Читать книгу The Reluctant Savior - Krystan - Страница 14

chapter 5

The Rose City

Bonneville, Washington

Portland, Oregon

July 2002

“This feels sooo incredibly good!” Ryan sighed as he immersed his body further into the pool of 104-degree water. “Almost three thousand miles in Vinnie has certainly taken its toll on my neck AND my butt!” he laughed before his head vanished under the hot, bubbling mineral water. In a moment, he popped back up, shaking his head and sending water in all directions. “This is an amazing place, isn’t it, Jules? When I looked up Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa online, it sounded pretty neat, but I had no idea it would be this great!”

“I would definitely agree with that!” said Julian just before disappearing below the water’s surface himself. As he popped back up, with his best whale imitation, he sent a stream of warm water arching through the air in Ryan’s direction. “The great Northwest at long last, Ry! We made it, dude!”

“Well, almost,” agreed Ryan, noting that they were still a few miles shy of their final destination. “Close enough for now, though,” he laughed, laying his head back, stretching his body across the surface of the tub, and looking up at the towering evergreens surrounding the hotel. “You know, I read in some of the spa literature that local Native American tribes first enjoyed these waters almost ten thousand years ago. That’s pretty amazing all by itself, don’t you think?”

“Yeah, that’s a long time ago, all right. Kinda makes you feel connected with the continent a bit, though—sorta like home, I guess, but in a different way. There’s a lot more rugged, natural beauty out here. What a change from the area we drove through this morning—like high desert to rain forest in only a couple of hours!”

“That was pretty dramatic,” Ryan agreed, totally savoring the warmth of the soothing water on his tired body. “And the Columbia winds its way through it all! What a beautiful spot we’re in, Jules! See, I told you we had to get out and see the world! Isn’t this just like totally cool?”

“Totally warm, right now,” Julian replied contentedly. “I really wondered if Vinnie was gonna make it a few times there.”

“Not too bad, though—one flat in New Mexico and one busted radiator hose in Idaho—that could’ve even happened to a Lexus!” he grinned.

“That’s true, and at least we weren’t out in the middle of nowhere when it occurred,” Julian recalled thankfully.

“I’m glad we decided to stay here tonight,” said Ryan, cradling his neck between two powerful jets on the edge of the hot tub. “I was really getting tired of sleeping in the van. I’m ready for a real bed, aren’t you?”

“More than you could possibly imagine,” replied Julian, rolling his eyes. “They say it’s more about the journey than the destination, but I’m kinda hoping that’s not entirely true. I do most certainly miss the comforts of home.”

“Me too. Besides, you snore too much. I’ll be glad when you have your own room!”

“Well, at least I don’t thrash around kicking and elbowing all night like you do!” Julian countered.

“Even so, it’s been fun,” Ryan smiled, adjusting his position so that his feet were feeling the full impact of the jets. “You know, there’s a huge mineral pool inside; we’ll have to swim a few laps when we’re done out here.”

“Swim all the laps you want. I may never be done out here,” Julian sighed as he closed his eyes and completely relaxed in the warm mineral water. “There must be lithium in here,” he added, smiling contentedly. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so relaxed.”

“Probably so,” Ryan agreed, “and the good news is that it’s less than an hour from our apartment—we can come back whenever we want!”

“Oh yeah, I like the sound of that. So we’ll be able to move our stuff in tomorrow?”

“Uh-huh. I signed the lease starting on the 15th. We’ll probably have to use our sleeping bags for another couple of days till we find some furniture, though.”

“No problem. At least we’ll have our own rooms, right? No more elbows?”

“No more elbows!” Ryan laughed. “We’ve got a lot to do before school starts, Jules. Get settled, explore the city…you know, I’d really like to get another band goin’ too—just for a little fun and some extra spending money! What’d ya think?”

“That would be fun, IF we have time AND we can find some good musicians.”

“Well, I’ve heard Portland is full of them. Maybe we can run a Craigslist ad in a week or two and see what we turn up.”

“Ok by me, as long as we don’t screw up at school. That should be a priority.”

“Yeah, I know. My parents have told me that plenty of times. Think you’ll be able to keep me on the ‘straight and narrow,’ Jules? That’s what the families are banking on!”

“That’s always been my role, it seems,” Julian grinned. “I don’t really see it changing much just because we’ve left home. Somebody has to supervise you!” he laughed.

“Can’t deny that. I’ve always been kinda like a hound dog—so enthralled with the scent I’m following that I forget about everything else.”

“Well put,” Julian agreed. “Just don’t forget to heed the master’s call!”

“All right, all right,” Ryan agreed, pulling himself out of the water and sitting on the concrete edge of the hot pool. “I lead, you follow, I list, you right my course, I stray, you redirect, I win, you win too—how’s that, Jules?”

“Not bad for an egomaniac!” Julian grinned. “It’ll do for now, though. Go swim your laps, will ya? I’m starving, and the review I read said they had a great restaurant here. Where food’s involved, you follow me, got it?”

“Yes sir!” Ryan saluted. “Meet you in the room in about twenty!” he shouted over his shoulder as he disappeared into the immaculate landscaping heading toward the indoor mineral pool.

Two Days Later

Portland, Oregon

“Wow, Jules, this is awesome, eh? Top o’ the Clay, dude! Sixth floor, and our own balcony too! Do you realize we got the only two-bedroom in this entire building?”

“Thank God for that,” Julian agreed, after getting his first elbow-free night’s sleep in over a week. “Yeah, it is nice up here. Look at that! There goes the MAX, right under our noses! Public transportation at its best!”

“Better yet, we can go anywhere we want downtown for free, plus it stops just across the street! That’ll give Vinnie a rest for a while!”

“Another merciful favor from the universe!” Julian responded as he flopped down on their newly acquired futon in the living room. “Could have used another bath in here, though!”

“Ya-da ya-da-ya,” Ryan chided. “Never satisfied. At least I don’t have to listen to you snore!” he laughed.

“Yeah, and I won’t wake up bruised from all your nocturnal antics!” Julian grinned. “These are cool hardwood floors too. I love these old buildings. I think the Clay was built in the 20’s, wasn’t it?”

“Something like that. Awesome location for us too. A couple of blocks to class, quick street car ride to the Whole Foods Market—what more could we want?”

“Two bathrooms?” Julian jibed as he ducked a pillow hurled in his direction.

“Good thing we had Vinnie too,” pointed out Ryan, always the optimist. “We would never have been able to pick up all this stuff we got off Craigslist! It does look good in here, though, don’t you think? Nice futon, small dining table, couple of desks, bookcases, lamps—we’re good to go, dude, and we’ve only been here two days!”

“Not bad for a couple of Charleston boys!” Julian agreed. “Hey, let’s hop on the MAX and head up to Whole Foods; I’m really hungry, and that empty refrigerator isn’t helping!”

“Always thinkin’ about food!” Ryan teased. “Hey, you know what would be cool?”

“What’s that?”

“I saw online a drinking chocolate place not far from Whole Foods—like Burnside and 13th I think. I’ll bet you’d like that!”

“Drinking chocolate? Never heard of it!”

“Well, it’s like the newest thing—not hot chocolate like we’re used to—but really dark chocolate, served hot in small espresso cups. Reviews online are fab!”

“Sounds good to me. Let’s give it a shot while we’re up there. I’m never one to turn down dessert, even if I have to drink it!” Julian laughed.

“Ok, dude, let’s roll! Race you down the stairs!” Ryan yelled, jumping up from the futon and bolting for the door.

Two Hours Later

“There it is, Jules, over on the left. See the sign? Cacao!”

“Cool. I wish we had come here first instead of Whole Foods—this backpack is killing me—must have 50 pounds of groceries!”

“Good exercise, Jules. Melt off some of that baby fat!” Ryan teased.

“Yeah, well I’m just about to gain it all back!” Julian winked as he dropped his bulging backpack by a small wrought iron table just in front of the store. “Let’s go in and check it out!”

As Julian walked in, his mouth dropped open. “Look at that!” he exclaimed, staring at a table full of chocolate bars directly in front of them. “I’ve never seen so much chocolate in one place!” he gasped, looking at the table and the shelves of chocolate surrounding it. To his right was a counter with more individual chocolates, where a line of people appeared to be selecting their favorite liquid chocolate from several options on the daily menu. “Check this out, Ry—there’s chocolate from all over the world here. This one’s from Madagascar, there’s one from Venezuela, Hawaii, Bolivia…wow!”

Looking over at one of the staff members behind the counter, Ryan inquired, “Hey man, what’s your most popular drinking chocolate?”

Shrugging his shoulders, the young man replied, “Just depends on what you’re in the mood for,” he grinned. “They’re all good. Some have spices, some added espresso, some cacao nibs…just take your pick!”

“Hmmm…” Ryan pondered. “I think I’m in the mood for a little umph!” he smiled. “I’ll try the Mexican one with chipotle. How about you, Jules?”

“Too much for me, man. I’ll go Hawaiian with a little Kona,” he nodded to the server. “Is that a good choice?”

“Oh, yeah. Plenty of caffeine there!” he laughed, turning toward several large containers where the warm chocolate was being constantly stirred. “Have those for you in a sec, guys.”

Ryan leaned over and whispered to Julian, “Hey man, didn’t I tell you there was a whole world outside of Charleston just waiting for us to enjoy?”

“Well, this is certainly a good start!” Julian grinned as they paid for their drinks and walked back outside to their table. “And the weather here…so cool and nice. Here it is July and it’s only 79 degrees. We’d be broiling outside in Charleston!”

“No doubt,” Ryan agreed. “Oh, man, is this ever good!” he exclaimed, taking a sip of his drink. “It’s like drinking a truffle!” he grinned. “Love the zing too—viva la Mexico!”

“Mine is amazing too,” Julian agreed. “This is gonna have to be a regular stop when we go out for groceries. Maybe we can grab a couple of bars to take home too!”

Ryan rolled his eyes. “Hardly on the diet plan, Jules. I promised your parents I was gonna whip you into shape out here, and I’m pretty sure chocolate isn’t gonna do it!” he laughed.

“This fifty-pound backpack may, though!” Julian countered. “Don’t know why I always get the heavy stuff. You got nothin’ but lettuce and vegetables in your pack!”

“Precisely the point, Jules! Fresh, wholesome, nutritious plants packed with nutrients. No cans, no bottles, no heavy meat. You want that stuff, you’re gonna have to carry it!”

“Ryan’s behavior mod plan, eh?” Julian replied, rolling his eyes.

“Precisely. If you fail to perceive the benefits of a plant-based diet on your own, then I shall have to enlighten you by whatever means necessary,” he smiled.

“Ryan Christie, my savior…” Julian muttered as he sipped on his drink. “At least a momentary reprieve,” he sighed as the aroma and flavors of the coffee and chocolate saturated his taste buds. “Hey Ry, are we gonna start a band or not?” he queried his friend, hoping to redirect his focus to more pleasurable pursuits.

“Not for a while, Jules. We’ve got bigger fish to fry for the time being. You know—getting settled in new digs, starting to college, making new friends—that sort of thing. Maybe after a while we’ll give it a shot. What d’ya say to that?”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. We’ve got enough on our plate for now. I miss the music, though. That band was tons of fun…I kind of liked all my adoring fans too!”

“You mean Beau?” Ryan countered, vaguely remembering how the Russell dog used to put his paws over his ears when Julian would practice at home.

“Ha, ha! No, I’m pretty sure there were at least a few chicks who thought I was pretty hot stuff—nothing, of course, compared to the great Ryan Christie’s flock of adoring wannabes.”

“Jules, Jules,” Ryan chided, “no room for jealousy here, brother. My following was quite naturally far greater than yours. After all, I was the one with the lean, tanned, muscular body and oversupply of charisma, not to even mention my exceptional musical prowess!”

“Yeah, right!” Julian responded with a hint of skepticism. “That’s not exactly my recollection, but by all means, continue with whatever fantasy is necessary to support that famous Christie ego!”

“Talent says it all, Jules—no need for false modesty! Done with your chocolate? We’d better head on home before all this great food spoils.”

“Ok, ok,” Julian muttered as he struggled with his own pack. “Just tell me it’s not far to the MAX stop….”

Later That Evening

Julian stepped through the door and out onto their corner balcony carrying a pot of what was to be the foundation for the evening meal—grits! The boys had found a round wrought iron bistro table and two chairs in the foraging on Craigslist and were putting it to use for the very first time. It was a little crowded on their 4x6 balcony, but the small table seemed almost adequate as long as they never had any company or needed much more than the minimal legroom it offered. With two wineglasses, soup bowls, and salad plates, the bistro top was already at its capacity, even before the two diners had attempted to position themselves for their inaugural meal. “Gonna be a knee-knocker tonight!” Julian grinned as he filled the bowls with his special low-country-style grits.

Ryan looked on with delight as Julian soon returned with a pan of rich creole cream sauce chock-full of shrimp and andouille. “Shrimp and grits à la Commander’s Palace!” he announced, pleased that Ry seemed to be impressed with his creation. A fine-looking field green salad with warm pear slices, goat cheese, and a raspberry vinaigrette was already on the table as Julian reached for the bottle of wine that Ryan had purchased at Whole Foods that afternoon. His eyes widened as he read the label, “Ménage à Trois.” “Ry, are you trying to tell me something here?”

“Jules, how can I ever keep your thoughts on a more lofty plane? In this case, Ménage à Trois clearly refers to a delightful blend of cabernet, zinfandel, and merlot, not the illicit threesome that I am quite sure you were contemplating. Remember, I assured your parents…”

“Ok, ok,” Julian interrupted. “Nothing harmful about a little fantasy, though,” he winked at Ryan as he proceeded to uncork the bottle and pour each of them a hearty glassful. “How about a toast, Ry?” he grinned mischievously, hoisting his brimming glass. “To our new home and our exciting new future here in the Rose City…be it dos, tres, or even quatro!”

“Well said!” Ryan smiled as the glasses clinked. “Tonight I’m definitely in for ‘QUATRO’, though! We did buy TWO bottles of wine at Whole Foods, didn’t we? Bon appétit, Jules!” he shouted as the two famished diners reached for their culinary implements and began to devour Julian’s New Orleans creation.

In a moment, however, the exclamations of gustatory delight were punctuated by a much less enthusiastic expletive from Julian. “Shit!” he growled, “I forgot the biscuits! Can’t have shrimp and grits without homemade biscuits!” he yelled over his shoulder as he arose and ran for the kitchen.

“Damn, I hope they’re not incinerated!”

In a few minutes, Julian returned with a scowl on his face and a plate of what looked suspiciously like lava rocks in his hand. “Biscuit, anyone? I’m now serving the specialty of the house—blackened biscuits—a perfect match for the shrimp and grits!” Julian announced as he ceremoniously placed the platter on the table. “I’m sure they’ll be better with a little butter!” he laughed, before adding, “Of course you may need a chain saw to cut them!”

“Let’s see who can hit the MAX first!” Julian yelled as he grabbed a biscuit and hurled over the rail in the direction of a passing streetcar. It fell woefully short, but Ryan picked up the challenge and fired a perfect strike, bouncing the biscuit off the top of the car, where it then landed miraculously intact in the middle of 11th Ave.

“Now that’s a biscuit!” beamed Julian. “Completely impenetrable and doubles as an inexpensive lethal weapon!”

“Not to worry, Jules,” Ryan consoled his friend. “Your shrimp and grits were fabulous, as was the salad. The biscuits were just extra calories, anyway.”

“Just as well, then,” Julian responded, appearing somewhat relieved. “I probably would have eaten four or five already, and had to loosen my belt a notch!”

Ryan cocked an eyebrow, looking somewhat askance at his companion. “Jules, I fear that your hedonistic spirit may someday triumph over your more rational persona, in spite of my best efforts, and of course, you know what that means….”

“Not really,” Julian scowled, “but I suspect that I’m about to find out.”

“Discipline, Jules,” Ryan continued in his most parental tone. “Where education fails, the only remaining choice is discipline.”

“And let me guess,”—Julian shook his head woefully. “You, the great nutritional guru, will be forced to administer such discipline to your recalcitrant liege, right?”

“Clearly, someone must assume that rather odious task.” Ryan winked, “and I fear the lot has fallen to me.”

“Oh god, spank me now,” Julian taunted, standing and extending his rear in Ryan’s direction. “The anticipation alone might spawn even further deviance in the interim!”

“You are a brazen scalawag!” Ryan concluded. “Your parents were indeed prescient in appointing me guardian over you at this rather critical stage of your development, Jules.”

“Blah, blah, blah,” Julian countered. “Enough of this inane discourse. It’s time to show a little appreciation for my masterful creation this evening…the dishes await thee, Lord Christie!”

“Far beneath a man of my stature,” Ryan shrugged, “and yet, le diner etait magnifique! Merci beaucoup, Monsieur Russell. I am happy to oblige your wishes,” he acquiesced, rising from the table.

Looking over at the charred remains of the biscuits, then to the street below, he quickly added, “Look, Jules, here comes the MAX. See if you can improve your aim with a little target practice while I get this mess cleaned up!”