Catering With Benefits (3) - An Appetite for More - 35. Meow

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Romel went to the airport to meet Edward. They greeted each other and hugged for a long time. Not only had they missed each other but Romel felt he should have been able to do more to support his partner during his past week of grief. “I really should have gone with you. You were gone before I had time to think about it.”

“As much as I would have liked you by my side, especially at the funeral, there really wasn’t much you could do. All the doctors and nurses were very patient explaining everything to Paul and me.

Edward collected his luggage and they went to the car. Before Romel started the car he asked “How are you anyway?”

“I’m ok, it’s always a shock of course, when it happens so suddenly, but she was eighty one and no one lives forever. You know I think she was one of the lucky ones in a way. A sudden painless death is far better than a long painful battle with cancer. I’ll miss her, but feel relieved that if she had to go, then this way was better than the alternative of being disabled for the rest of her life.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

As Romel started the car Edward said “We have to go via the freight terminal, I think it’s at the end of Link road.”

“You’ve got freight, why didn’t you just check it in as luggage?”

“This is special freight that can’t be loaded into one of those luggage bins.”

“I’m intrigued, what is it?”

“A surprise, just wait.”

“Is it something special of your Mum’s?”

“Yes, very special.”

Romel found the freight terminal easily, but Edward had to wait about thirty minutes for the unloading and manifest processing. Finally he retrieved his package and headed for the car. Romel saw him approaching and opened the boot of the car, but Edward just waved in a manner that indicated Romel should close the lid. He then placed the package on the back seat of the car and put a seat belt around it.

“Why is it so special that it needs a seat belt?” asked Romel.

“I was going to keep it a surprise till we got home, but if we both get in the back seat and close all the windows and doors, I’ll show you.” A by now, very curious Romel did as requested and Edward removed a fabric cover from the package to reveal a label stating ‘Qantas Pet Pak’. As Romel’s eyes widened, Edward opened the door of the Pet Pak and a set of whiskers and nose slowly emerged and sniffed the air.

“It’s ok Peggy, you’ll be in your new home soon. Just relax a bit longer.” then looking at a still speechless Romel, he added “It’s best she doesn’t come out now, it might be difficult to get her back in. Best we wait till we’re all home.”

Finally Romel spoke “You brought back your mother’s cat?”

“Of course. Yesterday, I was sitting on the veranda enjoying a bit of the early summer sun, while listening to some of Mum’s ABBA on vinyl, when her cat jumped up on my lap and refused to leave. I’ll swear I heard her say take me with you.”

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On the drive home, Romel asked “How come you took the cat and didn’t leave it with Paul?”

I noticed that Peggy made it clear she didn’t like Paul, she never went anywhere near him unless he was feeding her. As much as Paul loved Mum, he didn’t share that love with Peggy. Some people are cat people, some are not.”

“So does that now make you a cat person?”

“I don’t know, but Peggy seems to think so. Do you like her?”

“We haven’t really met properly yet, so I’ll reserve judgement.”

“Ooo, that’s polite cool.”

Romel did not answer.

“You had better stop off at a pet shop on the way. We’ll need a few things for Peggy.

“I don’t know any pet shops.”

“Just stop at that big Westfield, there’s got to be one there, and if not we can get the essentials at a supermarket.”

<>

Romel parked at the mall and was about to get out of the car when Edward asked “Where are you going?”

“Shopping with you, why?”

“We can’t leave Peggy in the car alone.”

“But she can’t escape, I’ll lock the car.”

“That’s not the point, it’s illegal to leave pets unattended in a locked car.”

“We’re in an undercover carpark, she’s hardly likely to suffer heat stroke here.”

“As may be, but I don’t want to take any chances and if we’re going to have a pet we have to be responsible and start as we intend to continue.”

“You’re sounding more like a nervous parent than a pet owner.”

“One and the same thing really.”

“Ok, I’ll wait here and baby sit, or should that be cat sit?”

“Good man, a responsible pet owner, I like that.”

<>

Almost an hour later, Edward returned with a loaded shopping trolley so full he could hardly see over the top.

“I thought you’d walked home you were so long, and what’s all that stuff? Does one cat really need so much?”

“Yes, it’s all essential items.”

“I should have done the shopping, it wouldn’t have taken me that long to get a few cans of Whiskas.”

“She needs more than just food to feel loved.”

“And may this go in the boot sir?”

“No need to be snooty, it’s unbecoming of you.”

***

At home, Edward took the Pet Pak out of the car first. He put it in the laundry, expecting that Peggy may need to relieve herself and being unfamiliar with the surroundings may do it anywhere. He opened the door of the cage and left, closing the laundry door behind him. He thought it best for her to explore on her own.

Back at the car, Romel was still unloading the purchases and had them spread all over the front lawn, so he could see the total purchase in one viewing. As Edward returned, Romel asked “How old is this cat?”

“I don’t know, I never thought to ask, why?”

“Just wondering if she’ll be with us long enough to justify all this expense, and where are we going to put it all?”

“Well, the litter box will go in the laundry.”

“With the six jumbo size bags of litter, I presume.”

“Good thinking, see you are getting on board with this.”

“And this thing, which I presume is a bed.”

“I was thinking I’d like to have her near at night so...”

“Stop right there. If you’re going to say our bedroom, forget it.”

“Well if you feel that way, then the lounge room is the next option. But I warn you, if she feels lonely at night she night she might come into our bedroom and jump on the bed.”

“Not while I’m in it she won’t. The day she moves into our bedroom, I move into the guest room.”

“Fair enough, I’ll just have to train her where to sleep.”

“And close the bedroom door.”

“All right, you’ve made your point.”

“Good, now why do we have a carry cage?”

“For outings and trips to the vet.”

“But she’s already in one.”

“That’s only a rental and has to be returned. It’s especially designed for air travel.”

“What’s in this bag...oh I see...balls, plastic mice, furry things I can’t identify, things with bells and so on.”

“Just a few toys to keep her busy when we’re out.”

“Now what’s this thing with small boxes attached to a pole wrapped in rope?”

“That’s a climbing and scratching post. Don’t want her scratching the furniture.”

“She better not!”

“Why don’t you go and pour us a drink, it might calm you down a bit and I’ll take all this stuff inside.”

“Mmm, I’ll need a large one.”

“I’ll have one for you tonight.” Edward replied and raised his eyebrows.”

“Very funny, catman.”

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While they were enjoying their drink, Paul called to check if Edward and the cat arrived safely.

“We’re all fine here, thanks Paul, and you.”

“I’m doing ok, might go back to work tomorrow. I think the distraction and company will be good for me.”

“You’re still working at your age?”

“Volunteer only, at the local art gallery. I’m a volunteer guide. It’s been good for me, I’ve learned a lot about art the last few years. Did you know that just viewing art, can help people explore their emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem and improve social skills?”

“That’s excellent, I think that’s a good idea to keep busy and have people to talk to, especially as you will be alone at home.”

“You know it was Pat who got me involved. She was on the FOG committee.”

“What’s FOG?”

“Oh sorry, Friends Of the Gallery, they raise funds and run opening night functions for new exhibitions.”

“Mum never told me that. I’m still learning about her even after she’s gone.”

“Yes, she was a surprisingly interesting and busy woman right up until....”

“Sorry Paul, didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s ok I know I’ll have those moments from time to time. Today, I noticed the hydrangea bush open it’s first flower of the season and I came inside to tell Pat, then realised she’s not here.”

“You can still tell her mate, I’m sure she’s listening.”

“Thanks Edward, but I’d better go now, just wanted to check you and Peggy arrived safely.”

“I’ll keep in touch and when you are a bit more settled, how about a trip to Sydney. You’d be more than welcome to stay with us and now that I’m not working regular hours I can show you around our beautiful city.”

“Thanks, I think I would like that.”

<>

After a couple of false starts, the SBS team finally set a date for the interview with Justin and Craig. With enough background footage from the wedding expo and some still images of Justin working, provided by Craig, it was decided to hold the interview at Poppy’s.

Damien introduced them to Ricardo Gonsalves, who the boys found to be as charming and friendly as he appears on TV. The director wanted the interview in two parts. One would be in the kitchen and the other in the dining room.

Gonsalves opened the interview with a brief background explanation to his viewers, then directed questions to his subjects.

“Craig I believe it was you who started the business while you were still nursing.”

“Yes, it started quite accidentally when I overheard some doctors talking about the difficulty of getting caterers for small parties. I already had some experience working as a waiter and cook while I was studying.”

“So what made you switch from nursing to catering?”

Justin stepped in and said “Craig does not like to talk about that Ricardo.”

“Oh, why is that Justin?”

“I don’t know really, I think he was conflicted and found doing two jobs was too much.”

“Craig, is that the case?”

“Yes, that’s pretty much how it was and I wanted to bring Justin into the business.”

“But you didn’t want me to work with you at all, at first.”

“Is that something I need to know?” asked Gonsalves.

“I think not.” Replied Craig

“Fair enough, so how did you two meet? I understand you are life partners as well as business partners.”

“Yes and we met when Justin was a patient in the hospital where I worked.”

‘It’s quite a funny story really.” Added Justin. “Craig was inserting....”

“Ah I don’t think Ricardo is interested in that story, it really has nothing to do with the business.”

“I’d like to hear it anyway, and then if it’s not appropriate, we can edit it out later.”

Justin explained about the catheterisation, Gonsalves and his crew had a good laugh and then moved on to the next question.

“I am always interested in how people finance their businesses. Did you need to raise much capital to start or expand your business?”

“Initially, none really. I started so small I just used a bit of my savings for supplies and as I already had a full time job I was able to put all the profits into buying equipment as the business grew.”

“So when did you two form your business partnership?”

“Oh that’s another funny story also.” Added Justin.

“Is it ok if he tells us this one Craig.” Gonsalves asked.

“Of course.”

Justin told of the red wine incident and when he got to the part about the women stuffing money into his pants, Craig interrupted. “That’s probably enough Justin.”

“On the contrary.” Replied Gonsalves, “This program is about money and how to make it, so go on.”

After further explanation, Gonsalves said “I’ve already seen some images of you in your working clothes Justin.” And added air quotes. “We’ll edit those into the program later.”

“Will that be necessary/” asked Craig.

“This program is called Small Business Secrets for a reason. I think that Justin’s performances are your secret to success.”

“Thank you Ricardo.” replied a pleased Justin.

“Now getting back to finance, how did you raise the capital to move into this restaurant?”

“We do have a bank loan for this part of our operations.” Replied Craig “We presented a business plan to our bank and they saw us as a viable proposition.”

“And some of our friends bought other parts of this business.” Added Justin.

“Tell me about that please Justin.”

After telling about Andy and Edward’s operations, Justin added “You may like to talk to them also. They started the businesses in different ways and for different reasons.”

“Thank you for that. Now what does the future hold for your business ventures?”

“We are now, so busy with the restaurant and the outside catering that it may be time to split our operations or franchise the catering side of the business.”

Justin stared at Craig, in a questioningly manner, but did not interrupt.

“Can you elaborate on that.” Asked Gonsalves.

“It’s only early days in this process, but we could sell off the Catering With Benefits operation wholly or still maintain some control over it by selling franchises and still supplying the food from our kitchen here.”

“That’s sounds like an exciting new direction. Perhaps we can do a follow up program when you decide which way to go.”

“Thank you both for your time gentlemen.” Then looking straight to camera, added “We will have more form Small Business Secrets next week. Until then thanks for watching.”

He then said “Thanks crew, that’s a wrap.”

Justin than asked “Is that the end of the interview Ricardo?”

“Yes, we’ll do some editing, I might add some voiceovers to the other images we have and I think we’ll have a good program to air in a few weeks.”

“So may we ask you to stay for lunch Ricardo?” asked Justin.

“I’d love to, but the crew have to get back to the studio and as we all travelled here together I had better go back with them.”

“We can drive you anywhere you want after lunch, no problem.”

“Thanks all the same, but I also have work to do back at Herbert Street.”

“Maybe some other time, the invitation is always open.”

“Thank you Justin, most generous of you.”

<>

After the crew left, Craig said “Did you have to gush over your latest crush. It was a bit embarrassing.”

“I was just being friendly and showing my appreciation for his efforts to promote our business. This will be great publicity for us. That should not go unnoticed.”

“You’re right, I’m just a bit touchy lately when you show interest in other men.”

“I beg your pardon, other men? I saw this as a strictly business arrangement, isn’t that what it is supposed to be.”

“Of course and that’s what it is.”

“Good, then now perhaps you could explain that bombshell you dropped about selling off CWB.”

“I really was not keeping anything from you, but it occurred to me during the interview that there is a business expansion opportunity there for us to exploit. You know he’s not just a TV presenter; he is experienced in finance and business matters. I think his enthusiasm just rubbed off on me, gave me the idea and I was thinking out loud. I should not have done that.”

“Maybe, but I’m interested now, let’s talk more about it.”

“Ok, I’ll shout you a beer at Dean’s to celebrate a successful interview and we can explore the possibilities.”