“She can’t, but she’sclose to people who can.”
I shrugged, not really caring about Dennis’words.“Whatever, makes no difference to me. Like I said,I’ll go back to jail. I honestly don’t care.It’s the easiest place tomake friends.”
“You’ve really been to jail?”Mateoasked.
“A couple times. It’s a long story.”
“About five long stories,”Dennis said. He smiled as I laughed.
“I warned you. You’re the one who wanted to hear them all.”
“I didn’t say they weren’t interesting. Make me a drink?”He plucked a glass from my neat stack.
“What do you want?”
“Whiskey sour.”He gave me the rocks glass and I made him the most majestical whiskey sour ever.
A steady flow of customers picked up and we all set to work taking care of them. Dennis went off to play pool with his two friends from the night before, Mateo was off flirting with Nariya, Ari was keeping Sean company while he made drinks, and Alan was to my right offering advice and pointers anytime I seemed frazzled.Eventually, Michael came out from the back to check on me.
“How’s it going? You doing okay?”he asked. “Are you drinking?” He eyed the half empty glass beside me. It was my second drink a customer had insisted on paying for.
“Guys keep buying me drinks. Who am I to turn them down?”
“An employee,” he deadpanned. Which was rude but fair. “Don’t drink on shift. And let one of us know if you need help. I’ll be in back.”
I sighed and got back to work. After a couple hectic hours something caught my attention: a vampire who was on his fourth drink from me within the past couple hours—all doubles or something equally strong—was sloppily making his way back. I studied his demeanor as he arrived for presumably a fifth.
“You are gorgeous. A sexy… has anyone told you that?” He gripped the counter for balance. “Another. Double shot. Tequila.” He pointed at the wrong bottle with one hand and steadied himself with the other.
I hesitated before deciding not to take his order.He couldn’t even form a real sentence.“How about some water this time?” I suggested as pleasantly as possible.
“Double shot,”heinsisted,leaningforward.
“Sorry, hun. I have to say no.” I gave an empathetic smile. “How about a club soda and lime for now?”
“You can’t cut me off,”his tone changed immediately.
“Drink this,” I poured him a glass of water, “and come back in a couple hours.I’ll make whatever drink you want.”
“I want you to suck my dick. How ‘bout that?”
My mouth dropped.“You’re cut off. Go sit down.”I pointed to the furthest table.
“Why’re you being such a bitch?” He reached for my hand but I yanked it back. “Make me a drink.”
“If you fucking touch me—”
“You need to leave.”Sean appeared beside me, arms crossed and voice firm. “Now.”
“Oh, come on. Tell this ugly bitch to lighten up,” the man slurred. He reached for me again but I grabbed a fruit knife and stabbed his hand into the bar, driving so deep it couldn’t move. “You fuckingcunt!” His free hand snatched my wrist.
Dennis was instantly at his side. “You have one second to let go.”
“Or wha—”
Dennisslammed hishead on the counter, splitting it with a sickening crack. He stepped backas the body slumped, held up only by its speared hand.Acouple shocked gasps, followed by silence. And then…
“Dennis, what thefuck?” Ariscreeched.
