The cameraman–that’s how I’ll refer to him, since I have no idea what his name is–ordered drinks, made small talk and then left to sit across from the kid’s look-alike.
Every movement I made caused my shirt to rub against the marks that decorated my back, helping to keep me grounded in the present. In truth, I didn’t mind the small reminder. I needed it. Potentially more than anything else in the world.
When I was here, working, my emotions were gone. I didn’t have to feel or think. I just needed to work, bouncing from one customer to the next. While I did my best to keep the small talk to a minimum, I would force myself listen while they vented about their work or home life. The sad truth was that it resulted in better tips. Plus, it kept my mind off my own issues.
Easy. Predictable. Mind numbing–that was what it was like to be working at a bar. But most importantly, it was survivable.
I glanced up from taking an order just as the kid’s look-alike walked away from his friend–or partner–arms wrapped around his body in a protective act, shoulders hunched forward. I couldn’t be sure who they were to one another, and I didn’t really care to figure it out because it took far too much effort. But from the looks of things, the kid’s look-alike felt much the same way I did these days.
I titled my head and studied the cameraman for a moment.Maybe they broke up? Or maybe the other guy got turned down?Either way, it didn’t really matter because it wasn’t any of my business.
Turning my attention back to the other patrons, I set another draft beer on the bar in front of a customer and then slipped the tip he’d left into my pocket. Rather than focusing on the cameraman and the kid’s look-alike, I continued to busy myself, cashing out a tab for one of the other men at the opposite end of the bar.
Boring. Easy. My specialty.
“Hey,” the cameraman called, pulling me from my thoughts as he lifted his chin my way.
Suppressing a sigh, I turned and gave him as much of my attention as I could muster.
Maybe I shouldn’t have gone to the club a few nights ago,I wondered.My actions seem to be a bit slower than normal.I suppose that was probably to be expected after having been twice in one month; a new personal record.
“What can I help you with, sir?”
It took him a long moment, his eyes taking me in, before finally answering. “Another beer.”
“Sure thing.” I lightly tapped the bar before turning to fill a new glass, placing it in front of him a moment later.
“I saw you at the club the other night.” His voice stopped me in my tracks just as I prepared to take my break.
I lifted a brow, not caring if anyone saw me there or not. To be quite honest, I didn’t give a crap about a lot of things these days, so I wasn’t sure what his point was.
“Are you doing okay?”
This time, I turned to face him, my confusion evident. “Why wouldn’t I be?” I squinted at him, studying his expression.
“You seem…a bit off tonight. I’ve been in here a few times over the past few months, but after the club thing….” his voice trailed off as he pushed his glasses up his nose.
“I’m fine, man. But thanks for, uh, worrying.”
“I’m a good listener, ya know.”
“Perhaps you should listen to that man you were with.” The words were out of my mouth before I could even stop them. “He looked pretty upset when he left.” Considering he was damn near in tears before exiting, I was willing to bet he was sitting out in the parking lot, crying his eyes out.
“He––I’ll check on him after I finish this,” he stated, tapping his beer.
“You don’t seem the type to let someone who’s that upset just walk away from you.” I knew I needed to get his attention off of me, so I continued. “I mean, I’d hate for something to happen to the poor kid.” I grimaced slightly as the last word left my mouth.
“You’re right, I’m not. But I can assure you, he’ll be okay. Jude just needs a bit of a push.”
I froze as the name fell from the man’s lips.Shit. No. Just…no.
“Pushing can often do more harm than good,” I muttered, more to myself than to him. Focusing on my breathing, it took me another full minute before I was able to finally push the panic away. “Anything else I can get you?” His head was cocked to the side, his eyes appearing to see more than I was willing to show.
Stupid Doms.
Judah
My hands were bound in front of me, cuffs digging into my wrists, nearly cutting off circulation. As soon as I was taken from my cell a burlap type bag was placed over the top of my head, rendering me essentially blind. I tried my best to focus on anything other than the unknown fate that awaited me, but my mind refused.
