? Operation Freckle’s Brilliant Plans
? Penny may be smarter than me
? Freckle’s sexy ideas
? Operation she has a boyfriend.
I stopped for a moment as the thought of her boyfriend hit home. Fuck.
? Project who cares about her (ideas)
? Operation Penny’s bright ideas and stupid love life
? Operation this is fucking pointless
I give up. Her plan of attack would be just that. An attack I wasn’t expecting. One which took me by surprise, freckles and all. Operation Fix This Bar and Leave Me Alone. I shoved the clipboard away from me and blew out a defeated breath.
After my failed attempt at a list, I called the fan company to have the oscillating fans installed.
Next, when Seth and Henry arrived, we spent the whole morning rearranging the patio furniture.
Penny suggested the patio could use a makeover, and more tables could be added to accommodate more guests.
Funny thing, the extra tables and chairs were in the storage room. The previous owner took them out because he didn’t like the Feng Shui it created.
I, however, wanted to fill the seats, not harmonize with the universe.
A sign company to change the name was next on the list. After a quick phone call, the paperwork was taken care of to bring the Lopa to life.
Next, I went over a new menu with the head chef, Hector. We decided to serve sexy tapas as opposed to the fried, greasy garbage we slung out on a daily basis. As soon as I gave Hector the freedom to create whatever he wanted he came alive with enthusiasm.
His Spanish heritage had the small bites and appetizers appearing a lot more delicious than the previous menu.
The next day he made a few of the dishes and let the staff try the cuisine.
We dined on Ceviche, Ensaladas, and even Pulpo A Las Brasas.
Hector explained with a diverse menu of high-end tapas we would bring in a new class of guests, and this type of menu would showcase the Latin community of Miami.
The menu not only featured tapas, it also had family-style dishes of Paella, Albondigas, and Coctel Marino.
When Penny arrived, our eyes met, and I quickly squashed the feeling of rejection from a few nights ago and called her over to try some of the food.
“Try the Pulpo,” I said, handing her a fork.
“Looks good. What is it?”
“Octopus.” I laughed as her freckled nose turned away from the food. “It’s good, I promise.”
She was adventurous and I watched her try a small piece. “You’re right. Hector, good job,” she said, smiling to the chef in his white coat.
“Penny, can you help draft a few cocktail menus for the days of the week promotion in the office? Seth can handle the bar right now,” I said.
“Sure. I’d love to.”
She left down the hallway and I returned my attention back to Seth and Henry.
“Let’s grab a few of the new chairs, guys. The installers for the fans should be here tomorrow or the next day, so it should be real nice out here soon,” I said, surveying the back porch deck.