Brand New Day: Book 3 - Square One

By Wren Rogers

Intended for an adult audience, The Brand New Day series is a seemingly true romantic adventure tale of greed, lust, loss, love, misery, success, setback and plain old bad luck. Set in the backdrop of the downtown streets and back alleys of Cincinnati Ohio & Newport Kentucky, the story begins on The Good Ship Cincinnati, the hottest floating dining destination on the riverfront.

Twenty six year old Ellen Addison is a hard working, lonely server longing in sad silence for the Good Ship's handsome Chef Rob Anderson. Rob is a seriously talented carefree chef, newly transplanted to Cincinnati from New York. Hard twelve hour line shifts followed by hard drinking at the bar fills most all of his time. When a mysterious stranger enters their lives aboard The Good Ship, life takes an unexpected turn. Along with their crew mates, Ellen and Rob's fate becomes forever changed while working at the popular riverboat restaurant. Sex, lies, tragedy and true love tangles their futures and twists their fortunes in ways no one could have imagined.

Graphic, blunt, brutally honest, and occasionally offensive, the series is an uncensored 'Rated - R' fictional biography of hard living service workers and the crazy career they have either chosen, or somehow become stuck in.

Written with factual geography, businesses, street names and locations, the series stays true to certain facts from beginning to end. The realistic backbone of the story is intended to transport the reader deep into the bowels and belly of the beastly reality of cooking, serving and struggling to earn a living in the public service life. A tale often told, but not commonly presented as it really is.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wren Rogers
• Release date: Jun 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311255884

Wren Rogers

I write, cook, wrench, cycle, study, paint, sing, pet, smoke, philosophize, shoot, savor, think and drink. I have many regrets and few accomplishments. My never-ending passion for becoming closer connected to the souls I love fuels my vigor for life even though my failing physique frequently falters my efforts and endeavors. I claim allegiance to nothing aside from family & friends and forgo all political affiliations in favor of true freedom. I never judge another and forgive when judged by others. At 46, I have begun to understand the world around me and realize we will never achieve uniform peace. I am not under the influence of illusions, fantasies, false hopes or illogical faiths. I wish the people who do good well and the people who don't Hell. I never kill or consume any slain souls to feed. I respect every form of life and wish the rest of the world would understand that all souls have beauty and should never be treated as food. I hope the bottom rises to the top and the separation of classes would crash. I don't believe in anything more complicated than positive and negative, with positive being the superior force. I strive to live by own moral code based on choice rather than fear and hope to die by my own choosing.

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Brand New Day: Book Three - Square One

Copyright © 2015 by Wren Rogers

Published and distributed by Eastside Publications

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief (cited) quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN 978-0-9972795-2-8

website – www.wrenrogersbooks.com

email –[e-mail]

The Brand New Day series is a work of fiction based certain facts. With some exceptions, the businesses, streets, buildings, bridges and other historical and geographical details are factual.

In some examples, characters may use foul language, engage in explicit sexual acts, violence and other illegal activities. Characters may abuse drugs and alcohol, use racial stereotyping, bigotry, and make offensive racial remarks and or actions. The viewpoint of these characters is not in any way related to the personal viewpoints of the author.

None of the content in this book, or any in the series, was intended to offend, anger, profile or otherwise cause any gender, race, color, creed or doctrine harm or distress.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

More Books in the Series

Author Bio

Chapter 1

The familiar Cincinnati skyline came into view as the Leer jet descended through the clouds towards the runway. After the plane touched down, it taxied to a private hanger. Despite their bruises, wounds and limps, the weary group trudged down the stairs, their feet finally on the ground after a nearly continuous flight from Tokyo. Stepping out of the airport terminal into the humid Ohio heat, the foursome sank into the seats of The Caller’s black Mercedes Benz.

Speeding away, they relaxed in unison. They were finally home. The past thirty hours had been a blur of quick refueling stops, cold sandwiches, hot coffee and haunting memories of Vietnam. Resting in the cool conditioned air of Benz, their terrifying experience in Can Tho faded into the background like some forgotten waking dream.

As instructed by George, The Caller drove Rob, Ellen and Maria straight to The Ship. Rob realized where they were going as they neared the riverfront.

We can’t go straight to work now! Are you crazy? We need to change and shower and rest. Jesus what kind of crisis could be going on in a damn restaurant?

The Caller stayed his course.

My instructions are to take you directly to George. From there, it's between you and him, he replied calmly.

Rob sat back in silent frustration, wondering why they were needed so badly on The Ship that George bothered to whisk them home in a private jet. Pulling in, George was waiting in a haze of cigar smoke at the end of the gangplank. The Benz stopped as he walked up to the door, leaning into the window.

Welcome home Chef Rob! George said cheerfully. Miss Ellen, it’s good to have you back. I hear you had quite an adventure bringing your sister to America. I worried I may never see you return. I’m happy to see you both made it back home with her safely.

Ellen smiled. You’re help was a lifesaver, literally. I cannot thank you enough, she said smiling from the back seat.

Maria sat silent. Rob looked at George with aggravation.

I really appreciate your help too George, but I can’t understand what the big deal is with bringing us straight here. We need to at least get showers and fresh clothes before we come back to work. We just landed from a thirty hour...

George cut him off. Of course, go home take your showers, then return here in two hours. You have much preparations to do for tonight. I want your best creations, every detail to perfection for a very important party. Miss Ellen, I will need you as well. I have heard so much about your excellent skills. I need my best and brightest server for the party tonight.

Ellen nodded. Of course, we owe you so much. I would be happy to serve the party tonight.

George nodded with satisfaction. Do you have any funds remaining? he asked.

Not a dime. It was all stolen. It’s too terrible of a thing to even talk about, Rob replied.

Taking his wallet from his breast pocket, George took out three hundred dollar bills, handing them to Rob with a nod.

This will help get you by until payday.

Thanks George, we are more than thankful for your help, Rob said as he passed the bills over to Ellen.

Smiling, she thanked him as well. George tapped the roof and The Caller sped off.

Where to? The Caller asked.

I could stop by my place, grab some clothes and head home with you, if you don’t mind that is, Rob said to Ellen.

Ellen beamed with a smile. Sure. I will get Maria settled in dad’s room while you get ready.

Cool, Then lets head to my place. 210 Main St. if you would please, Rob said to The Caller.

I wonder what is so important about this private party? Ellen asked as they rode along.

Rob was just as curious. I have no idea, but I’m glad to get back to work.

They both pondered what importance the party had as they drove on. Shortly, the driver stopped in front of Rob's apartment building.

I’ll be back in two minutes, Rob said, dashing from the car.

Standing at his door, he was fishing pockets for his keys when Terry, the building manager appeared.

Hey Rob, Terry said downhearted. Man I hate to tell you this but your rent was due yesterday. The owners are selling the building and everyone even one day late on rent is evicted. I put your stuff in the basement instead of on the curb. I feel real bad about it but my hands are tied.

Rob hung his head. All my stuff is down there? he asked, as he headed down the stairs.

Eyeing the pile, Rob gathered his whites and what he could carry from the items.

I will be back tomorrow to get the rest. If that's okay? Rob asked.

Terry looked embarrassed. Sure no problem. I will keep the door locked. Man, I'm so sorry.

Rob thanked him and carried the load back to the car. Stuffing his clothes into the car, he shut the door.

Looks like I'm homeless, Rob said.

Ellen leaned to his seat. Why? What's going on?

I guess I was late on rent. Now I'm out. Something about the owners selling the building, he replied.

Maria will have my dad's room. You can move in with me and share my room… if you want, Ellen said as she looked at Rob with a nervous smile.

Rubbing her leg. Rob agreed and thanked her. Sitting back in the seat, he relaxed.

That sounds great Ellen. We can spend a lot more time together now, he replied.

The stress of the eviction quickly faded with the notion of being so close to Ellen daily.

At Ellen's apartment Rob showered while she got their clothes ready. The Caller waited impatiently on the sofa. Rob came out dressed in his clean whites as Ellen took her turn in the shower.

Rising off from his seat, the Caller looked at Rob. I am going to a hotel after I drop you two off. I hope I don't have to come looking for you.

Rob shot him a smirk as he tied his shoes.

Why would you need to come looking for me? I’m not going anywhere except to work.

The Caller nodded then turned to the door.

I will be in the car. We need to get going. Get ready and be down in a few minutes so we can go please.

Ellen rushed to get ready. Before leaving, she showed Maria her new room. Smiling, she handed Maria her coveted quilt.

This is a quilt your grandmother made. I know you never met her, but I want you to have it. It always brings me peace. While we are gone you can set up your room any way you like.

Taking the quilt in hand, Maria thanked her.

Handing Maria her cell phone, Ellen explained its functions, showing her how to call Rob.

If you need to call, swipe the screen like this… then press here. Then just touch Rob’s name. When you’re done talking, press the red button. Don't let anyone in. This is your place too now so just make yourself at home and I’ll see you in a few hours. I will come straight home, but it could be late.

With a sad heart over having to leave so quickly, she gave Maria a warm hug and a goodbye before she headed out the door.

As Ellen left for The Ship, she wondered what Maria must have been thinking about her new home. Just a day ago, she was a dangerous guard in a drug gang, living as man from birth. Now she was in Newport Kentucky, and finally free to unwrap her breasts and dress as woman. Maria waved from the patio as The Caller’s Mercedes pulled away from the curb.

Chapter 2

Walking into the lobby beside Rob, Ellen felt a strange sense of home about The Ship. She had always liked working here. The Ship made up the best years of her server career to date. George greeted them with a smile as they walked in.

Miss Ellen, Chef Rob, I am so glad to see you. Come, we have much to prepare, he said, with his arms outstretched. Waving, he motioned them over to a table.

Miss Ellen, tonight will be an easy night for you. I have a special party to entertain. I want you to be the one to take care of all their needs. You need not concern yourself with any duty tonight or any tables other than this one.

Ellen looked at Rob with surprise. Okay so what else will I be doing? she asked George.

George put a hand on her shoulder. Nothing. You will attend to these guests and no one else.

Ellen smiled. Cool, that's easy. What time will they be here? she asked.

They will arrive around eight. I want you to prepare the tables, polish every plate, glass, fork and spoon for the table's needs. Iron the linen, clean and organize the table. Then, you may relax, or eat a quick meal, until you are needed for service.

George took his wallet from his breast pocket.

Here is three hundred dollars. There will be no charge to my guests, take this so there is no need to be concerned with the gratuity.

Ellen thanked him, waving the money to Rob with a smile. Nearly stone-broke, they were both relieved at the generous offer.

Turning Rob’s way, George smiled. Chef Rob, tonight I want my guests to experience your finest creations. Nothing from the menu, and please serve those decadent cheesecake desserts tonight. You must make every effort to…

He explained his wishes as he walked with Rob to the kitchen. Ellen was excited. With George’s tip, plus the money he gave them earlier, they already had $600. That would hold them over until payday. She couldn't wait to get back home and take Maria out to shop for a few new feminine clothes. Even though her head was still shaved, Ellen was certain she could make Maria look more lady like with proper dress.

Walking to set up her table, Ellen felt giddy. She was good at this. She was comfortable in her element here. Charley shot her a cold stare as she walked up to Ellen’s table.

George wants you to wait on this party. I don't know why he thinks you are the only one who can do it, but whatever, she said with a dismissing wave of her hand. You're here now, so you might as well get to work getting the table ready, Charley said as she stomped off in her usual trot.

Tonight, Charley’s attitude didn’t phase Ellen’s emotions. Charley no longer had the power to upset her. The adventure in Vietnam had changed Ellen forever. She was much more confident now in whom she was, and what she was doing.

Welcome back Elle! Jules yelled from behind the bar.

Oh hey! I missed you Jules, Ellen said as Jules leaned to hug her.

Jules shot a glance Charley's way as she passed by the bar.

Look who's the boss now, Jules whispered. Weird huh? Our worst server ever is now our worst manager ever.

Ellen raised her eyebrows. That’s a serious promotion for Charley. It didn’t seem to change her much.

Jules laughed. Nope, still a real bitch. I bet she will be asking you for help soon. She's all worked up over not being able to make sense of the manager reports or something. She keeps asking me stupid questions about transferring tabs and stuff.

Shrugging, Ellen was unconcerned. Not my job to teach her. I'm just a lowly server right?

Jules agreed. Yeah, a lowly server she doesn't want around to make her look bad.

They both laughed together in unison.

Hello's and handshakes surrounded Rob as he walked into the kitchen. Miguel hugged him immediately.

Amigo! So good to see you my friend.

Armando went into a rap about Rob.

My Amigo Rob is back on the boat, our first class chef, he aint no joke…

Rob laughed, patting him on the shoulder.

I gotta’ bad ass spliff for you amigo, Armando said, smiling slyly.

"Thanks Army, it will have to wait until after we close. We have special guests onboard tonight.

Miguel agreed. Si si. Señor George chewed us out bad the last time they were here. He says we don't cook eet right. He says we're too slow. He says my desserts suck too.

Rob slapped him on the back.

No sweat amigo. I am cooking tonight, and you are manning the pass. No… wait, Micah is manning the pass. You and I will cook. Can you handle that Micah? Rob asked teasingly.

With a smirk, Micah replied. No big deal to me. Less burns on my beautiful youthful skin.

Rob laughed. Yeah yeah yeah, you're so fucking pretty with your flowing long hair. Get ready to work your narrow ass off hippie. You’ll be the last to see the plates before they hit table. Anything returned is your problem. I expect zero mistakes tonight. Zero!

Miguel clapped his hands hard. That's my amigo! Chef Rob, here only a minute and already on our ass.

By the time the kitchen was to Rob's acceptance, the orders started coming in. Micah called them out half-heartedly.

Uh let’s see… a rib rack, a filet rare, a cod and a… another rib, make that two ribs.

Turning from the grill, Rob stared at him with a dead still scowl.

What the hell was that? ‘A rib rack, and another rib rack, make that two…’ Are you trying to screw us up already?

Micah shrugged embarrassed.

Try it again hippie, Rob barked back.

Like an angry drill sergeant, he spoke loudly at Micah’s face with authority. It goes like this… One rib! One filet bloody! One cod! One rib! Two ribs all day!

Micah called it back as Rob instructed, nodding his head at the end, as if to say, ‘I get it now.’

As Miguel covered the grill with sizzling meat, Rob stepped away to prep his desserts. He felt a renewed sense of pride in his art. He took the time to make certain every aspect of the preparation was to perfection. He didn't know who George's guests were, but tonight, they would dine like kings.

Taking out his knives, Rob began trimming a pretty piece of beef. His eyes focused on the knife’s slice. The special cut rib eyes were going to be soothed in a sauce from the marrow of the roasted bone. After the trimming was done, his sharp blade delicately transformed carrots into rose petals, placing them beside fresh zucchini blossoms. The bright yellow blooming beauties would look stunning against the dark rich sauce. The delicately flower-decorated food he’d seen in Vietnam was already influencing him, encouraging him to add an extra dash of colorful art onto every plate.

The big Hobart mixer slowly spun Rob's secret recipe filling for his fried cheesecake dessert that had been such a hit. Scraping long vanilla beans into the mix as it turned, Rob could smell the mixture come alive as the bean pulp was beat in.

Micah called out from the pass loudly. Chef! More orders.

Rob switched off the mixer, stored the bowl in the frigid walk-in then dashed to line to help Miguel. Micah called out the new orders with authority now.

One crab app, one shrimp, one cod, one cod, one filet bloody and one rib! Two cod all day!

Rob confirmed with a respectful call back, as did Miguel. Micah smiled with satisfaction as he arranged the new tickets.

Order after order stacked up along the ticket rail. By six thirty, four feet of yellow tickets hung on the line, fluttering from the fan. Rob's team was in a new groove thanks to his guidance. Knocking the orders out with amazing speed and timing, even the servers commented on the flow.

Good to have you back baby! Heather yelled out to Rob behind the line. Food has never come out so fast, and it looks so good too!

Charley however, never even offered a ‘Hello’. Walking up to the line, reading her phone, she spoke out to Rob without looking up.

George wants the party's food to be perfect. So don't fuck it up, and don't let it slow down the other orders either.

Without another word, she silently walked away, never once looking up from her phone.

Miguel looked at Rob with a smirk over her attitude. He backed away from the grill as it flamed high. Laughing, Miguel shook his head.

I love that Charley. There's nobody I'd rather smack, he said.

Rob looked over with a wink at his comment.

You know you want her. Admit it Miguel, you want her bad don't you? Rob teased.

Miguel shrugged. Si, if she wants to give eet up, I will give her a ride on this Mexican Stallion, he said as made a riding motion, whipping his meat tongs against his hip.

Rob laughed at the sight of it causing Micah to laugh and Miguel to laugh louder.

Reaching to push the swinging door open, Charley heard the crew laughing loudly as they looked her way. Turning quickly, she shot them a cross face.

What the hell are you guys laughing about now?

Rob stopped laughing and smiled.

We were just talking about you and Miguel getting a few drinks after work and going back to his place... he replied.

Miguel made kissing motions as he spoke sexy words to her in Spanish.

Charley snarled her lip as she turned back to the swinging door. God you guys are so disgusting.

The line burst out loud with laughter again just as the swinging doors closed behind her. The evening was off to good start. Spirits were high throughout The Ship for everyone, everyone except Charley.

George looked at his watch. His party would be arriving any minute. He walked around the tables with intense scrutiny. Inspecting the carpet, the linens, the glassware and silverware, he found everything perfect. Ellen was silently buffing extra silverware, wine and water glasses, stacking them on a nearby vacant table in case they may be needed. George looked at the extras with a smiling nod of approval.

Very good. Very good indeed. I see why your coworkers praise your professionalism. Miss Ellen, you say very little. But your quiet actions give me much confidence. These tables look excellent, and I see you are well prepared as well.

Ellen looked over the tables, then at George.

I’m not sure I deserve any praise. The tables look just as they should on any given day. They are all supposed to look this way for every customer. Who wants to sit on a seat with crumbs? Or put fingerprint-smudged glasses against their lips, or water spotted silverware in their mouths? I didn't train at an Olive Garden. I've worked fine dining since college.

Sliding an arm around her, George thanked her with a quick pat on the shoulder.

And I am very appreciative that you have. I am also very appreciative to have you here with us again.

Ellen smiled. She already liked working for George. She had never liked any restaurant owner before. Ellen didn't know who George was. But he was definitely different than any owner she had ever met in the past. Plus, he had saved not just her life, but Rob's and Maria's as well by sending The Unknown Caller to their rescue in Vietnam. Feeling confident about her new job, her budding new romance, her newfound sister, and her mysterious but gracious new employer, Ellen's spirits were soaring.

Chapter 3

The reflection of The Good Ship rippled on the rolling waves under the light of the shining moon. Like black liquid night, the water danced, swirling around The Ship as the diners onboard indulged in Chef Rob’s creations. The Harden Restaurant Group party pulled into the valet entrance in a Cadillac rental car. Walking to the gangplank, the smiling CEO’s eyes scanned the glittering riverfront as he got his first look at The Good Ship Cincinnati. Under the moonlight, the water sparkled, shimmering with lights from the boat along its edge. He was instantly impressed.

Damn nice location, he thought to himself as he scanned the serene scene.

George had instructed the hostess to seat the Harden party immediately on arrival and alert Ellen the second she sat them. As the party walked into the lobby, the young hostess showed them to their waiting table with an extra exuberant smile. Ellen