Chương 48: Book 3 - Chapter 1 B

We were having a big party at the roof of our hotel. Last year, when my Grandpa Joe learned that the family was going to move to Tulsa so I could attend university, he purchased a hotel in downtown Tulsa,. It was the first of ten hotels so far. It had needed serious renovation, having been stripped by the previous owners, which my Dad had overseen.

Part of the remodel had turned the top floor into lab space for me, the floors below into private apartments for my family, my grandparents, my friend Matt, and most recently my lawyer Jennifer Parz. But the two jewels of the hotel, the fabulous Beaux Arts lobby and the rooftop penthouse bar and lounge, were complete and would be on full display today. The working parts of The Mayo were finished and in operation. Only the new indoor pool and the full suite of rooms on twelve floors were incomplete.

Four floors of suites were complete, not including the private family level on fifteen. Today they would all be fully operational and fully staffed to help throw a giant party. The family loaded into two minivans, glossy black vehicles adorned with a white hotel logo on the side. Matt drove one, and a hotel shuttle driver drove the other. As always, I was with Matt, and sat in the back. Grandpa sat with me. Dad sat up front in the passenger seat next to Matt.

The other van carried Mom and Mattie in the back, and Grandma up front. Grandpa was gushing about how proud he was of me, "You know on my side of the family we've had College graduates, but never a Doctor. Not even a medical Doctor. My Grandfather, when he came to this country, he sold combs. From door to door, he sold combs and brushes and shoe shine kits.

"I'm so proud to have a Doctor in the family. Look at us now, with a family business and hotels. It's incredible. I can't wait to see what you do next!" I smiled as best I could. I knew this party wasn't about me, but mainly about everyone involved in my life wanting to congratulate themselves for their part in my accomplishments. Either way I was determined to have fun. We unloaded at the front of the hotel and were greeted by the valet, who took the vans away.

We were greeted next by the staff, who were lined up in their uniforms clapping. Then we went into the two lobby elevators and straight to the roof. I was the only one dressed in comfortable clothes, which had been under my graduate robes. Everyone else was very dressed up. We ordered drinks from the bartender, and I went to a server for a canapé. Once I had my pig in a blanket and my Dr Pepper, I sat at the giant white grand piano and began to play.

This way, anyone who wished to talk to me could approach, as I had a full view of the room and was visible to everyone. It would also keep the crowd away. Wedged into the corner, the piano served as a barrier. It was only comfortable for a couple people at a time to stand close enough for conversation. I looked around the room. We had rushed back so we could be here for our guests. The bar, officially 'The Mayo Rooftop Lounge,' was about 3, 200 square feet and L-shaped.

It had folding glass doors that opened onto a roof deck, providing an additional 2, 500 square feet of space in good weather. The doors were folded back, and some people were at the tables and chairs outside, while others looked out over the city. One group even took turns using a telescope mounted there to examine the city. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. I started to play softly enough not to draw anyone's attention my way.

Mom disappeared for a bit to fix her makeup. When she returned she was carrying a big wrapped present that she set on the table designated for them. I let my eyes close as I sank into the music, letting it wash over me and keeping me in the moment. There was no moment but the note being played. Each note a singular moment, always in the Now. I found it nearly as calming as Tai Chi. When I opened my eyes, Jennifer Parz, my lawyer, was standing there.

"Congratulations, John. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say hello at the graduation."

"Hi Jen, I'm glad you got back from Corning in time. How did it go?" I asked her.

"Very well," she said.

"As you requested, they purchased our license with stock, and will pay out a percentage of gross sales." She gave me a dazzling smile.

"You now own ten percent of Corning. They already have orders for fifteen million dollars' worth of product, and more coming in every day. Graphene felt filtration is the product that every sector is looking to use to cut costs. Graphene lightbulbs might take a little longer, but they are ramping up production of large flakes to meet expected demand."

"Well done. Slide in next to me," I asked her, as I slid over on the piano bench to make room. She sat as I played a little louder to hide the conversation.

"Did you mention the other three products?" I softly asked her.

"Yes, they were about to wet themselves in excitement. They didn't believe me until I showed them the samples you gave me."

"Good, I'd like the same type of deal for each additional product of mine they take on. I'm looking to acquire at least 25% of the company. Did you put the samples in the safe?"

"Of course."

"Excellent. Any song request?" I asked.

"Play my favorite," she challenged. It was a game we had started to play since she started living in the hotel. I'd ask her a question, she would say "my favorite" and I would perfectly choose her favorite. To her, I was a little mystery. To me, she was an open book. It thrilled her in a way I was too young to fully explore.

"Perhaps another day for that one. This really isn't the time or place," I told her, and began to play 'Thank Heaven for Little Girls' instead. When I began singing the lyrics in my best Maurice Chevalier voice, she burst into giggles. The louder playing and her laughter caught the attention of others, and they began to trickle my way. As I ended the song, she stood up, gave me a kiss on the cheek, and whispered into my ear, "I'll take a rain check on that song."

The spot next to me opened and as the song finished I began another. As I chatted with people, I'd occasionally invite one lady or another to sit next to me and then play a funny or silly romantic song for her. Later Matt tried to sit next to me, but I shook my head.

"Sorry Matt, pretty girls only, and you're not either." He smiled and nodded, knowing it was a joke. Eventually, a young lady sat down next to me.

"You're incredible," she told me.

"In what way?" I asked.

"I've been here from nearly the start of the party and you've been playing for hours. No notes—just from memory. And you're taking requests, playing any song anybody wants!"

"Do you play?" I asked.

"Yes, I'm the one who's supposed to be playing soft background music. I have a one hour playlist and then I have to start over."

"Then let me leave you to your job. It's about time for me to find the big manly men's room." She giggled at my joke.

"Thank you, but you're still incredible."