Stephen Murphy

The name is Stephen, I'm 32, and I love keeping to myself. That's all you need to know about me. Any questions, please ask, but keep in mind that if it's too personal, I will not respond.

[stephen-murphy]

dammit-kivrin:

I missed my boyfriend… It was good to have the time 100% for him. He’s going to be around for awhile, Thank God. How’s the hubby?

He is a baseball player right? I hope I didn’t get the sport wrong. But it’s good that he will be around. Do you ever travel with him? And Maxen is great, So is married life.  Maxen will be Co-Owner of the bar as well.

[stephen-murphy]

lady-lilah:

Thanks for that. I already loved the place, but a drink on the house makes it even better. It was a little bit of everywhere really… Home base in New Jersey, a lot of traveling. But I’m here now, at least for awhile. Can’t see myself leaving again any time soon.

Traveling is always interesting. I loved it when I did it for a few years. It was nothing but me and my bike. It was freeing. But Havenoaks is a great place to settle down. At least for me.  So what is it you do?

[stephen-murphy]

holdmeclosertinycellist:

I’m just… I don’t talk to people. Don’t know how, but I promised the twins I’d make an attempt when I came out here. I promised I’d try, so… I’m trying. If you’re going to have food, I’d love to stop by, drink a virgin something.

You seem to be doing find to me, but maybe it’s because it’s easy to talk through a computer than face to face. Sure stop by whenever you want. Right now we only have like chicken and fries. but we’re looking into offering more variety. And we do offer just regular beverages as well as alcoholic and virgin choices.

[stephen-murphy]

gabriel-durand:

Same with me though. Maybe I’m not the posting kind. I leave that to my fiancee. She’s always got a million things to say. And I suppose it is good business, make the customers feel welcome. Helps you beat out any competition.

I’m definitely not the posting kind, or the responding kind. I’m not that into social media, and the only reason I ever made this account was because one of my employees told me it would be good for business. Fiancee? I must be completely out of it. I knew you and Lorelei were dating, but not engaged. But congrats on that. She is a very interesting person. I bet there is never a dull moment with her. And yea, though I won’t be able to stop anyone from opening up another bar and try to push me out. Hopefully Maxen can help me with that if it ever happens.

[stephen-murphy]

holdmeclosertinycellist:

Hi… I’m RJ. This whole making friends thing doesn’t usually go well for me, but I’m trying to get outside of my box, talk to people, that kind of thing. So hi. I can’t drink yet, but your bar sounds cool. Do you serve food?

Nice to meet you RJ. Havenoaks is fairly easy to make friends because most people are very social and friendly. I was just like you when I first moved here, and even though I don’t have many friends now, I think I did okay. But anytime you want to come down to Duel, don’t hesitate to say hello. And yes, we are in the process of making it a bar and grill, so we will add more food to the menu.

[stephen-murphy]

lady-lilah:

Well, hello owner-of-Duel. I’ve already been a few times. It’s a lovely place, very nice set up. You have a lot to be proud of. I’m Lilah, new/old resident of Havenoaks, but it’s been ages since I’ve been home, so you’re forgiven for having no clue who I am.

Thank you for saying that. Next time you’re their, your drink is on the house. So where did you stay at before coming back to Havenoaks? 

[stephen-murphy]

loreleixnichols:

So sappy my fingers got sticky on the keyboard after I responded to you. Completely unrelated but can I borrow your laptop? Mine’s broken because I spilled a soda on it.

Being a pain in ass like always, Lurchorino. I want to see if it’s possible to ride a llama. Can you imagine playing that stupid white sport where people ride horses and hit balls but on llamas.

That’s a weird request, but yea if you want to borrow my laptop you can, as long as you don’t spill anything on it.

I have a feeling you want to look at my browser history.

I don’t imagine it because riding a llama look like it will be very uncomfortable. And anyway, I don’t think they are as sturdy as horses.I met someone who kept a llama as a pet.

[stephen-murphy]

maxen-weston:

“When you watch shows about restaurants they have one dish people talk about. The one that brought them to the establishment in the first place and then they stay because of the service and other foods.” He said as he sat down on a stool which was close to the desk. “I think Duel can maybe be known for it’s hamburger or if the chef can cook a great steak it can be that. Or even a steak sandwich.” Maxen threw a few suggestions out for Stephen to think about. “Salmon works. Don’t know a lot of people who readily order trout if there’s other options but I don’t know much when it comes to eating out. I usually cook my own food.”

Stephen thought about a dish that he could have, and figured a nice simple burger and fries combo, might do the trick. “Those are all good suggestion and I will pass it on the chef to see if he can come up with a nice simple steak sandwich or something like that.” Stephen pushed his chair from the desk, to stretch out his leg a bit. “We have some time to figure that out. Do you want me to call the suppliers, or did you want to do it?” Stephen didn’t want to make Maxen feel like he was doing everything, he just wanted him to know how to do everything, just in case he didn’t remember.

[stephen-murphy]

maxen-weston:

The bar & grill was an idea Stephen bounced back and forth with for quite a while and the kitchen expansion was a good call but there was still room for more and he took a moment to think this through. “With the amount of people who walk through that door, they are mostly men who don’t have anyone to go home to and I imagine their meals are made up of TV dinners or whatever they can grab that’s still open.” This was based on what he’d seen since he set foot in this bar. Even the one before Duel was mostly working class guys. Most single. “Hamburgers and fries are good. If you can find a signature dish that might get people outside of that in here.”

Stephen love how perceptive Maxen was. He noticed a lot. “Signature dish?” Stephen wasn’t a cook, so he had no idea what went into a signature dish. But it maybe his chef had some ideas. “I have no idea where to start with a signature dish. I can do signature drinks, maybe, but not food.” Then an idea came to his mind. “What about one of your camping dishes? Like Salmon or Trout or maybe the Chef has some ideas that he can present to us. It’s just that I have this brand new kitchen, but I’m not really doing anything with it.

[stephen-murphy]

maxen-weston:

“Do you think those can be returned to the supplier for a discount? Or if they have other items in their inventory it can be switched?” Maxen didn’t know the ins and outs when it came to these things and he supposed, in due time, he’ll be a pro at it. “I’m not sure it’s a knack or the fact I remember random things.” He liked the praise but he had a hard time accepting it. It was something of his he struggled with. “How’s the schedule? Did you find coverage for that shift?”

“I have to make a few calls and see if they can switch them out or buy it back from me for a low price. And if they don’t want to do either, then what I can do is order some of the other stuff, and just sell this real cheap to the customers to get rid of it. I think I have two cases left.” Stephen shrugged. If it was just him remembering random things, that would be a good asset also. It’ll come and hand. “I did, the shift is covered, so that’s one thing less to worry about it. I wanted to ask you about plan to make this into a bar and grill. We are half way there with the new chef and the few food items. But I was thinking of expanding it a little more. Not just serve the hot wings and fries, but serve more finger food, and fast food stuff.”

[stephen-murphy]

maxen-weston:

When Stephen kissed him, Maxen paid him a little extra attention by giving a smile before he returned to the list. “Have you thought about expanding the beer selection and cutting down on these. They are hardly touched and I think the last time I did one of these lists it was the same bottles.” Maxen indicated to the items he highlighted with yellow. “A lot of the customers are older men and I know there’s younger people who might like a better variety.” His hand went to his husband’s hip and he ran his fingers up and down it subconsciously. 

Sam looked over Maxen’s shoulders at the list to get a better idea of what items he was referring to. “I actually had been thinking about that. I’ve noticed that anytime I do inventory, I don’t re-up on those because I still have quite a few cases. And they haven’t expired yet. So we can go with your idea.” Stephen stepped back from Maxen and leaned against this desk. “You ran the bar for about a month, and helped me here and there, and you already noticed what is the preferred drink of choice and what is least popular? I think you have a knack for this.” Of course Stephen noticed it, but he has been preoccupied with other things to really address the issue. This is why he is glad he has Max by his side. He is really aware of things like that.

[stephen-murphy]

dammit-kivrin:

Nice to meet you again, Boss.

And thanks for last weekend off. I needed it… and it was pretty perfect.

Nice to meet you too!

And no problem. Anything I can do to keep a smile on your face is worth it.

[maxen-weston]

Sundays were slow for Duel and Maxen knew this was the day to come in and try to get a complete understanding of what needed to be handled for the upcoming week. Before, when Stephen needed to leave town, everything was taught to him in a somewhat crash course. Now they had time to reveal the inner workings of the bar and not have the pressure of a ticking clock looming over their heads. Maxen went to the office and held a clipboard with an inventory checklist. “People drink a lot in this town. I never realized the amount until now.”

[stephen-murphy]

Stephen was sitting at his desk looking over the schedules and rearranging a few things since one of his employees requested a day off. He didn’t mind giving them that because they are all hard workers and they never really complain about anything, so if he can do something to make their life easier, then he would do it. Stephen’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard Max. He smirked at his comment because it was true. “This is a small town and there really isn’t much for people to do. Which works in my favor.” Stephen stood up and walked over to his husband, and gave him a quick peck. “I still can’t believe we will be working together. Anyway, do you need help with the check list?”

[stephen-murphy]

loreleixnichols:

Hey there, Lurch. Got a little tear in my eye reading this sap fest of a post. Are you dying? 

Was this really that sappy? I guess a little Sap doesn’t hurt. How are you ding Lorelei?

[stephen-murphy]

gabriel-durand:

Are we having to go around introducing ourselves again on this thing? I guess there has been an influx of new folks lately, I guess. I wonder what that’s about. The mayor’s very pleased though… Anything to bring new people to Havenoaks. How are you and Maxen?

Yea, I realized that I’ve only made a couple of post on here, while people make a lot. And plus with the influx of people, I feel it would be good business to reintroduced myself. Yea, I bet the mayor is pleased. Maxen and I are fantastic. Just enjoying married life really. How are you?

[stephen-murphy]

Text || Stax

Maxen: Wouldn't you need me to be at the bar more? For our meetings.

Maxen: I can't help myself. When it comes to you I want to do whatever possible to see your bar grow. I'll ask for one day off. Friday. We can use that to go over what needs to be done.

Stephen: Yes I definitely want to see more so our meetings can be more efficient. I just don't want you to feel burned out traveling between jobs.

Stephen: And this is why I love you, very much. It warms my heart knowing you want me to succeed. When you took over Duel for me last time, I knew right then that no matter what happened, we would figure it out together. Always be by each other's side. And Friday would be great. I'll try to keep my hands off of you long enough so we can get some work done.

[stephen-murphy]

xander-barrett:

As I said, I’m a paramedic. It’s fine to have the giggles when you aren’t on a call, but if someone’s coding and you’re meant to be saving their life, I think it’s probably better not to laugh while you’re doing it.

Yea, missed that part, obviously. And that’s why I said as long as you reign it in when you should. Anyway, I don’t think it’s possible for someone to giggle in a high stresses situation like that. Unless it’s a coping mechanism, but it would still be inappropiate.