The bar was decorated with the usual garlands of holly and Jose had laid out his usual bacon wrapped hors d'oeuvres, but the mood of the bar was somewhat muted compared to earlier years. Everyone was wondering if this would be the last Joe's Christmas party. Joe had yet to find a backer and time had run out. The rumors of the potential closing of the bar had reached everyone including Ebenezer who had just come through the door tightly hugging Carol and in the best mood anyone had ever seen him in.
All the regulars came up to welcome them and those who didn't know got to hear their story. Usually from Ethereal who was really enjoying telling it. Their story did a lot to lift the mood of everyone.
Eventually, Ebenezer made his way to Joe. Joe congratulated them on their happy ending and apologized that this might be the final Joe's Christmas party, but encouraged them to enjoy this final hurrah.
"Yeah, I heard you were looking for an investor," Ebenezer said consolingly.
"Without any luck I'm sorry to say," Joe replied with a sigh.
"Well, that's good news," Ebenezer said and smiled at Joe's puzzled look. "I was hoping you'd still be looking. I'd really like to invest in your place. It has great sentimental value for us and there is no way we are going to let you close."
"What did you have in mind? A partnership, buy me out or what?" Joe was completely caught off guard.
"Whatever you want. We just want to keep the bar open, and it would not be Joe's bar without you in charge. I would be a silent partner. I have lots of money and no interest in running a bar. Although, I might be interested in occasionally bar tending. It's your call. Let's not worry about the details tonight. Let's just celebrate our new partnership. Deal?" Ebenezer offered Joe his hand to shake.
"Thanks, Ebenezer," Joe said and shook his hand. He then stood on top of the bar and shouted, "Attention everyone!" The bar became silent. "We have an investor. The bar will not close. I believe you all know Ebenezer," Joe paused and then added dramatically, "my new partner. He has saved the bar. We will not close. Let's hear it for. Ebenezer!"
The bar broke out into cheers and applause with everyone coming over and congratulating Ebenezer and Joe.
Destiny got out her guitar and got everyone singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." It was back to being the usual festive Joe's Christmas party.
As the evening came to a close, Joe got up an announced, "It would not be a Joe's Christmas party without a poem from the bar's poet laureate. Take it away Freddy.
Freddy got up to the applause of the crowd and made his way to the small stage used by the band on open-mic nights. He dramatically cleared his throat and began,
"Twas the week before Christmas and all over town
There was not a happier place to be found.
Joe's bar was adorned for the holiday festivities
And the gang was all here to indulge in the activities
The hors d'oeuvres were laid out with Jose's loving care
For all of the guests that soon would be there.
When to our surprise who should appear
But our long-lost dear Carol to add to our cheer.
And along with her, no tighter could he squeeze her
Was our very own scrooge, we call Ebenezer
A scrooge no longer, he is Joe's new backer
The bar is saved, and we couldn't be happier
Our joy was complete and the evening just right
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!"
YOU ARE READING
Christmas at Joes
Short StoryI read somewhere that when you stop believing in Santa Clause, you get underwear for Christmas. Well, I'm not going to give you just any underwear. I'm giving you my Christmas shorts. A collection of short Christmas stories. Some romances, some hum...
