All I Want for Christmas

Joe's Bar and Grill South Lake Tahoe

The drive was breathtaking. The continuous climb overlooks the amazing American river racing down from the majestic mountains. There was just enough snow to turn the transcendent trees into a perfect panorama of a winter wonderland, but not so much snow as to make the roads risky. The climb climaxes at Echo summit with a vivid view of Tahoe. From there it is a declivitous descent to the town, then a short drive around the southern end of the lake to the Nevada side and Joe's bar. 

Roger pulled into Joe's parking lot suggesting they make a rest stop and grab a bite to eat.

"I'm not really hungry, Roger. And brrrr, it's cold out there. I'd just as soon stay in the car and head for home." Aastha wrapped her arms around herself to emphasize how cold she felt.

Roger gave her a look that left no question that they were going in. He tried to encourage her saying, "It will be warm inside, and they have great brrr-ittos and I know you like your brrr-andy." Roger emphasized the brr shivering and hugging himself. "So don't be — I mean don't brrr ridiculous." Roger said getting out of the car. The air was crisp and there was a dusting of snow on the parking lot. Roger got the wheelchair out of the trunk, unfolded it and tested if it was going to skid on the light snow. "The wheelchair should be okay," he told them as he and Ritu helped Aastha into it. He continued to explain to Aastha, "Besides, I'm hungry, I have to pee, and I have some friends here I want to visit with."

Aastha visibly tensed up when Roger mentioned friends. To her that meant strangers and she really wasn't up to that. They hadn't told her she would have to meet new people. She thought they were just out for a scenic drive.

"Relax, they are just some friends I made when I was working a job up here. I think you will really like them." Trying to distract her Roger continued, "Hey Aastha, why was the snowman rummaging through the bag of carrots?"

"He was picking his nose," Aastha sighed. "Now get me inside and no more old dad jokes."  

As they entered the bar/grill a sixty something older woman ran up to Roger and hugged him. It was Jolene the manager. "Where have you been boy? We haven't seen you in forever."

"Hey Jo. I've missed you too. I'd like you to meet some friends of mine. This is my girlfriend Ritu and her sister Aastha."

Jolene hugged both the younger women saying, "Welcome to Joe's. Any friends of Roger's are family here. Come on in and let's get you a table." Jolene got them to a table near the back that the wheelchair could easily roll up to.

"So, Jo, is this your bar?" Ritu asked.

Jolene chuckled. "Heaven's no dear. I've just worked here forever. Joe is the owner, but he's not here right now. Officially, I'm the office manager, some days I'm an extra server, today I'm the greeter. Speaking of which, there are some people at the door who need greeting now. It was nice meeting you ladies, and Roger, I'll catch up with you later. Destiny will be your server. She will be right over.

After Jolene left, a late thirty something attractive woman came up to their table. Smiled at Roger and said, "Hey Roger, what brings you to our neck of the woods?" She actually knew why they were there. Roger had called her and had explained what was going on with Aastha and had asked Destiny for her help. Destiny had enthusiastically agreed to help. Roger had no doubt she would come up with one of her plans to set things right and knowing Destiny it would be a covert operation. For Aastha's benefit they were pretending not to have spoken recently; so, she wouldn't suspect that a plan was afoot.

"Can't a guy just come by because they enjoy your sparkling company?"

"Drop your efforts at charm Roger. You are not very good at it." Destiny's response made Aastha giggle.

"Actually, I wanted my girlfriend to meet you." Roger turned to Ritu and said, "This is the woman I was telling you about. The one that is so good with people. I realize now that I may have exaggerated that part." He turned back to Destiny. "Destiny, this is my girlfriend Ritu and her sister Aastha."

"Glad to meet you. What sort of lies has Roger been spreading about me?"

"He has really been quite complimentary of you," Ritu assured her.

Destiny turned to Aastha and asked, "Your sister is just defending her boyfriend, isn't she? He's been bad mouthing me, hasn't he?"

Aastha shyly smiled and shrugged.

Destiny leaned in and whispered in Aastha's ear, "You don't have to answer honey. I didn't mean to put you on the spot." Destiny straightened and pointing at the wheelchair asked, "What happened? Was it a car accident?"

Aastha reluctantly explained, "Muscular Dystrophy."

"Sorry. You know, if muscle weakness causes such good looks, I need to stop working out, " Destiny said with a chuckle.

Aastha grinned and said, "And that is how you do charming, Roger."

They all laughed. Destiny gave them a minute to peruse the menus then took their orders. When she left, Aastha said, "I really like your friend, Roger."

"Yeah, like I had told Ritu, Destiny has a way with people. She really is nice."

"And isn't she the one you said used to be a spy?" Rita added.

"Yep, but we don't talk about that. As far as anyone knows, she is a waitress, a lounge singer, and a mother whose husband worked for the State Department, and they spent a lot of time overseas."