After Dinner

This is the continuation to "Dinner" and describes how Sammy made it up to Fin.

Josefina Hale was furious with her boyfriend Sammy Metz. He had not only embarrassed the whole family, but also endangered his well-paying job as security guard at an import company. "How could you attack your boss?! Are you totally mad? What has gotten into you?!" Sammy cradled his head. He had a hangover. Sammy couldn't explain exactly why he had thought at the time it was such a brilliant idea to pitch Judo against Tai Chi. He had lost. His boss Coldham Fintan Noose III had looked at him as if he wanted to murder him. Instead he had threatened him with being fired and a law suit if Sammy was ever going to do that again. Sammy didn't plan to repeat it. The near fight had spoiled an otherwise very nice dinner. Fin, as his boss wanted to be called, had invited his team to get them to know better. He had just started his job a few days ago.
Josefina shook her head. "You have to get back into Fin's good books at all costs. If you only do one misstep he's going to fire you! Do you understand?" "Yes, I do, Josefina." Sammy's girlfriend was walking up and down, trying to figure out how they could salvage the situation. "Apologize on Monday first thing in the morning." "Alright." Sammy wasn't looking forward to that. "Maybe you could bring something to pacify Fin..." On Sunday Tamika, Sammy's eighteen year old daughter from his first marriage and living with him, had an idea. "Didn't Deante McDonnell ask Fin to get cooking lessons?" Deante was the son of a work colleague and friend Adrain Bennis. "Yes, you are right," Josefina confirmed. Sammy could remember Deante and Fin had agreed to have a lesson the next day, so it had hopefully happened already. If Sammy's behavior hadn't caused a cancellation...
Sammy called Adrain and asked if he could talk to his son. Maybe he knew more about what Fin liked.

Deante McDonnell was an intelligent, shy thirteen year old African American. Unlike his father, who was tall and bulky, he was slight and looked more like his mother Emily with light brown skin, black hair and amber colored eyes. Deante liked Sammy, so he tried to help him. He described what Fin and he had been up to. Fin was interested in locally sourced, organic food and seemed to like pastries, like macaroons. Sammy believed that was a starting point.
Returning home he told Tamika and Josefina what he had learned. Tamika rang a friend, whose mother had a stall at the University District Farmer's Market in Seattle, trying to find out which bakeries had been there. Deante hadn't remembered the name. He hadn't been that interested, because he was excited about the frozen yogurt he just had had and about the impending cooking instructions. Fitting Fin's tastes and profile Josefina and Tamika worked out Belle Epicurean would fit the bill. They were relieved when they found out Belle Epicurean had also a real shop and not just a stall. "Go there tomorrow morning and buy maybe macaroons or something Fin could like. Use your common sense." Josefina advised Sammy. He nodded. "Of course the cost is subtracted from your allowance." Finding out early in their relationship that Sammy wasn't good with money, Josefina took over the finances. Josefina gave Sammy a monthly allowance, which he could generally use as he liked, but if he ran out of money before the month was over she didn't give him more.

Sammy was standing at the counter of Belle Epicurean. He had difficulty to choose and asked for a recommendation. "Why don't you try our Belle's Buns?" The lady behind the counter showed him the brioche and explained the different flavors. Thinking hard, Sammy decided to buy 5 pecan caramel brioche buns. He shuddered when he heard the price. It hurt handing over twenty dollars. For the same amount he could get at least two dozen donuts at his favorite Krispy Kreme.

Sammy hesitated at the entrance of his work place. He really didn't want to go in. Sammy knew exactly what he had to do and he was embarrassed about his behavior. Adrain hadn't treated him differently after the shameful incident. Sammy was relieved his other work colleagues stood by him as well. Fin wasn't there yet, so Sammy had to stew a bit longer. He hoped Fin didn't hold a grudge and forgot about it quickly, if Sammy apologized and bribed him with the pastries. Fin arrived and greeted them all, pretending not to notice the tensions. At Ty Hansen's nudging Sammy knocked on Fin's door. He was invited in. Sammy's boss was cold. Sammy offered a heartfelt apology and promised he would never ever get drunk or try to start a fight. Fin replied icy: "Good." He didn't make the impression as if he was ready to forgive his subordinate. Sammy stammered: "Does... Does it have any implication in regards to my work?" "If there are no future incidents, no. If you excuse me now, I've got to catch up on a few things." Before fleeing the office Sammy gave Fin his peace offering. He felt relieved, but also angry and hurt about Fin's coldness.
Shortly after Sammy had gone back to work, Fin bought coffee for his team and shared the pastries. He thanked Sammy, to make it clear where the treats came from. It pacified Sammy and tasting his bun Sammy realized why they were so expensive.
Sammy found out Fin held a grudge and it took more than a months to be back in Fin's good books. Sammy took his boss serious and made sure he never gave him any reason to distrust him and worked hard. He even started to like Fin and was sad to see him go after a year.

©2014

Monster under the bed

This is very short, but cute. Have fun. :)

"Daddy, Daddy!" Sol Noose screamed. His father Fin woke up immediately. Sleep drunk he went to Sol's bedroom. Fin switched on the light. His son was sitting up in bed. His blue grey eyes were huge. "Are you alright, Sol?" Fin rubbed his eyes. He was bone tired. "Daddy!" Before Fin knew his miniature copy was out of bed and hugged tightly to his legs. Sol was four. His light ash blond hair stood in every direction. Fin picked up Sol. He thought his son was getting heavy. "So, little man, what's going on?" "There's a monster under the bed!" "Oh, I see." Fin thought for a moment how to deal with the situation. "Okay, let's get this over with. Can you get me your baseball bat?" Sol nodded. It was made with lilac plastic and not especially sturdy. When Sol returned with the bat, Fin stretched his hand out to take it. He lifted the bed cover carefully and looked. "Hm, seems to be gone for the moment, but I have a very good spell to make sure it's not going to bother you anymore." Fin promised. "Really?" "Really." Fin replied re-assuring. He had problems staying serious. "Okay...." Fin thought for a moment before he had come up with a rhyme. "Bad, bad monster go away! Go back to where you came from. It's much nicer over there. Swoosh! And it's gone - never to return!" It calmed Sol, who looked at his father in awe and believed him. Fin read a story to Sol and soon the little boy was asleep. His monster never haunted him again. He later remembered the incident fondly and used the same "spell", when his own children had nightmares.

©2014

Dinner

"Did your boss say what we should wear?" Ines Hansen asked her husband Ty. "He said nothing about that. Just that the dinner was going to be a casual affair and nothing too fancy." Ty worked as a security guard at an import company and had a new boss, who had invited all his employees to dinner at his home.
Ty and Ines were in their mid-forties. Ty over towered most people with his 6 ft. 5 in. heavy frame. He loved to eat, especially steak and potatoes. Ines didn't mind Ty's stomach was bulging.
Ines took more care what she looked like and spent a lot of time at the fitness center and used Botox to smooth out her wrinkles. She was reaching up to her husband's chin, had colored red hair and blue eyes.
She was also slightly more ambitious than Ty and had been upset when she heard Michael Kuraite, the head of security had been fired for being unable to solve the thieving happening under his watch at the company, but Ty, who was second in command, had been overlooked for the promotion and instead some unknown young guy had been given the position.
"I wish we could refuse. Did you tell Mr. Noose David is coeleriac?" "Yes, I did. He knew about it and promised to make sure there weren't any gluten in the meal." Having no choice Ines started getting ready to go out.


"Do I really have to go?" Deante McDonnell asked his mother Emily in a whiney tone. She nodded. "It's very important for your father to be in the good books of the new boss." "But what has it to do with me? Can't I simply stay at home? I promise I behave." "No, Deante, Mr. Noose wants to meet the whole family." "But there is nobody my age..." "You heard your mother. Get dressed appropriately and be ready in ten minutes. We don't want to be too late." Deante's father Adrain Bennis ordered, his tone allowing no further protests. Adrain was muscly and strong. He was African American like his wife and son. Emily and Deante were fine boned and light skinned, but not very tall. Deante was thirteen and drove his parents mad, when he proved to be stubborn and wanted to do things his way. Deante believed he was mature and could take care of himself. He wasn't a baby!
Deante knew his parents well enough they weren't going to budge on this one, so before they were shouting at him and threatening to take away privileges, he decided to fight another time.


"But, Dad, I promised Kendall to meet with her at the mall tonight!" Tamika Metz protested. She had been looking forward to the outing. "I know, honey, and I'm really sorry. If you go tonight with us to the dinner, you can go to that party of yours." Tamika thought about it. The high school senior was long legged, blond and had a honey colored teint. Normally her parents didn't allow her to go out during the week, so this was a real sweetener. "Alright." She considered the two or three hours the party was going to last wouldn't kill her. Tamika was also pleased to hear David and Samantha Hansen were invited as well. She wouldn't be too bored then.

Jeana Stansfield was looking forward to the dinner. She liked Adrain Bennis and his family. Ines Hansen was a bit too superficial in her opinion.
Jeana was curious about her husband Aurelio's new boss. She had heard he was her age and seemed to be interested in healthy cooking, which she was too. Jeana's mother had diabetes and her father high blood pressure. Jeana wasn't interested in going the same way, so the dark haired and brown eyed petite beauty, wanted to change her lifestyle. Aurelio, who was bulky and a former college football player, had other ideas. For him salad was rabbit food and refused to eat even a tiny leaf. Jeana thought Mr. Noose was a fresh change of wind and maybe he could influence Aurelio to consider picking up healthier eating habits. Jeana was stupid enough to bring up her concerns and Aurelio should take an example on his new boss. Aurelio reacted hurt and counterattacked. They soon were having a blazing row, causing them to be late and they forgot the chocolates, a gift for their hosts. Both were disappointed, because they had wanted to make a good impression.

When they finally arrived all the others were already there. Jeana was surprised about their hosts. She thought Fin, as Mr. Noose wanted to be called, was good looking, but his wife was plain. Fin was tall and blond with blue grey eyes. She had expected Frieda would have also model looks. She was roughly Jeana's height, black haired and had dark brown eyes.

Ines was wondering how Fin and Frieda could afford a three bed room house with views over Mount Rainier near Washington Park, here in Seattle. The rent and house prices in the area were sky high. Ines assumed the rent was either as high or more as Fin was earning in a year. Maybe Frieda had a high earning job as well. Ines was going to find out.

Deante thought he was going to be bored. As always the older teenagers wanted nothing to do with him. Somehow Deante managed to get seated near Fin. "What would you like to drink?" Frieda asked. The teenagers wanted all Cola. Fin brought in the casserole he had made. Deante was impressed. His father could make fried eggs, but that was it as far as his repertoire went. His mother Emily claimed she could cook, but her meals were always dreadful, either too salty, burned or raw. The family had agreed to have take aways or go out eating. Deante was wondering how Fin managed to cook by himself. Deante felt a bit awestruck and shy in Fin's presence, so he didn't dare asking yet.
Fin gave everyone a generous portion of the lemon chicken bake. There was also a side salad. The guests seemed satisfied. It was moreish and Deante liked that there were a lot of vegetables in it. Deante noticed an immediate difference. Normally his meals made him full and lethargic. Now he wasn't hungry and felt energized. They talked about Deante's favorite subject at school. Fin told him about his own. The guests found out Fin had been a rebellious teenager and had been sent to a military boarding school. He regaled them with a few of his adventures there. Deante liked the idea of sneaking out during the night, going to a party and never getting caught.
The theme changed to fitness and what regimes the adults followed. Fin, for example was running five times a week and trained every day in Tai Chi, while Frieda went to yoga classes and swam regularly. Deante's father and Aurelio were into weight lifting. Sammy had a black belt in Judo. The other women went to the gym regularly.
When Fin's team heard he was practising Tai Chi they thought he was a sissy. Being influenced by their father David and Samantha believed the same. Fin rose in Jeana's and Deante's esteem. Ines had never spent any thought men would be interested in Tai Chi. The rest didn't care.

Ines asked about Frieda's job. Frieda explained she was a house maker. She also said she still breast fed Casey and it was more convenient to stay at home. Most of the guests came to the conclusion Fin was from a well off family, based on what Fin had told them about his upbringing, and that he was supported by his parents. Otherwise his lifestyle wasn't possible. Some of them were a bit jealous and thought about how hard they had to work to achieve where they were.

In the end the guests also met Casey. She was wailing loudly for a few minutes before Fin went to check on her.
Parenting wasn't easy and the Bennis' and Hansens believed to let the baby cry until it stopped by her/himself. The Metzs had a different approach. They had always reacted to Tamika's crying. In each parents' opinion the Nooses were treating the issue wrongly. They reacted too slow or too fast.

Fin and his daughter were back in time for dessert. At first Casey was a bit shy. Casey took a bite from Ty's passion fruit and orange jelly and smiled broadly. After playing peek a boo with Tamika for a while she got cranky and Frieda brought her back to bed.

Deante had been struggling with his own shyness, but overcame it and asked Fin to teach him to cook. Fin agreed. He was only surprised Deante wanted to start the next day. It wasn't an issue for him. Emily gave her permission.

The evening came to an end and everyone left, but before there was some added drama. Sammy had a bit too much to drink and thought he should test if Tai Chi was really good to defend oneself from an attack. Fin blocked a Te-waza - a hand technique in Judo to force an opponent to the ground - from Sammy. For a moment everyone thought there was going to be a fight between Sammy and his boss. Instead Fin threatened to make sure Sammy was fired and that he would drag him before court if Sammy ever tried to attack him again. It brought an abrupt end to a pleasant meal. Tamika was mortified. Josefina did the right thing and apologized immediately.  Fin accepted and seemed calm about the whole affair. Josefina and Tamika bundled Sammy into their car and left.
The
 others didn't know exactly what to do or to say. Ty, being Sammy's best friend, looked for an excuse. "I think Sammy had simply too much to drink. He didn't mean it..." Seeing Fin's eyes flickering dangerously, Ty trailed off. "Can we change the subject?" Fin's voice was surprisingly gentle. Ines thanked Fin and Frieda for the dinner and complimented the flavors of the casserole. Emily and Jeana agreed and shuffled with their feet. The atmosphere was tense. Deante suddenly didn't want to have cooking classes from Fin. He feared him a bit and wouldn't dare messing around. Finally after the silence was too awkward the guests said good bye and left.

©2014

Mercy

Frieda Pianas Noose was wondering, if Fin's parents had ever shown mercy, when Fin did something wrong or perceived Fin's behavior as a misdemeanour when he was a child.
Based on his description she had her doubts. They seemed cold, unapproachable and enjoyed punishing Fin.

Fin came home when the kids were in bed. After a nice meal, Frieda couldn't wait any longer and asked him straight away what had been niggling her all day. Fin thought about it for a moment. "I can remember only two occasions. One story you know already. It was when I escaped a spanking for not studying longer than thought. The other time I was much younger and the cane had been only introduced recently..."

Fin was nearly eight. His grandmother Lil had taken him to the beach. She knew about a windsurfing tournament and thought Fin would love to see it.

He was a water baby in Lil's opinion and difficult to retrieve, once he was submerged in the element. Fin was an excellent swimmer and had started to snorkel as well.

The surprise was a success. Fin was immediately intrigued. He asked a lot of questions and wanted to learn wind surfing. "You'll have to bring it up with your parents, darling." His grandmother replied. Fin's face fell. He knew it would be hard to convince them. Fin scowled. If it would have been his brother Mike, his parents would have given in immediately and Mike would have gotten what he wanted.

Lil put in a good word for Fin. Coldham and Beverly promised to think about it. Fin was quiet about windsurfing for about a week. He mentioned it when he heard nothing back. "No, not now. You are too small." Coldham told Fin. He wasn't happy about this answer. Fin thought there must be also younger children in the sports. Because he wanted his parents know he was serious about it, he started to garner information and borrowed books from the library about the subject. When he broached windsurfing again around a month later he was brushed off. Fin bit his lip and swore he was going to be windsurfing soon. He was especially upset when Mike was immediately granted flute lessons.

Another few weeks passed and Fin's arguments weren't working. He had found out that there were children active and some had started from the age of six. Checking with his class mates Fin learned a few were having lessons.  It was frustrating. Fin was desperate to learn also a new skill. Fin decided to badger his parents. He was well aware what kind of risk he was running.
There were three possibilities. One was that Fin's parents finally gave in without causing trouble. The other two were daunting and could end up painful for him.

Fin thought his mother was the one he might had chances to win over. If he managed that he knew he had won the battle, because his father rarely refused his mother.

Every day at least once he asked Beverly if he could have windsurfing lessons. At first his mother was patient and explained to him again and again that they thought Fin was too young and the lessons and equipment too expensive. Later she either ignored him or gave him warning looks. The whole charade lasted another seven weeks. Finally Beverly lost her temper. She said angrily to him: "If I hear another word about wind surfing, you find yourself bent over, is that clear?! I've given you enough time to get over this stupid idea!" Fin fought his disappointment and tears. He let windsurfing rest for a few days, because he didn't want to overdo it and hoped she would forget her promise of a caning, if he waited. Beverly shot Fin an angry glare, biting hard on her lower lip. Fin knew immediately she was near an explosion. With forced calmness Beverly asked Fin: "What did I promise you if you didn't behave?" Fin stammered: "A ... A spanking?!" "That's right. Come here!" Fin didn't want one and ran away. He was surprised his mother hadn't told him to go to his room and wait until she had discussed his bad behavior with his father.
His mother was hard on his heels. Fin dashed around the kitchen table. He nearly managed to get to the door. Beverly snatched Fin at the last second. They struggled for a moment, before Fin had to give in. Beverly chided him: "You are a very bad boy! First of all I told you what would happen when you mention windsurfing again; second you tried to escape your punishment. I'm really upset about this! I should cane you for it until you can't sit for a week!"  Fin kept his tongue in check, but thought he would be in pain anyway for days, so his mother's wish could be easily fulfilled. Instead he tried a different tack in the hope to escape a caning. "Please, Mom, I'm sorry." "It's too late for that!" Beverly held Fin with one arm. With her other hand she struggled to open Fin's trouser button. Fin prayed she wouldn't be able to unbutton his jeans. He still pleaded with her and tried to free himself. Neither helped and finally the button sprang open. Fin's mother pulled the zipper down and lowered the jeans, followed suit by his white briefs. "No, Mom, not on the bare, please..." Fin's begging felt on deaf ears. Beverly pulled out a chair, took a seat and placed Fin over her lap. His behind was sticking up in the air. Fin's arms and legs didn't reach the floor, so he had to hold on to the chair legs. Fin was relieved. He had managed to avoid the cane. He could deal with the hand spanking. At least Fin hoped that was what he was getting. Beverly didn't wait long. She raised her hand high and brought it down. The smack echoed through the room and Fin winced. The next landed on his left cheek. Fin started to writh, because it really stung. Two more hard slaps followed. Fin burst into tears. "Ow! Mommy, it hurts!" It didn't stop the punishment. Beverly applied a few more vigorous slaps to Fin's rump. She was satisfied her son's behind was dark pink and some overlapping handprints were visible. Beverly pushed Fin off her lap. "You can get dressed. If I hear another word about windsurfing your father will take care of your punishment and I'm going to enjoy watching. Is this clear?!" Fin's hands flew to his buttocks. He sniffled and shuffled from one foot to the other before answering. "Yes, Ma'am." "Very well. Off you go." Fin didn't need to be told twice. Before he reached the door Fin had stopped crying.
Fin found his younger brother Mike grinning from ear to ear near the door. "Oh, poor baby, did you get it?" Mike teased Fin. Ignoring Mike, Fin went to his room and locked the door. He would have liked to wipe off the grin from Mike's face. Fin had done it once before. He had been soundly spanked for it and didn't look for a repeat, so Fin had learned to keep his temper in check and get his revenge later.
Fin hadn't given up his plan yet, even though he was disappointed and a bit angry with his mother and brother. When he had his emotions completely under control Fin sneaked down to the telephone and called his grandmother in Boston. He didn't tell her about the spanking, but that he hadn't made any progress with getting lessons and he really wanted to learn windsurfing. Lil promised to see what she could do.

Fin's eighths birthday arrived and with it his grandparents. Lil winked at him, when she handed him an envelope. It was a voucher for a nearby windsurfing school, entitling him to 6 lessons. He smiled broadly. Now his parents didn't have an excuse. Coldham and Beverly were dismayed, but gave in. There was no sensible reason to refuse now.

Fin took to his lessons easily. He looked forward to them and was allowed to continue, when his parents heard he was talented...

©2014

Brasserie Schiller/Goethe Bar Zurich, Switzerland

During our stay in Zurich we went also a bit of exploring along the lake.

When we were hungry we were looking for a restaurant or bar and found the Brasserie Schiller/Goethe Bar. It's opposite the Opera House and was extremely busy at least outside with every seat being taken. The customers were a mix of locals and tourists, old and very young. Brasserie Schiller made a good impression, so we decided to go inside.

The bar is to the left, the restaurant to the right.

The Goethe bar was understated and elegant, held in dark colors.

We found the bar empty and took a table at the window. There were two members of staff and soon we received the menu. My better half had made up his mind quickly and choose the Wiener Schnitzel (the real deal made with veal), while I wasn't that hungry and couldn't decide for a while what I wanted. I was torn between being a bit daring or eating something safe.

I decided to go for daring and had the Riesling Soup. We both ordered Rhubarb Schorle.

Our Schorle was getting attention from a family, who entered a bit later. The drinks were interesting, not too sour, not too bitter.

The soup was served with baguette and whole-wheat bread. It was creamy, light and the wine flavor was still there. I liked the balance of the dish.

The Wiener Schnitzel was large, relatively thick, but melt in the mouth as it should be. It came with cranberries and potatoes.

Our bill was 70 CHF (ca. 57.20 Euro or ca. 79.25 USD) excluding tip.

The staff was prompt and friendly.

We had a good time and would return when in Zurich.

©2014