“Because I don’t need you here. You can stay around and have some drinks, but I don’t need you behind the bar.”
She looked at Munch again, then sucked her teeth. She knew not to fight me on it, so she grabbed her tips and came from behind the bar. It looked like she was going to bump into Raina, but she thought twice about it. For some reason, calling her Raina sounded crazy.
“Since this is your first night, I’ll be around to help you, if need be, but technically, you’re on your own.”
I could have had Drizzle stay with her, but I already knew the two of them would have issues before the night was over. I didn’t need any unnecessary fights breaking out. If all things worked out, Munch would be the full-time bartender, and Drizzle would be the backup person. She wouldn’t like it, but I didn’t give a fuck.
“That’s fine with me.”
“Good. Let me show you where everything is, and I’ll let you get to it. I’m sure more people will be coming in soon.”
It took me a few minutes to show her where the different liquors and beers were stored. The bar was stocked well, so more than likely, she wouldn’t need anything from the back. I also made sure she knew how to work the POS system and anything else I thought she would need for the night. As I told her, I would be around, but the quicker she was on her own, the better.
When she assured me that she was good, I grabbed a straw from the container they were kept in and stuck it in my mouth. I walked around the bar and took a seat at the end where I could watch her and the door.
Munch worked that bar like she’d been there for years. I underestimated the shy girl act she put on, even though I didn’t think it was an act. She probably was shy, but with a brother like Rameek, she couldn’t have been a slouch. Only time would tell.
Every so often, she would glance in my direction, and I just nodded. I’d gone through multiple straws. I found my urgeto have something in my mouth had increased since I spotted Munch at the bar. She was intriguing and a little mysterious.
“Aye, baby. Let me get a beer.”
I sat back and watched a drunk dude try to get Munch’s attention. We didn’t play that disrespectful shit around here, but I wanted to see how she would react.
“Bitch! You can’t hear?”
My jaw ticked, and I damn near bit a hole in the straw. I had my arms on the top of the bar, clenching and unclenching my fists. It had been a while since I had to go in someone’s shit, but I was ready to take dude’s head off. Even if it were Drizzle behind the bar, I would have wanted him out, but for Munch, I was going to put my hands on him first. The thought gave me pause, but not enough to not pay attention to what was happening.
Munch smiled at the chick she served, then made her way to where the obnoxious customer was.
“I think you are in the wrong place.” She looked around. “I don’t see any bitches around here.” Her eyes darted over to where Drizzle was talking with some other pass arounds. “At least not behind this bar. Now, if you want a drink, I suggest you ask politely, or you’ll be out of here.”
He looked at her like he wanted to say something else, but when I cleared my throat, he looked at me. His eyes widened upon recognition. “My bad, Kane.”
I leaned forward. “I’m not the one you need to be apologizing to.”
He turned toward Munch, who stood with her arms crossed and her head to the side. I wanted to laugh at her trying to look tough, but the shit was cute to me.
“I’m sorry, Miss Lady.” He bowed his head. “It won’t happen again.” He dropped his head, then walked to the door and left.
Munch looked at me, then went to help another guy who was much more polite. Most of the patrons we got were part ofthe club, or at least family members or friends. Sometimes, we would get people from the neighborhood who weren’t affiliated at all, but they all knew the rules. It was the out-of-towners who came in here and got beside themselves at times, but one of us would quickly rectify that.
“You straight?” I asked Munch as she wiped down the bar after helping the last few people who ordered drinks.
“Yup. Did you want something to drink?”
“I was wondering when you were going to ask?” I smirked, and she rolled her pretty ass eyes. “Let me get a scotch on the rocks.” I didn’t tell her which scotch I wanted, because I wanted to see which one she would pick. We had different brands, some cheap, and some that cost too much in my opinion, but I still drank them.
I smiled when I saw her grab one of the ones from the top shelf. I watched her grab a glass, wash it out, then drop a spherical ice ball in it, then add the perfect amount of liquor.
She dropped a napkin on the bar top and placed the glass on top. “One scotch on the rocks.” She smiled, but I could tell she was nervous.
“Thank you.” I picked up the glass and swirled it. I let it sit for a second before I took a sip. “Good choice.”
“You’re welcome.” She nodded and walked away to help someone else.
Munch worked for hours and didn’t need my help one time. I covered the bar for her so she could get a break because she had been on her feet for a while. I started to ask Drizzle, but I didn’t feel like being bothered by her. Plus, it had been a while since I worked the bar, and it was kind of fun.
The sound of engines roaring outside caught my attention, so I helped the chick who flirted with me, then watched the door. Munch was due back from her break any minute, and I prayed no shit popped off.
