Chapter 25 #2
When we get there, the fire pit is already ablaze, filling the air with that incredible wood smoke scent.
Gina is arranging platters of food on a huge buffet table to one side of the deck, while Wayne is on a little ladder hanging a banner that says, “Happy Retirement, Julio!” on the back of the house opposite the buffet.
Their backyard is like a postcard for suburban living.
Lyra and Taran are playing with the kids in the grass, their dogs Brody and Lilly running around with them.
Ava screeches in delight as she lets Brody tackle her and maul her with kisses.
My dad is sitting in an adirondack chair near the fire, his cane propped up on the arm rest, watching them with a smile.
Everyone greets each other, and we quickly get to work setting up our little stall. Iggy will be working the bar tonight, very happily taking time and a half pay for this entire long day of work he’s doing. By six o’clock, the guests start milling in.
I see so many familiar faces. There are a ton of people who are regulars at El Abrevadero, my dad’s close friends from his bowling team, Tia Carmen and Tio Phillip, and a handful I don’t recognize but look about my dad’s age.
Gina and Wayne got an invite list put together and had them sent out with brutal efficiency.
I helped plan the menu and prep a lot of what’s on the buffet table.
Everyone is milling around, drinking, eating, chatting, and playing corn hole.
My dad gets sincere well wishes as they all shake his hand and give him hugs.
He truly is a legend, and this send off hopefully does justice to how much he means to the people gathered here.
Celeste and I spend time sitting with him by the fire, munching on the delicious pulled pork mac and cheese, corn bread, and green bean casserole I got ready and brought over yesterday.
They just needed to bake today. I thought they would be perfect for the cooler fall weather.
Once everyone has had a chance to eat and have some fun, Wayne hollers to get the crowd’s attention.
“I’d like to say a few words about my dad, Julio.
He has been the heart and soul of El Abrevadero for over thirty years now.
You all know him as a charmer, always ready with a smile and a joke.
His easy demeanor hides what a fiercely hard worker and competitive spirit lies underneath.
He and my abuela started El Abrevadero with nothing but the best arepa recipe, an enormous amount of debt, and a vision.
The first few years were rough, and the bar barely made it.
He kept going, knowing that eventually it would catch on.
I would say it did and then some. Now he sits here ready to step aside and pass the torch to my brother.
So I’d like to raise a plastic cup to one of the greatest, most hard working men I’ve ever known.
I would be nothing without him, and I think I can speak for Gage in saying that he feels the same.
Dad, I’m wishing you a restful, wonderful retirement. Love you. To Julio!”
“To Julio!” comes a loud chorus in response before we all take a drink. Then Wayne continues.
“Now I feel like I should also say a few words about my younger brother. He has been passionate about El Abrevadero before he was even allowed to go into it. I remember him sitting at our abuela’s side as a little kid, watching and learning how to cook and combine flavors.
I may be the numbers guy, but he shares the vision and passion that our dad has, and it shows.
I can’t imagine a better person to take the bar to new heights.
I’m so proud of you, Gage. Cheers to you, brother,” he says, raising his glass again.
“To Gage!” everyone yells.
“How about it, Gage? Want to add anything?” Wayne asks.
I glance at Celeste, and she gives my thigh an encouraging squeeze. So I stand up and address the small crowd.
“Wayne, thank you for saying that. And thank you all for being here to celebrate our dad. He has accomplished so much, and his shoes are going to be impossible to fill. Dad, I am endlessly proud to be your son. I hope I’m able to carry on El Abrevadero in a way that will make you proud.”
I swallow hard, emotion clogging my throat.
“Wayne, I’d never be able to do this without you, either. Thank goodness you’re a numbers guy, because I certainly am not. I’m eternally grateful for you. You and Gina also throw the best parties, this is a wonderful night. Thank you for hosting!”
There’s a round of whoops and claps for that sentiment.
Finally, I turn to my dad again, who looks overwhelmed but happy.
“Dad, I’m sure you’d like to say a few words, yeah?”
He rises to his feet, gripping his cane for balance.
“I hope you all don’t think I’ll be disappearing. You’re stuck with this mug hanging around the bar as long as I can,” he begins to a chorus of laughs.
“It’s time to pass the torch, though, and I could not be more thrilled to leave our beloved family bar in the extremely capable hands of Gage.
You all know how much the place means to our family, and I know that he, Wayne, and my wonderful niece Diana will keep it moving forward while still feeling like the homey, family bar it’s always been.
Family is the touchstone of El Abrevadero.
Seeing my sons, their amazing wives, my grandchildren, and all of you gathered here to celebrate its next chapter makes me happier, prouder, and more emotional than I could ever express.
Thank you again for being here,” he finishes.
His voice breaks toward the end, and I’m fighting tears as I look around.
Gina and Lyra are sitting together dabbing their eyes, and they’re not the only ones.
People are clapping, tearful, cheering, and shouting their love for him.
It’s the end of an era, and so fucking bittersweet.
My dad is such a beloved figure, and like he said, he’s not really going anywhere.
It’s still an odd feeling owning the bar now instead of him.
All I can do is work my ass off to continue to make him proud.
He comes over to hug us all, gathering his kids and grandkids to him like a comforting blanket.
After the party is over and cleaned up, Celeste and I drop my dad off exhausted, making sure he’s all settled before we head home. We check on the birds, who are all snug in their aviaries with plenty of water and food.
Our clothes come off slowly once we’re in my bedroom.
Both of us are tired, our kisses lazy and sleepy as we fall into each other.
When she rides me, it’s painfully slow and sweet, our gazes never leaving each other’s.
We move together like we have all of the time in the world, and if I have my way we’ll have the rest of our lives.
Neither of us have said the words yet, but as we hold each other tightly and share our breaths, the amount of love that flows between us is overwhelming in the best way, with no words needed.