June 1921
Blaine
Blaine's head rests on Kurt's chest, as he listens to his heart beating strong and steady. He wraps an arm around Kurt, nuzzling into his sleep-warm body. It's been so long since they have been able to wake up together without an alarm clock ringing loudly in their ears.
Westerville's opening night was such a huge success, launching them into whirlwind momentum where they have been rushed off their feet for the last three weeks. Sure, they each have had time off from the restaurant, but this is the first day that they both have free; they can do as they wish, together.
Last night, Blaine brought home some leftover shepherd's pie. There is no way he is spending time in the kitchen today. His only plan is to make sweet love to Kurt, twice if he's lucky. His toes curl at the images dancing in his mind, and he moves even closer to Kurt's body.
Kurt rubs Blaine's back. "Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?"
Blaine knows that what Kurt is really asking is if he had any nightmares. Fortunately, he has good news to report. "I certainly did - my dreams were filled with you."
"Good things, I hope."
"Definitely good things," Blaine assures him.
Blaine presses his lips against Kurt's; they kiss leisurely, as if they have all the time in the world, because they do. Blaine gently massages Kurt's bottom lip, memorizing its essence. Blaine licks the seam of Kurt's lips, and… the telephone rings.
Blaine groans, "I'll go answer it."
"If that's Rachel asking you to come over so that you can play the piano while she sings, the answer is NO," Kurt snaps.
Blaine grabs his dressing gown and puts it on while he dashes down the stairs to the hallway, where the telephone is located. "Greenwich Village 2214."
"Good morning, Chef. It's Beiste here. Sorry to bother you on your day off."
"That's okay, Beiste. What's up?"
"Bowery is here to make their meat delivery. They've messed up the order, and the steaks look second-rate. The delivery man insists that the order is correct."
"You were right to telephone me. I'll be there in 15 minutes."
Blaine hangs up the telephone and makes his way up the stairs. Why did this have to happen on their first day off? He enters the bedroom to find Kurt lying on the floor, doing his morning stretch routine. When Kurt lifts his legs in the air, and with bended knees, moves them side to side, Blaine can't help but ogle. It's not the first time that he considers himself a lucky man to have a lover who is so flexible.
Blaine throws on some clothes. "That was Beiste. There is a problem over a meat delivery. I'll go sort it out. With any luck, I'll be back within the hour."
Blaine bends down and presses a messy kiss to Kurt's lips. "When I return, we can carry on where we left off."
"I'm going to hold you to that," Kurt replies.
Blaine briskly walks the short distance to Westerville's, wondering how Bowery could have messed up their order. He has dealt with the meat supplier since his days at Healy's Tavern, and this has never happened before.
He enters Westerville's kitchen to hear Beiste yelling, "It clearly says chicken here, not pork!"
Beiste looks up. "I'm glad you're here. The meat order is completely messed up. We need chicken for tonight, but there isn't a roaster in sight."
"I did order chicken," Blaine confirms.
The delivery man double checks his paperwork. "That's not what the boss says. I wish I could help you, but we've run out of chicken. I was told to deliver you pork instead."
Blaine thinks out loud. "I suppose we could offer Somerset pork instead of chicken for a few nights. Now, what's this I hear about the steaks?"
Beiste holds up a steak with a scowl on her face. "This is not the rib-eye steak that we ordered - it's a chuck eye. All the fat is around the edges and not marbled through the beef. Once we grill these, they will be as tough as army boots and not tasty at all."
The grilled steak and chips is the most popular item on the dinner menu. Blaine knows that the cut of meat is critical to its success. "Where are the rib-eye steaks that I ordered?"
"I delivered our last rib-eye steaks to Healy's Tavern this morning."
Blaine clenches his fists by his side. It seems that the Healy brothers might have tampered with the meat order.
"No, I'm not accepting these chuck-eye steaks. I'd rather go to a butcher shop down the street and pay higher prices than serve an inferior cut of beef."
The delivery man takes off his cap and looks at Blaine meekly. "I'm sorry, Chef Anderson. I'm only following Bowery's orders."
"It's not your fault. Tell Bowery that I expect to see him tomorrow at 9 AM at Westerville's if he still wants our business."
Beiste folds her arms across herself and narrows her eyes. "Did you happen to see either Tom or John Healy at Bowery's recently?"
"Interesting that you asked that. Bowery and his friends went for dinner to Healy's Tavern only a couple of nights ago. Apparently, the meal was complimentary."
"I thought as much," Beiste mumbles.
Once the Bowery's delivery man leaves, Blaine instructs the staff on how to prepare the tenderloin for the Somerset pork.
"Those Healy Brothers are up to no good," Beiste exclaims.
"It looks that way, but we shouldn't jump to conclusions," Blaine replies.
"I still have friends that work there. I'll put some feelers out and report back."
"That would be great. In the meantime, I'll go out and find a butcher shop to buy the steaks. Any suggestions on where to go would be appreciated."
Jakub steps forward. "Excuse me, Chef Blaine. Do you remember the Polish restaurant that closed down at Easter?"
"Yes, of course I do. We bought all the tables and chairs from the owners."
"Well, they had a wonderful meat supplier. It's a small family business in Greenpoint - my second cousin works there. I could bring you to meet them, if you like."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Beiste, can you make do without Jakub for the lunch service?"
"I saw Harry earlier, lolling around upstairs. He asked me if there was any work for him today. He's always on the lookout to make extra money." Beiste turns to one of the kitchen staff. "Frank! Go upstairs and tell Harry that it's his lucky day."
Blaine says, "Jakub, why don't you change into your street clothes? I need to make a telephone call before we leave."
Blaine walks up the stairs to the office so that he can telephone Kurt about the change of plans. This day certainly isn't turning out at all how he thought it would.
The following morning, Kurt and Blaine walk to the restaurant in time to meet Bowery.
"So, you think the Polish meat supplier will work out?" Kurt asks.
"Absolutely. They delivered the steaks to the restaurant immediately after lunch. We'll have to take the sausages and mash off the menu, at least until they produce an English sausage that I'm satisfied with."
Kurt scrunches his nose. "No, Polish sausages wouldn't do at all."
When they enter Westerville's, they discover eight staff with their heads bowed low, lined up. Beiste is pacing in front of them like a military officer.
"Imagine my surprise when the laundry service told me that there was bright red lipstick found on a pillow case," Beiste says.
"Perhaps it's your pillowcase, Chef Beiste?" Harry suggests.
"Do I look like the type of girl who wears bright red lipstick to bed?"
"No, Chef Beiste," the men reply in unison.
"When you moved into a room upstairs, you all signed an agreement, which prohibits ladies upstairs, unless it's prearranged. It clearly stated that guests can only be entertained in the staffroom and, most certainly, not your bedrooms."
Beiste slowly walks in front of the men and continues. "I'm going to remind you of the rules. No booze... Home by midnight... No ladies. If I need to perform bedtime checks, I will. Westerville's is a respectable restaurant, and there will be no blemish on its reputation based on the goings-on upstairs. If anyone breaks these rules, they will be fired and made to leave at once. Got it?"
"Yes, Chef Beiste."
"Now, off with you all. The first shift in the kitchen begins in ten minutes."
The men quickly scamper up the stairs, their ears still ringing from the rolicking Chef Beiste has given them.
When Beiste turns around, she notices Kurt and Blaine. "Good morning, pumpkins. Sorry you had to hear that. I wanted to set things straight from the beginning."
"You're doing an admirable job managing the rooms upstairs," Blaine confirms.
Finn had completed the upstairs dormitories ten days ago, and the staff had moved in immediately. Beiste has proven that she is ideal for managing the men. Sure, she's tough, but she can be gentle as well. Only two nights ago, when Blaine was upstairs in the office, he overheard Beiste comfort a homesick lad.
"I'm absolutely positive that the laundry won't find a trace of any lipstick in the future, unless it's from your room," Kurt giggles.
Beiste smiles, "You never know."
Blaine takes care to school his expression - he doesn't even want to imagine Beiste wearing bright red lipstick.
Once they are in the kitchen, Blaine gets down to business. "How did the new steaks work out last night?"
"They were perfect. We grilled one in advance and everyone had a taste. It was delicious," Beiste replies.
"I'm relieved to hear that. Jakub and I sat down with the Nowaks, who own the butchery. With the exception of English sausages, they have everything we need, and it's of very high quality. I inspected the premises - it's a clean operation. Their prices are very competitive as well. It's the type of butchery that I'd like to do business with."
"So, are you firing Bowery's butt today?"
Blaine nods.
Beiste slaps her thigh. "Boy, would I pay a pretty penny to see the look on his face."
Kurt enters the kitchen. "Bowery is here. I sat him down at a table in a dark corner, and didn't bother to offer him a drink."
Blaine replies, "It's showtime. Come join us, Beiste."
Blaine is grateful that Bowery Butchery is the only supplier they have in common with the Healy Brothers. He can't waste his time sorting out their undermining. Once they fire Bowery, there isn't much more the Healys can do to them, right?
The following day…
Blaine is home alone while Kurt manages the lunch service. He truly hopes that Kurt can work his magic with the schedules so that they can have another day off together very soon.
He climbs up to the top floor and opens the windows to let fresh air into the space. He examines Kurt's sewing area, which has several projects on the go. There are half-made bow ties for him, and a new suit for Kurt for when they visit Westerville. Kurt is certainly going to look handsome in the double-breasted blue pinstripe suit.
He walks to the other side of the room, which holds half-empty bookshelves, and runs his fingers along the book spines, examining the titles. There are so many books he wishes to read, but he needs to find the time. He makes a mental note to pack some books for their ship voyage to Europe.
He feels a sense of dread about the upcoming war crime trials in Leipzig, Germany. It's one thing to agree to testify against the former camp director, but it's another thing to face him again. The trials will only bring up painful memories of his time as a prisoner of war… Memories that he would love to forget.
At least he has an upcoming month-long visit to Westerville to look forward to. It has already been a little more than 18 months since he left for America. How he misses his family, long rides with Firebird, Mrs Sylvester's cooking, the smell of fresh country air, English beer, and looking to the right before crossing the street.
Blaine sits down at his desk and takes out writing paper and a pen.
My dearest Mama,
I am very sorry that I haven't written to you since the restaurant opened. Although it's wonderful to speak to you on the telephone, the time is all too brief to tell you everything. I long for the day when I'm having afternoon tea in the Abbey's parlor, with all the time in the world for us to talk.
I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for shipping all the mementos and photographs from Westerville to America. Each time I walk into the restaurant, I'm surrounded by things and people who matter to me. Kurt has arranged for a photographer to take snapshots of our restaurant and townhouse, so that everyone in Westerville can see what our new lives are like.
The restaurant is going very smoothly. It helps that we have good staff who are hard-working and want it to be successful. Having the boarding rooms for the staff who need them also helps to make it feel like a family business. True to her word, Granny has been spreading the word about the restaurant to her friends during her many social engagements. We are now accepting reservations a month in advance.
Kurt is a brilliant manager of the restaurant. He's like a mini Hummel with the waiters, making sure that everything is up to his standards. He is also good at making sure that diners are having a good experience and dealing with any problems efficiently and discretely. I couldn't ask for a better business partner.
I can imagine just how busy you must be with the Women's Institute. It was wise of you to take over as patron from Grandmama. Your fundraising efforts are admirable. It's hard to believe that the Westerville strawberry jam is so popular that it's now sold at the WI market in London. I can't wait to taste it.
As the date of our visit to Westerville grows nearer, I become more excited about spending time with everyone again. While my letters might be long coming, you are as dear to me as always.
Your loving son,
Blaine
Blaine blows on the paper so that the ink will dry quickly, and then sets it aside. He takes out a new sheet of paper and writes things that are not for public consumption.
For your eyes only
As we discussed last summer during your visit to New York City, I plan to tell Father about the true nature of my relationship with Kurt during our visit. He is a very important part of my life, and I wish to keep no secrets from Father. I'm not expecting Father to take it well, but hopefully he will understand that this isn't something that he has any control over. I hope that he will learn to accept that this is who I am.
I've spoken at length with Uncle Hiram and LeRoy about their own personal experiences, which were a mixture of acceptance and rejection. I only hope that Father comes around before the end of my visit.
Kurt makes me feel so happy and settled. Like any relationship, things aren't always perfect. However, we find a way to work it out and make things better. Every day, Kurt makes me feel special, whether it's with a random act of kindness, something he says, or a special little gift. I can only hope that I make Kurt feel just as special and loved.
Your loving son,
Blaine
Blaine looks at the clock - he's not due to work at Westerville for another three hours. He goes down the stairs to their bedroom to dress for an afternoon of shopping for presents to bring with him to Westerville.
Once he's popped the letter to his mother into the corner letterbox, he decides to shoot into Westerville's to see if Kurt can spare the time to join him. The lunch service is now over, and Kurt should be finished with his ledger. If not, he can always find an enjoyable way of distracting him in the office. And if that means he'll be on his knees in front of Kurt behind the locked office door, it's nobody's business but their own.
When Blaine arrives at the restaurant, he is surprised to find Kurt surrounded by city health inspectors. "What is going on?"
The chief health inspector reports, "We had an anonymous tip that your food storerooms are infiltrated with rats. We're closing the restaurant, pending investigations."
"It most certainly does not have rats! Let me prove it to you, right now," Blaine exclaims.
The inspector replies, "I was a bit surprised myself when I was assigned to come here. It was only last month that I performed a thorough examination of the kitchens before you opened. However, we need to satisfy ourselves that the public's health isn't at risk."
While the inspectors get checklists and whatnots out from their briefcases, Kurt whispers, "What are we going to do? Half the tables are already reserved for dinner tonight."
"It shouldn't take too long for them to realize that it's all a big mistake. Why don't you sort out the lunch receipts while I deal with the inspectors."
Blaine spends the next few hours showing the health inspectors every nook and cranny in the kitchen and store rooms. There isn't any evidence of rats or other vermin to be found.
The chief inspector signs a health certificate with a flourish. "As I suspected, it must have been a malicious prank. You are now officially open for business again."
When the inspectors have left, Kurt locks the door and lets out a sigh of relief. "I can't believe that just happened."
"Do you think it was the Healy brothers who gave the anonymous tip?" Blaine asks.
Kurt shakes his fists in rage. "It was absolutely the Healy brothers! I hate them so much!"
Blaine wants to hold Kurt and comfort him, but there are staff working in the restaurant, returning the kitchen back to order after the inspection. Instead, he places a hand on Kurt's shoulder. "Deep breaths, Kurt. Don't let them get to you. They can't touch us and what we have."
Once Kurt has his emotions under control, he says, "Beiste left immediately after the last lunch order was prepared. She's meeting up with some of Healy's staff at a coffee shop for a chin-wag."
"See, we'll get to the bottom of this," Blaine reassures him.
"You didn't get this afternoon off," Kurt huffs.
"No, but this was much more important than shopping." Blaine glances at the clock behind the bar. "I still have 30 minutes before I'm due in the kitchen. Perhaps we should go to the office to discuss things…" Blaine leans in and whispers, "like how much I want your cock in my mouth."
"Brilliant idea… Stupendous… Let's get right on that," Kurt stammers.
Blaine giggles when Kurt races up the stairs. Perhaps today's black cloud does have a silver lining after all.
Author's notes FF
Many thanks to my fantastic betas - Fearlessly, Lilyvandersteen, Dblmalfunction. I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.
I'm HKVoyage on Tumblr.
Next up: Kurt seeks help from an unexpected person.
