4/16: Nashville II

We finally arrived in Nashville shortly before midnight, after the 45- minute detainment. Kim's boyfriend, Chad, had suggested a place next to the catering business he works for. It was easy to find, and there was a handy place to park the bus, right across the street, with built- in security: a bank. It was good to see Kim again. I enjoy her energy, and the week I spent here last summer. I feel fortunate that we got the chance to at least hang out for a few hours after the "plan" (ha!) to stay with her fell thru. Chad's a neat guy, too. He's a big boy... probably 6'3" and 250 or so. He grew up in Alabama, and has that good ol' boy attitude which makes him accessible. He has an authenticity about him that was missing from Rich last year. Not a lot of bullshit with Chad. I LOVE that!

The six of us got quickly acquainted in the parking lot, then it was off to Players Inn. We had envisioned it as some sort of dirty- south meat market, but quickly realized it wasn't THAT kind of players they were catering to specifically. It was a sports bar. I'm sure that appealed to Devin & Leif!

As it turned out, it didn't matter at all. We got a large table next to an outlet to charge my phone, and proceeded to drink away the East Memphis Molestation. The bad karma from the cops was about to be replaced with an abundance of the good stuff. Thankfully, Tennessee bars are open until 3 so Kim and I had time to get caught up nicely. Chad decided to buy Chris an early birthday shot, which he returned in kind, while I was happy chugging my share of the Bud Light pitchers. I felt like I REALLY needed that outlet, and was glad to have it!

Chad also divulged that he had a 50- gallon drum full of barely used veggie oil behind the caterers, which was literally two doors down from the bar, in the same strip mall. How convenient is that? He was eager to dispose of it, and we could top off again in the morning without having to deal with Nashville- at all. I confess, I was a bit skeptical because that seemed just too easy!

We got to bunk at around 4am. Chad had left a bit earlier, choosing to sleep at the shop, rather than drive home. Kim, being the eternal trooper, stayed until the end, and I was sorry to see her leave after such a quick visit. She had pointed out that both she and Chad will be back in Michigan at the end of June, so there's the possibility we may cross paths again before we return west. No "plans" (ha!) however!