Vee
Hankisn’tathisnormal spot at the front entrance. He isn’t inside the bar. In fact, he isn’t here at all. For a brief moment, I feel relief. I don’t have to see him. I don't have to face the finality of our relationship. His belongings are still mine for just a little while longer. I can breathe and pretend I don’t have to see him.
The box sitting solemnly on my back seat is still full of the items he left at my apartment. As long as they’re with me, it’s not officially over. I can keep pretending this is just a pause, a break, a rough patch. Not an ending. That he’s going to wake up and realize that we can have what our friends have. A poly relationship where everyone is happy.
But I know it’s just a dream. He’s been very clear on the fact that he can’t and won’t share. Either I choose him alone, or we’re nothing. Feelings be damned.
I clock in and slide behind the bar. Jennalyn is already there, surprisingly. She’s laughing a little too loud, leaning against the counter, tits on display, like she owns the place. Over the next hour I watch as she picks and chooses who she helps, batting herlashes at the biggest tippers and hottest men, while the rest of the bar waves at her in an attempt to get her attention.
Shocker, she looks, but chooses not to help them.
I grit my teeth and grab a rag, wiping down the counter where I’m standing. I’ve been purposely keeping to one end of the bar in hopes she’d work just a little harder. She doesn’t. Once again I’m reminded that I need to talk to Bash and Javier about her.
Me and her on the same shift just isn’t working. She disappears when it’s busy and hogs the easy customers when it’s not. If they’re not good looking then she acts as if she doesn’t see them. I hate to sound bitter or territorial over the bar that has been mine for years. Nor do I want to sound like a bitch who can’t share her space. Hell, I did it with Ash, but this girl isn’t her. Where Ash worked her ass off, this one just wants to show hers to the highest bidder. Either it’s her or me, but one of us has to go.
Something’s got to give.
“Hey,” a deep masculine voice calls over the music. One that I’ve become familiar with.
I glance to my left and see my new friend, sitting at the end of the bar, in what I’ve now dubbed his spot.
“You stalking me now?” I ask as I make my way over to him, placing a bottle of Budweiser in front of him.
“Please. If I were stalking you, I’d be better at it than this. For damn sure I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to ya.” He gives me a grin, lifting his drink to his mouth and taking a long swallow.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I nod at Jade as she walks by, heading to the stage to dance.
“You do that, babe.” He gives me a wink, then tilts his head to the side, his eyes narrowing as he really looks at me. “You look sad.”
“And here I thought you were my new best friend, and then you go and say something like that.”
“All I said was the truth.”
Shrugging my shoulders, I decide to answer. “It’s a long story.”
He shifts on the stool, taking another swallow of his beer. “Good thing I’ve got all night. Or at least until the bar closes and you kick me out of here on my ass.”
I roll my eyes as a smile spreads across my face. “You’re annoying.”
“You’re deflecting.”
“I’m working.”
“I know. I’m your customer. And I must say you are giving some exceptional customer service for someone who’s sad.”
“I think you need glasses.” I’m saved from having to come up with reasons not to answer him when an older man about midway down the bar raises his hand trying to flag down Jennalyn. Of course she’s ignoring him.
The crowd grows as the night goes on; the strobing lights flashing across the bodies sitting at tables. All with money in their hands, ready to slip to the dancers and waitresses. I roll my eyes as Jennalyn laughs again, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she flirts with some guy in a backwards cap. It’s taking everything in me not to charge toward her and beat the ever-loving fuck out of her.
“Hey babe, can I get two shots of tequila, two Coronas, and your number?”
I sigh as I glance up at the man in front of me. He’s tall, slender with dark hair, and smiling at me like his words just made my night.
“Sure.” I pour the shots, and I’m reaching for the bottles of beer when I see him. It’s just a glimpse at first. But then I see him cut through the crowd as he moves toward the stairs. I can’t see his face. But I know it’s him. Every fiber in my being knows it’s him. My chest tightens so fast it steals the air from my lungs.
I place the beers down in front of the man. “And the number?” he asks. But I don’t answer, I’m already making my way down the bar.
“I need a second,” I mutter to Jennalyn as I pass her.
