Brand New Day Book 6: New Horizons

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 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310410949

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: New Horizons

Book 6

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 978-0-9972795-5-9

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 grand opening of Maria Miguel’s was a success. At long last, the faithful crew finally owned a place of their own. George Achmed’s unexpected gift had changed not only the Anderson’s lives, but the lives of the crew as well.

Waking in time for the first public opening was hard. Not just for Rob, but for Miguel and Armando as well. The late night grand opening party had saturated their blood with high levels of alcohol. Now, just a few hours later, on this early morning, the pain of their indulgence was slowing their speed.

Across town, Harvey was yawning awake in a tangle of tan legs in a Holiday Inn bed. Rising to life from between the two Hooter’s girls, he wrapped his nude body in a robe from the floor.

I gotta’ call my wife. Be quiet, he whispered to the sleeping girls as he shut the bathroom door.

Rob slowly rose to the smell of fresh coffee wafting through the room. Shuffling into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes, he found Ellen at the table with the laptop open. In a moment of panic he ran over to the table slamming the lid shut.

You can't read it yet! he said in haste.

Ellen jumped back as the lid shut hard.

Jesus! I wasn't reading it. I was shopping online for to-go containers.

Turning the computer towards him, Rob laughed. Sitting in the chair, he sighed with a smile.

I'm almost done. Well, then I will have to re-write, get it all smoothed out and all. But I am almost done with the story, that's a big deal to me.

Ellen raised her eyebrows. You know I had a 4.0 in all my English classes. I can edit it for you, save you a lot of time.

Rob looked at the laptop with a silent stare.

As soon as it's done. Then I would love for you to edit it.

Ellen shrugged with a knowing smile. Whenever you're ready.

Rob looked at the clock. Shit... We open in a half hour. I am so excited about our first day of sales…. but I’m still hurting from the party.

Ellen rubbed his shoulders as she passed by his chair. Don't worry. Maria and Miguel are already here, Armando too. They got here an hour ago. I'm sure they have everything ready. It’s so nice to have such a good crew.

Agreeing as he dashed down the hall, Rob took a fast shower as Ellen dressed for work. Dressed and ready, the two headed downstairs to the cafe for their first real opening to the public.

The sounds of Freddie Mercury singing scales from a live version of Under Pressure played on the speakers as Rob and Ellen walked in. Rob walked behind the bar as Miguel peeked out of the pass window.

Maybe we should play some Mexican music instead of rock, Rob said as the song kicked in.

Miguel shrugged. People like dees. You will see. Gringos don't like real Mexicana, that old ass music the Mexican joints play ees stupid. We all agree on dees music. We just keep eet real.

Fine with me, Rob said as he stocked ice behind the bar.

I wonder when the reviews will be published? Ellen asked.

I don’t know about all of them, but the one should be online today. I'm going to see if it’s up yet, Rob replied as he swiped his phone.

Ellen watched in anticipation, Maria came to her side. Miguel and Army peered in from the kitchen window. Scrolling on his phone, Rob found the review about Maria Miguel's and began to read aloud.

Attending the grand opening of the tiny Covington eatery I was…

He trailed off as he read on. Blah blah blah, he said as he read the unimportant introduction. Here we go, he said as the staff’s eyes stared in anticipation.

Unlike the typical hundred item menu Mexican restaurants usually feature… This menu is short but sweet. Chock full of the traditional favorites, there is more authenticity to discover here on this twenty-item menu than you’ll find on the giant menus you usually see. Enchiladas, tostadas, fluatas, stuffed peppers, tamales, and of course, the quintessential taco… just to name a few. The traditional décor rings true to the authentic theme. One look at the ingredients will tell you this isn’t your average fare… cactus, handmade tortillas, rich mole and zucchini flowers give you the idea, this is something outside the norm.

Miguel smiled at Maria as he heard the list. Rob read on.

I went with a few simple tests for the kitchen; an enchilada, a tamale and a taco...

As Rob read, Maria whispered to Ellen. I remember that order, that lady was rude, she left only a dollar tip.

Rob read louder as he got to the food quality.

One thing that stands out right off the bat is the simple tortilla. Nearly every Mexican dish features them but these are very different. My server explained that Maria Miguel’s tortillas are all handmade daily. One bite and you will know she wasn’t lying. Thicker than usual and cooked on a stone to a light char, these richly flavorful fresh made tortillas make you realize why Mexicans love them so much. I never cared one way or another about tortillas before, until I tasted these.

Armando ribbed Miguel. I cook the tortillas… after Mamma was finished.

Nodding Armando’s way with a wink, Rob read on.

My enchilada featured the fresh tortillas wrapped around tender shredded roast beef (borrowed from the roast beef dinner I am guessing). Stuffed well and topped with a dash of white cheese, they looked larger than usual, partially due to the thick handmade shell no doubt. The savory flavors were layered with spices and highlighted by a rich dark red sauce with a touch of fresh crème on top. The whole thing screamed real Mexico. After one bite, I came to realize this indeed might be my first taste of real-deal Mexican cuisine.

Ellen beamed with pride as she sat smiling at the two excited cooks at her side. Rob smiled along with her then continued to read the review.

It's hard to find a tamale at all these days, when you do, you can bet it's a frozen store bought variety too. Not here. These thick beauties were unlike any I have had to date (even better than the one's I had in Cancun). Light moist cornmeal dough surrounds the roast beef inside. Wrapped in a traditional banana leaf and steamed, these are the most luxurious, delicious tamale treats you may ever find, at least in this city to be certain.

Miguel clapped his hands as Maria hugged him. I make-a those tamales!

Rob paused, looking his way. You do a damn fine job too my man.

Miguel listened close as Rob continued.

"Last but far from least, the humble taco. Usually a taco’s flavor is all about the toppings. Again, like the other dishes, this one stands out with its superb double soft corn shell. The fresh made tortilla is the star of the show.

Mine was ordered with chicken but you can choose from beef or fish of the day as well. My initial reaction was ’This looks too simple to be great’. The char-grilled chicken was shredded and lightly drizzled with a nearly clear green tomatillo sauce. It was dressed with only a pinch of diced onion and a heap of fresh chopped cilantro on top.

Unlike most tacos, there was no cheese, sour cream, tomato, lettuce or hot sauce. This seems like a bummer… but in fact, it was a revelation. The slightly puffed tortilla's flavor was not masked by too many ingredients. It was instead, highlighted by the medium spiced meat, the light sauce and the vibrant cilantro.

One bite and I can clearly see why the Mexicans prefer these to our burgers. It makes you wonder how our American version of the taco ever became so terribly distorted from the real thing."

The staff was all smiles as Rob finished reading the review.

"This new Covington eatery may not have the trendiness Nada currently enjoys, but the food, oh the food! These folks know tacos people.

If you have ever wondered why you never see Mexicans eating at Mexican restaurants, try Maria Miguel's. Odds are you will lose your taste for the usual Amer-Mexi fare and fast. This is as good as it gets.

I wouldn't be surprised to find out there is a Mexican grandma in the kitchen dishing out these Old World recipes. Prices are decent, super cheap for the quality in fact. But don't come here expecting to spend under ten dollars per person, twenty is more in line.

The menu is not extensive but after the three selections I devoured, I will need to return to try the remaining specialties. A full bar is available too. I wasn't able to add any alcohol to my order on this trip, but I did overhear the table next to me talking about their margaritas (which looked much different from the norm). The couple raved about their unique drinks all through the meal (nearly annoyingly).

Maria Miguel's Mexican Cafe is open Monday-Saturday from 10-10. Reservations are encouraged but not required, but with food this good and only twenty five tables, you might want to call ahead anyway, especially on the weekends."

Rob sat the phone down on the counter, grabbing Miguel by the shoulders.

Did you hear that my amigo? Mamma's recipes are a hit! You and Army, you-cook-a-da-best! he said, imitating Miguel with a smile. Okay guys, that’s one review down, three more to go and we will should see the results in our sales. We can't slow down now. Let's make certain every plate is perfect. Ellen, Maria, you do the voodoo you do best. Just keep up the good work you're doing now, great food don't mean squat without great service.

Finishing with hugs all around, the staff dispersed away happily to their positions. Within minutes, the first paying customers came in the door.

Chapter 2

By noon the dining room was full, as was the bar. Rob worked with great haste to run the pass window and bartend at the same time. Ellen was feeling the pressure of her work as her baby girl kicked against her belly as if to say... Stop with all the rocking! Sit down and let me sleep!

Just after the rush, Ellen told Rob she needed to go upstairs to rest.

Rob watched her face as she walked up the steel stairs. He knew she had to stop working, but the crowd had been steady, especially for the first day.

Army! Rob called out from the pass window.

Armando jogged over frowning. Eets not ready! I just put it in! he replied quickly in his defense.

Jesus, relax amigo. I just want to know if you can find us a good server to take Ellen’s place. A good server Army, Rob said seriously.

Armando smiled, nodding. Si. I already have one.

Rob looked at him with surprise. You do? Who?

Army patted his chest with one hand. My señorita Amanda. She was saying at the party last night she wished she could work here.

Rob scowled. What about Applebees?

Army waved him off. She's tired of it you know. They give her a lot of bullshit sometimes. Plus, she only gets like three tables. Besides, she wants to work here, with us amigo. She’s really good too.

Rob had concerns. Jealousy can rear its ugly head in a restaurant environment easily.

Can you two work together? he asked. I don't need to hear any shit about some guy flirting with her or something.

Army laughed. Everybody flirts with her. She’s hot you know. We go to Pubs all the time, we have no problems, we know what’s what.

Rob nodded. "Okay, call her and see if she can come for the dinner