It’s a black bodysuit with small silver stars and crescent moons throughout. It fits rather snugly on what Jace says are “all of the right places.” The sleeves sit slightly off the shoulder, creatinga kind of sweetheart neckline.There’s that word again.Just the thought of the nickname sends a shiver down my spine, remembering Lee and what he called me last night. And this morning in my fantasy.
I grab a pair of light-washed high-waisted jeans on a hanger not too far from where the bodysuit is hanging. These are always a favorite of mine. Jace says that my ass looks perfect in them. I always trust his opinion when it comes to what I wear. He would tell me otherwise, very bluntly, I might add.This should do. My black lace-up combat boots go on next. They’re always a struggle to pull on, but they’re my most comfortable shoes. They’re my go-to for long shifts at the bar.These will be perfect for tonight’s ensemble.The thought comes to my mind as I grab them from the same spot I threw them last night.
The idea that I could see Lee periodically has turned me into a panicked mess. One of the men I have grown accustomed to, only through my headphones and in my mind, now has a face. This makes everything more complicated. I think about him hovering on top of me and seeing his face at the perfect angle and his olive skin glowing in candlelight. The shadows hit every defined line just right.Concentrate, Thalia. You don’t know if that’s what he looks like. Now is not the time to fantasize. Get your shit together.
Work has been slow, but that's normal for the middle of the week. The few regulars are spaced out around the bar with their heads permanently stuck in the downward position, staring at theirphone screens. It is a wild night for me. I catch myself eyeing the door every so often and start to second-guess if he’s even coming in tonight. Did I wear my “tits get you tips” bodysuit for nothing? Jace acknowledges my desperation. His facial expression is full of pity as he walks over to my side of the bar.
“Girl, you keep checking that door like it’s going to come off the hinges.”
“I’m honestly just regretting my outfit choices.” He notices me shifting in my uncomfortable jeans. I should have just gone with my black jeans and a sweater. My boots make a squeaking sound underneath me as I lean my body up against the bar. The night is far from over and my feet are already sore.
“What? You think he ain’t coming?” He asks, doing that thing where his voice raises at every question.
“I don’t care if he comes. I’m sure he has better things to do. Maybe other bars to supply.” My arms cross instinctively on my chest.Why does the idea of him not coming in disappoint me so much, and did I just get jealous?
“Girl, you ain’t fooling anyone. You look at him like he’s your favorite bowl of noodles you get from that Thai restaurant. You have no fucking clue, do you?” His eyebrows lower.
“I don’t,” I admit, lowering my arms to my waist. It’s true. I am terrible at this. Dating is not my strong suit. I have no idea how to flirt, unless I’m drunk. Even then, it’s still not good. More vulgar and sloppy than something to be admired.
“Well, bitch, I guess now it’s your chance to find out.” His eyes move to the front doors. He pauses, and his dark brown eyes go wide. “Oh, look, he brought a friend. Damn. He’s fucking fine as helltoo.” The doors swing open, bringing in the cold autumn breeze with them.
Lee is first as the two of them walk in. His voice echoes in the bar. “Come on, there is someone I want you to meet.” His eyes meet mine. My cheeks get hotter as his face turns into that smirk he does. Still leaning up against the bar, I feel my knees start to go weak. Not but a few hours ago, I was imagining this man over top of me, fucking me in dim candle light, and here he is walking towards me, with a friend no less.Don’t panic, just act natural.
Jace’s footsteps become quieter as he walks towards the other end of the bar.Please don’t leave me like this.With pleading eyes, I do my best to beg him to stay with me. His smile is all the confirmation I need to know I am on my own.
Out of sheer nervousness and panic, I grab the closest glass I can see. Cleaning has always been there to hide my anxiety. His guest enters shortly after, walking in the small space between Lee and the door. His long black coat falls past his waist to the middle of his thighs. My eyes trace up his sleeves, which fit snugly around his arms. His hair is a darker shade of auburn. He wears it short on the sides but not completely shaven, and a little curly on the top. Although it’s a bit disheveled, it looks like he just woke up, but he has that aura about him. He knows how amazingly attractive he is, and it drives me to keep all of my attention on him.Stop staring, Thalia. Nothing to see here. Oh, fuck. Here he comes.
“Hey, Sweetheart. Cleaning glasses again?” Lee's Manhattan accent takes me back to this morning, making my insides feel like they’re melting. His eyes peer up to mine, the vibrant color of them leaving me momentarily speechless. It's as if the world around mefreezes. He has no idea what he does to me.Maybe he does, and that’s why he keeps his eyes glued to mine.
In my peripheral vision, I can see his friend removing his black coat and hanging it on the back of the bar stool. The tight fit of his shirt on his sculpted arms nearly makes my ogling eyes pop out of my head.
“J-just trying to keep busy.” Here I am, nervously stuttering.Surprise, surprise.
“I see. You keep scrubbing like that, you’re going to rub a hole in the glass.” Lee laughs.
“Oh, you know, just trying to be thorough.” I do my best to smile through my awkwardness.
“I’d say you’re beingverythorough.” His friend points out.
Another familiar voice.Do my cheeks look as red as they feel?
My eyes widen.I know exactly who you are.My body leans onto the bar for more support. My once weak legs now feel numb. No, not numb, but instead the feeling you get when your feet fall asleep. Only this time, it’s radiating up my thighs.Oh, damn, is it hot in here?
“Oh, then I’d say I’m doing well at my job,” I answer while glancing up towards his green eyes, more of a gaze than a glance.Those damn eyes are going to be the death of me. Am I flirting? If I am, I am doing a terrible job.I see myself reflected in his thick black horn-rimmed glasses. He hasn’t turned away since he’s sat down. I guess you could say that’s a good thing. I don’t think he’s stopped looking in my direction, and I don’t think I’ve stopped looking at him either. It’s like I’m one of those kids in that horror movie. You know what I’m talking about. It’s the horror classic with the evil clown. Just call me Beverly and him Pennywise.
“Thalia.”Lee interrupts my gaze. His voice stops my trance as it echoes in my ears.
“This is Alan.”I know exactly who he is.Alan removes his black gloves and reaches his hand out towards mine.What should I do? Have I ever shaken anyone’s hand before?My rag falls on the black tile behind the bar as I reach forward.
“Oh, shit.” I bend over clumsily and reach down, hitting my head on the bar as I come back up. “Fuck.” I curse, rubbing the back of my head.
“You okay, Sweetheart?” That’s right, Lee is here too. They’rebothhere. The men I listen to almost daily, dreamt about-and well, fantasize about–are standing in front of me.
“Yeah, just my normal grace,” I answer, feeling my cheeks go red again.
“Alan Jones,” he replies. “I’ll keep my hands to myself this time.” That voice, the one that I catch myself thinking about more than a normal person probably should, is real, and it is in front of me.
“That may be the safer option.” I smile, continuing to rub the back of my head. He looks at me above his frames. His full pink lips curve into a smirk.Holy shit, he does it too.
