Are you bit daft or what?? We already have a suite in your hotel and had one of the Corporate cars drive us here for the evening!"
A server passed with a tray of champagne, and each grabbed a glass. Daniel stepped up and pinged his glass asking for everyone's attention. "For those of you who don't know me, my name is Daniel Blackford. I am CEO and Chairman of the Blackford Corp. Robbie, our son, runs the restaurant side of our business and through his diligence and very hard work with his husband, our other son, Tommy Gilman Blackford, he has brought this restaurant back up to snuff. On behalf of our 10 restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area, this one in Beverly Hills and a 12th restaurant in Palm Desert, I wish to toast both our boys and extend a huge thank you. Son, congratulations for a job very well done!!!"
Tommy was standing with his husband and his parents, beaming with glee. Everyone applauded!! Robbie took this opportunity to say a few words. "Thank you to everyone for coming to our grand re-opening. After the mess we had with an interloper, who claimed he was the `new manager' and took over, firing all our wonderful help and stealing a substantial sum of money, I am just glad we caught it in time. Everything is returning to normal. With my husband Tommy, we rescued this establishment. I assure you this will never happen again!!! So, everyone please enjoy it the evening. Thank you again for coming."
The evening went as planned. Everyone was in line at different stations raving about the food and how fabulous everything looked. Many stopped to chat with Robbie and Tommy and with the senior Blackfords. The restaurant actually looked better than before, and everyone was having a good time. The food was fabulous. It was now after 10:00 PM and some guests started to leave after feasting at the huge dessert table.
Sam and Daryl had been chatting to several people and now that things had calmed down a bit, Sam asked to talk to everyone in the family about something important. "I would like to meet in the morning over breakfast and tell everyone something, if that is OK??"
Robbie then said, "That's a great idea. We will set up a breakfast buffet in our suite for 10:00 AM for eight of us. We do have some family business to discuss anyway. (He wanted to tell the parents about the near disaster just before the party) So, we will see everyone at 10:00 in the morning and come casual. The senior Blackfords left in the waiting Rolls and Elsa asked for a ride back to the hotel. When most everyone had left, Robbie called the crew together and thanked them for their hard work. There would be bonuses for everyone. The restaurant would be closed Sunday and Monday. It would be open for lunch on Tuesday. Robbie, Tommy, Sam, and Daryl shared a ride back to the hotel in a limo that had been hired. Both Robbie and Tommy were exhausted and couldn't wait to get back to their suite and collapse.
"I sincerely hope, in spite of that little bit of drama before the re-opening of the restaurant, everyone enjoyed the event and felt it was a success."
Much more to come in the next Chapter. Sam and Daryl's big announcement, the family business to be discussed and of course Gerald's retirement from the household. Stay tuned as always. Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Stay safe during the new onslaught, wear your masks, get vaccinated and please play with caution. Be yourself, be kind to and help others when you can. And, as always, huge THANKS to Allen for his hard work keeping this story readable and for posting it to Nifty, this great asset for original stories!!!
Cheers,
Your Sexy Chef