“He was an asshole so don’t think any more of it.” He’s also not the first person we’ve banned. Most of the time people who act like that have been kicked out of other bars. Soon they’ll have no place to go, and I’m perfectly fine with that.
We stand in this close embrace for a few moments. The music from the bar filters into the office. Her breathing slows, and I think she’s coming down from the adrenaline of the interaction. She doesn’t immediately pull away, and I’m glad for the comfort she finds in me.
“Sorry, I should…probably get back to work.” She mutters into my shirt. She starts to pull away, but I keep her in my embrace.
“Don’t even worry about that,” I whisper into her hair. “Stay in here as long as you need. Or, you can go home if you want.”
“No, I can’t do that.” This time she does pull back. Her hands sliding down until they are in mine. “I really need the hours and tips. Both kids in sports aren't exactly cheap.”
“It’s up to you, Joan.” I rub her knuckles to keep her calm. “You’ll get paid regardless of what you do.”
She breathes a sigh of relief. “Thanks.” She looks around the office. “I think I’ll stay in here for a bit and see how I’m doing. Right now, I don’t think I could drive.”
It may be selfish, but I was hoping she would stay. Even if she’s not working the bar, I’ll know she’s here…safe. “Okay. If you need anything, come get me. I’ll send Dylan back with some food.”
She scoffs. “You’re going to have the boss’s boyfriend wait on me?” Laughing, she leans closer to me. “Something about that just seems weird.”
“It’s what he used to do when he worked here. I promise you he won’t mind. He actually offered to pitch in so one of the waitstaff can pitch in at the bar.” Actually, a better question is why is he here tonight without Angie? She probably had that book club thing all the girlfriends and wives do.
“Crap.” She gasps and her fingers slip from mine. I already miss the softness against my own. “I didn’t even think about that. You need to get back out there. I’m sure Lisa is overwhelmed.”
“You’d be surprised what she’s capable of. I know she’s sweet and nice, but that lady knows how to command a room.”
“You’re not lying.” She shakes her head and moves toward the chair in front of Angie’s desk. “Now, go. I’ll be fine. If I need anything I know where to find you.”
A small smile crosses her lips and I’m sure she’s faking being okay so I’ll go back to my job. My feet lead me to her and I crouch down until our eyes meet. My hand moves of its own volition to push a strand of hair that’s fallen from her ponytail out of her face. She shivers at my touch. Is it good? Bad? I don’t know.
“I’m serious, Joan. Anything you need, let me know.” She opens her mouth but I cut her off, “and if you feel the need to go home early, do it.”
“I will.” She pushes at my shoulder, almost knocking me to the ground. “Now go.”
She shoos me away and I do as she asks. I need to relieve Lisa. She may know how to hold her own, but it’s a busy night. It’ll be like old times where we split the bar in half.
One last glance at her as I open the door. She’ll be fine. She has to be. That guy, however, better never try getting in this bar again. I can’t promise I’ll wait for the cops to get here.
The bar has cleared out. Well, at least the patrons have. The rest of us are cleaning up so we can get on with our nights. Or sleep. Joan didn’t come out while we were still serving. Not that I blame her. I’ll be surprised if she wants to keep bartending. That sort of treatment isn’t something I’ve really had to worry about, but I see it happen with female bartenders time and time again. It’s ridiculous it has to be worried about in this day and age.
Right now, she’s helping Lisa clear the tables and wipe them down. I told them I’d take care of the bar. The two of them are whispering and shooting glances my way. I wonder what they are talking about. Clearly, I’m the subject.
Throwing the dirty rag in the bucket under the bar, I round the bar. Dylan steps in front of me. This is becoming a habit. “Can I help you?”
“You don’t need to go over there all nosy.”
“I wasn’t—”
“Yes, you were. I know you better than that.” Of course, he does. That’s what happens when everyone who works here is a close knit group.
“What are the chances of that guy coming back?”
“It happens, but they are going to let him know when he gets out of the tank in the morning that he isn’t welcome.” He snaps his fingers in annoyance, “damn, I forgot to get a picture to share with the other employees.”
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that,” I clap him on the arm. “We’ve all had run-ins with him. We just have to describe his attitude and they’ll know exactly who we’re talking about.”
“If you say so.” He shakes his head and sighs, “Angie is going to freak out when I tell her we had to ban someone.”
“I’m sure she’ll know before you even tell her.” Snorting, I head toward the dining area to put the chairs on top of the tables. “It’s like you’ve forgotten what town you live in.”
“You’re right.” He follows me and stacks chairs. “Let’s get this done so we can get out of here.”
