Jerrod Pace was not necessarily known for his sensitivity. He wouldn't learn a new employee's name until they'd worked at The Chop House for 3 months, referring to them as "New Fish" until they'd finished this initiation period. When a rough-housing former team leader hit him on the head with a check presenter, he picked it up and hit her back in her forehead a little harder. He would never cry at a movie. His friends referred to him as Grudgemaster, a name he happily embraced, as he would rather lose his left arm than forgive someone a trespass.
But something has changed. Somehow, like monkeys and cavemen before us, he has evolved.
I saw those tough blue eyes tear up on February 10, 2005 when a stage door on The Ellen Show slid open to reveal the woman to whom he was about to propose. Our tough guy mob boss wanna-be has enrolled in gymnastics for the past two semesters, turning cartwheels and forward rolls with the determination of an Olympic medalist. I've heard him consider baby girl names, (he's particularly fond of "Brooklyn"), although he'll have to wait a pretty long time before he actually gets to christen one. He recently told me that he wished I would move back home so that we could take ballroom dancing lessons together. And the "Grudgemaster", after a couple of years of physical therapy, has now successfully trained his mouth to form the words "I'm sorry" and has even forgiven a couple of transgressions against him.
I love him for his machismo. But I love him so much more for the sweet spirit that hides behind the muscle.
2 comments:
really disappointed that you don't mention me on this website. How can you expect me to make the big time with you without any ringing endorsements. would love to hear from you soon.
cb
While he will always be the grudgemaster, you have done a masterful job of reworking his wiring. Although, the whole work thing is still quite accurate....we call call them "new fish" until the 6 month mark, who can keep up with these names??
Jarnagin
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