10:30 PM.
Just one hour had passed since I started my shift.
With a tired groan, I pushed my way back into the crowd but made little progress getting anywhere with everyone packed in so close. I was either pushed back, forward or way off course from the booths I was aiming for. When I finally got to the tables, I ducked beneath my arms and squeezed between bodies to grab empty glasses, using my below-average height to my advantage.
I repeated this process until I got back to the bar, letting out a sigh as I placed the stacked glasses and drink tray onto the counter. I wiped the sweat from my brow and rested for a second before Xavier snapped his fingers at me, prompting me to get the glasses to the dishwasher in the staff room.
The dragon’s den, I thought while entering Roxy’s office. Thankfully, she ignored my existence as I shuffled into the room, so I made it in and out unscathed.
I closed the staff room door softly behind me and had just turned to face the club when I spotted a familiar ash blonde, man-bun edging through the crowd to the bar. I practically threw myself down beneath the cash register and scooted myself backward until I was flush against the bar. My legs tucked up to my chest as I sat on the floor.
Kira hadn’t told Aiden I worked here, and when I asked her to promise she never would, she pinkie swore. Which was better than a contract in my opinion. I only had one reason why I didn’t want Aiden to know I worked here: himself. Truthfully, I didn’t want to have to talk to him every time he came to buy a drink and watch a fight.
Jen spotted me and raised her eyebrows questioningly as she approached me. She mouthed, “What are you doing?”
“See the guy with the man bun?” I mouthed back, pointing upward. She scanned the crowd and spotted who I was referring to before looking down at me again. “He can't know I'm here.”
Jen nodded once in understanding and looked up. Plastering a welcoming grin on her face, she addressed Aiden once he arrived at the bar.
He ordered a scotch but decided to sit at the bar and drink it. Which meant I had to remain on the floor while Jen explained what I was doing to Xavier, who was wondering why I wasn't working. I just hoped Roxy didn't come out and see me like this. I was sitting directly across from the staff room door.
Aiden started talking to someone, his voice barely audible over the music as I strained to listen to his conversation. A small part of me selfishly hoped I might catch him talking to another girl but the more I listened, the more I realized he was on the phone to Kira.
“Feeling guilty about ditching our plans yet?” he chuckled dryly.
My jaw dropped and I frowned.
Kira hadn’t ditched plans. She had a migraine and was on the couch with a cold pack over her face when I left for The Den earlier tonight.
There was a pause as Kira responded.
“I know, babe. I’ve had migraines before too. I’m just a little disappointed when I feel like I’m putting in all this effort to organize date night. You’ve made me look a little stupid sitting here on my own...”
My face twisted in disgust, and I hissed under my breath, “Is he serious right now?”
No one forced him to come. He was making himself look stupid by showing up alone. Kira was the most loyal, doting girlfriend he could ever have, and he thought she wasn’t doing enough. She put her heart into everything.
There was another brief pause before Aiden responded again. His voice was purposefully sad. "Alright… I'll see you tomorrow… Yeah, I love you too, babe."
Jen approached again (he must have waved her over) before serving him a second glass of scotch. I watched her face the entire time, relying on her to let me know if he had moved or not. When her gaze subtly scanned across the room, in the direction of the bathrooms, she gave me the thumbs up to stand again.
He had given Kira a hard time about missing date night, because of a migraine, and had the audacity to watch a fight instead of heading home to her.
"Who is he?" Jen asked as we looked towards the hidden basement entrance.
"An asshole,” I said simply.
“Your ex?”
“No. My friend’s current boyfriend.” I dragged my eyes from where Aiden disappeared into the back room.
“So, he doesn’t get your friendship tick of approval?”
“Nope. But Kira loves him. Somehow, he makes her happy.” I shrugged in defeat.
“They all do. Until they don’t.” She sounded as if she were talking from experience. When she saw the question on my face, she elaborated a little. “I almost threw my life away for a guy like him once. He was a vagabond who broke my heart in more ways than one.” She smiled, though her eyes were sad. “Your friend is lucky to have you in her corner.”
“Are you okay though?” I asked, sincerely worried.
