Chapter Text
July 19, 1918
Friday, 2:30AM
We have been brainstorming ideas for about as long as I can remember (5 hours). My dad gave me the family bar. I abhor him. He's always been a perfectionist, thinking he's the "big cheese". I wanted to change how the bar operated as a way to stand out from the crowd, mostly to annoy him though. I slam my head against the desk as I put the notes aside. I took a deep breath and sat upright. I guess that extra oxygen did something to my brain, because I got an idea.
"Frank, look: I know we've been doing this for an eternity, but hear me out," I assured him this will all be over soon, and told him the idea. "What if we made this bar a place where anyone can go, no matter what they look like or what they do. Imagine all the people! There are plenty of people who are scared to be who they truly are in this nation. This will be their safe space."
"Harv..." Frank whispered. "That could work!" His tone increased into a loud, more excited one. “We need to start hiring people though.”
“You're right. Luckily, I know someone.”
July 19, 1918
Friday, 3:31PM
I let out a loud yawn as we made our drive to Louis’. I told him about running the bar a while ago, and said he was willing to mix the drinks.
“You didn't get any sleep?” Frank asked.
“No, I did.” I responded. I wasn't lying, as I got…2 hours of sleep. We finally arrived, and I knocked on the door.
Tap Tap Tap.. Creaaaak.
“Who is i- WHOA! Hey Harv!” He said in shock. Why was he in shock?? I talked to him yesterday.
“Hey..?” I responded, confused.
“Never thought you'd bring a boy here…” He mumbled.
“Looey… He’s my best friend. And what did I tell you about mentioning that??” As I whisper-yelled that, I think Frank heard me, because he ever-so-slightly smiled. He must think this is funny. I felt blood rushing to my cheeks in embarrassment. I can't believe I’m friends with this guy.
“Oh, so am I not your’s?” He teased me. He always does this.
“Harvey, is this the right person?” Frank asked.
“Yes…yes it is.” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose.
July 19, 1918
Friday, 4:57PM
“I’m so glad we've agreed on something. Are you sure I don't have to pay you?” I asked.
“Nah, don't worry about it! My dad is rich anyway! He’s in the tobacco business.” He beamed, obviously showing off. He grabbed a pack of cigarettes, ‘Johnson’ Labeled on the box. He took one and lit it.
“Now THIS is the good stuff. Want one?” I took one and lit it. Frank politely refused. All there was was silence while we smoked.
“I’m heading out.” I finally said while standing up.
“I’ll let you know when we're open for business.”
“Sounds good to me!” We gave each other a firm handshake, and we headed out.
July 19, 1918
Friday, 6:10PM
We visited the bar. The inside was empty, as my dad sold all the tables and chairs. All there was was the kitchen, bar, and empty space. A bit too much empty space.
“How are we gonna fill that space?” I thought.
“Harvey.” Frank said. “We need entertainment, right?” I nodded.
“What if we built a stage! Then we could host auditions for a band, maybe even a singer!”
“This is why we're best friends.”
“I’m flattered..” He said with a smile. I like it when he smiles.
“How about we host them next week?” I ask.
“Perfect. I’ll make the posters!” We then got in the car and drove back to our dingy, temporary, home. It used to be my uncle's, until he moved to California with my aunt, where they retired. I wasn't hungry, so I skipped dinner.
July 20, 1918
Saturday, 1:24AM
I couldn't sleep. I was too nervous for this. Why would my dad just give me this business out of nowhere? I got up from my bed, quietly opened the door, and went outside. I then went to the back and climbed up a ladder to the roof. I loved this place. I used to do this as a kid…going up on the roof to stare at the Moon. I always wondered what was out there in space. Anything could be up there, just like anything could happen to my life. I could be rich in the next few decades, maybe even find a lover, and then we retire with our 2 children down by the coast. But on the other hand…I could die before any of that happens. That's life, and it's what we all experience.
“That was beautiful..!” Frank whispered, small tears in his eyes. Did he actually hear me say all of that? Of course he did, he always does that. He knows when I’m up here. It's like some sort of superpower.
“Thanks…”
“So,” He started. “Can't sleep again?”
“Yeah. What if this doesn't work? What if we get stuck? There's no one to help us, it's just me and you. I’ve been so stressed about this lately, it's affecting everything… It feels as if my life is on a cliffhanger, and it's like the end of me! I feel like everything NEEDS to be perfect because of my stupid dad, and I can’t TAKE IT ANYMORE!” There was silence, only the crickets chirping. Frank then hugged me tight.
“Hey, I know what you're feeling. I want you to know that I’ll always be there for you, no matter what. We’ll make it through this, even if it's just us.” Weird, I felt tears in my eyes. I felt a lump in my throat, and I was shaking. Am I actually crying? Dad would kill me if he saw me like this.
“True men don't cry!” He would say. But he definitely cried when my aunt died. Anyway…
“We're in this together.”
For once in my life, I felt warm.
I felt…
Appreciated.