I’ve always been one to do what I’m told and my mouth crashes into hers. The wind is picking up, and the branches scratch against the house. It only adds to the intensity of being with her right now. My hands trail up and down her body, relishing every touch.
It’s been almost a week since we’ve held each other and I’m not going to let tonight pass us by.
17
Lisa
The past weekhas been brutal. Not because of the grueling schedule of working all day then heading off to class for four hours. No, it’s because I haven’t been able to spend any time with Devin.
He was still sleeping when I woke up this morning and I tiptoed out of his house before going to mine to get ready for class. Each time I talk to him on the phone, or to his face, there’s a gnawing sense in my stomach that it will be the last. That we’re on borrowed time. Once Crooked Halo scoops him up to go on tour with them, I know my time will be up.
Music is his life, and there’s no way I can compete with that. I can’t go on the road with him either. Not after Carlos and Angie paid for me to take this class and work the bar. I can’t. No, Iwon’t, do that to them.
“Ma’am?” The person at the counter says. Now I’m not sure how I feel about being called that. Surely, I’m not old enough to be a ma’am.
“Sorry, yeah?”
“Your total is $105.23, and I need to see your ID.” Thank God yesterday was payday. This is the only time I have to get the liquor to practice making drinks, and I only stuck to vodka and whiskey since that’s what most people order. Or, that’s what I assume based on the amount of bottles Carlos constantly has on order. Also, how is he going to ask for my license after calling me ma’am?
“Thanks.” I pull out both cards and hand over the ID. He brings it close to his face as if I might be lying about my age. Finally, he types my birth date into the computer and hands the rectangular piece of plastic back to me. I insert my card into the machine and wait for it to approve before pulling it out.
It’s only now that I realize I rarely come into liquor stores. Anytime I’ve wanted a drink, I’ve gone to a bar, usually one I’m working at. I grab the brown bag with the bottles and walk out.
Hopefully the bar isn’t crazy tonight. Staying at Devin’s last night wasn’t the best idea, but I don’t regret it. I needed to see him and spend time with him. He seemed to have needed it as well.
I have my doubts, though. It seems like more people were there to see Devin and his band than the last time. They are gaining popularity, and I wonder how long it will take for the high of being in the spotlight to overshadow our relationship. When will I become second choice?
Now isn’t the time to worry about that, I get in my car and head home. A nap is needed if I’m going to make it until closing time tonight. Especially since Carlos wants me behind the bar again to observe. The only difference is this time I actually know a little bit about what’s going on.
“No.” Eric pulls the whiskey out of my hand. “That’s too much.”
I swear I’m going to murder my roommate before the end of the day. The bar is slow until the evening crowd picks up, and we’re working on some of the drinks I’ve learned. Apparently, I suck at this.
“Too much what?” I can’t seem to get the measurement right.
“All of it.” He throws his hands up in exasperation.
“Then let me use the measuring cups until I get the hang of it.” Carlos is letting use the cheap stuff to practice, and I feel bad about how much I’ve already wasted. “I’m just starting out.”
“Measuring cups take too long when we’re busy.” He takes a deep breath and comes moves beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’ll get the hang of it. Before long pouring drinks will feel natural.”
It’s a good thing he isn’t my instructor for class. There’s no way any of us would make it learning from him. “If you say so. Right now, I’m having doubts I’m cut out for this.”
Eric moves the glass with my fourth failed whiskey sour attempt to the side and turns me toward him. “Carlos and Angie wouldn’t go through all this trouble if they didn’t think you could do it. It’s not an easy job to learn, especially if you don’t already have some knowledge about how everything works behind the bar.”
“But I feel like no matter what I do I’m going to fail.” There’s nothing he can say that’s going to convince me otherwise. Unless, of course, I magically become better at making drinks. I know it will take practice, but it feels unattainable right now.
“I promise, you’ll learn and be amazing.” He really is a good friend to have in my corner.
“Hey, whatcha got going on back there?” I’ve been so focused on complaining to Eric about my lack of skills, I didn’t see my boyfriend come up to the bar.
“Making crappy drinks,” I deadpan. “Why are you here so early? Y’all don’t go on stage for a few more hours.”
“I wanted to come get a drink and see you.” Devin grins and it makes my heart melt. He’s always so considerate, and I feel like I have one foot out the door before anything has even happened. “I know you’re working, but I couldn’t help myself. Aside from tomorrow, we won’t see each other until the show in front of you know who.”
The last sentence is a whisper. It’s not public knowledge and he doesn’t want anyone to overhear. “Let Eric know what you want. I’ll screw it up.”
“It can’t be that bad.”
