Page 3

Chapter Three

I turn down the gravel drive and almost stop. There are men working on the driveway. They’re breaking up the old pieces of concrete scattered throughout and smoothing it down to pour asphalt. Business must not be that bad if Kevin is paying someone to re-pave the driveway. Hell, maybe that will bring in more business.

Mindy and Kevin are both standing on the porch as I put Betty in park.

“Where’s Carly?” I ask. Everyone but me is always on time.

“She quit. She isn’t going to be here,” Kevin says. He opens the door of the bar, and we follow. He stands behind the bar and Mindy and I take a seat on the other side.

“I have a few things to cover this morning before I leave. As you can see, they’re fixing the road that leads back here. I know what y’all are thinking. How in the hell did he come up with the money for that? Let's face it girls; business is dead. And before yesterday, I had every intention of closing the doors. But I had a man approach me with an offer. He had cash in hand and already had the paperwork drawn up. He wanted this place bad . The only thing that would have kept him from buying was the driveway. So, I had a few strings pulled. I don't know why he was so insistent on fixing the driveway, but he was. He said if the driveway wasn't fixed, he wasn't buying.”

“So, you're selling? Great. There goes my job,” Mindy scoffs.

“No girls. You won't lose your job. He's insisted on keeping the employees. Said that y’all are what the customers will need with a new owner coming in and he can learn how y’all do things since he’s never owned a bar before. He appears to be a good guy, a real businessman. We met at his office downtown, he owns a few of the major businesses that handle emergencies in the chemical plants, but I'm thinking he might make you change your dress code. I met him and he was extremely proper, in a suit and tie and these shiny black dress shoes.”

“You're joking. He isn't going to make us dress like that. Come on, Kevin. It's a hole in the wall, redneck bar for crying out loud,” Mindy says, cringing.

“I'm just picking. About the dress code, anyway. I think he will do great things with the place; he's undoubtedly got the money to put into it to turn it around completely."

"We need that. Trust me, my bank account would appreciate it," I chime in.

"So, when does he take the place over?" Mindy asks.

"Technically, he is the new owner right now. We did the closing paperwork yesterday. He's got a lot going on with his other businesses and he can't come in for a few weeks.”

"And what about the parking lot? No one is going to come in with the parking lot like that." I point toward the parking lot from where I’m sitting.

"Those are contractors hired by the new owner and they're going to be your business for the next two weeks. They're equipped with company credit cards and have assured me they will take good care of my bar, as well as my bartenders."

"Is our pay going to change? You should so tell him you're already paying us fifteen dollars an hour," Mindy jokes.

"Girls, girls, easy with all the questions," Kevin laughs. "Here is what I can tell you, the man that bought the place will make sure that you are taken care of, and the business will ultimately pick up. However, I won't be around after today. He gave me a nice down payment and will pay me the rest monthly. So, with that, I'm headed to Fourchon for the next month to do some charter fishing and get away for a little while. I'm thinking I might head up to Memphis after I get tired of fishing."

"You lucky bastard. Must be nice."

"I agree with Lilly. Lucky bastard. Some of us have to make sure this place stays in its former glory, especially since you and the new owner both won't be in for two weeks," Mindy says, sticking her tongue out at Kevin.

"Mindy, you know this business like the back of your hand. I have no doubt that between you and Lilly, it will run smoothly. You girls won't have to open the bar until noon, and you can shut down whenever the construction workers leave the bar at night. The new owner says he doesn't know when he will be in, but he's thinking sometime within the next two weeks,"

"All right. I think we can handle this. So, we don't get to meet our new boss yet? What kind of bullshit is that? We're working for a man that we don't know and he's going to be making changes without consulting with us first. I don't know how I feel about this," I say, voicing my concerns.

"He will be in soon to meet with the two of you. Until then, I'm out of here girls. I have a fishing hole calling my name and I'm finally not stressed out over this bar. Oh, there's going to be another contractor coming in to do some work on the interior of the bar as well. You'll have to work around them." Kevin picks up his things and walks toward the door. "Call me if you need anything, but please don't need anything."

"Don't worry, we won't," Mindy reassures him.

Mindy and I are left sitting here, at the bar, trying to process what he just said.

“What do you think of all this?” I ask.

"I think it makes me kind of nervous but kind of excited. What about you?"

"I think I could use the money if the new boss is actually going to do what Kevin said he was going to. Hey, look. I'm exhausted. I'm going to go crash on the couch in the back until I have to come on shift tonight. If you need anything, come wake me up,” I say, heading to the lounge.

As bad as I want to sleep in my own bed, the thought of being alone right now is overwhelming and there is at least some sense of security here. A home away from home type thing and with Mindy here, it’s even more comforting.

I sleep on and off throughout the day. Somehow, I was able to drown out the sounds of heavy machinery in the parking lot. At this rate, the contractors will have the driveway done within a few days. I hear them out there working every time I wake up.

At lunch time, the sound of voices in front of the bar echo through the open doorway between the lounge and the bar. Men are laughing, talking loudly, obviously enjoying their time. I try to ignore the sounds and force myself back to sleep. I need sleep and every time I fall into a dream, I get to see face of the man who haunts my mind, day and night. He’s even more stunning in my dreams and I don’t know how that’s possible.

Mindy comes in around four and wakes me up. I was just in the middle of a blissful dream, somewhere soft, warm, and homey.

“Get dressed woman. There’s a cute guy that’s working on the driveway out front and he’s been asking about you all day!” Mindy chimes, her excitement written all over her face.

I’m not interested. Ugh.

“And, I may have agreed to a double date with him and one of the other guys.”

"You did what? Mindy, come on now!" I shriek, practically yelling.

"What? We've got to get you out of this funk you've been in over mystery biker. What better way than to go out and have fun?" she asks.

"Fine. But only because it's you. He better at least be decent looking, and semi-entertaining."

"Okay, grumpy. Go shower and wake up. Get pretty. The tips are through the roof today and we've sold out of all the pizzas and chips we had in the back.”

"Seriously?" I ask.

"Yes ma'am. I'm going tomorrow to restock before I come on shift."

"That's awesome. I could use the money. Hey, can I use your attic to store some stuff? My place just isn’t big enough.”

I don’t want Mindy to know how serious my financial troubles have gotten. She would go out of her way to make sure I didn’t go without, but she already does so much for me, and I feel like I ask too much as it is.

"Sure, love. You know you're more than welcome to use my space whenever you need it." Mindy kisses my cheek and walks back to the front of the bar.

I try to shake off the longing for Cass that is left behind after a dream of him. I shower quickly, aching to feel him inside of me again. The orgasm he gave me was so intense and powerful and that’s exactly what I need right now.

I chastise myself. Stop it. Stop. It’s done. He’s gone, and that’s that. Pull yourself together. You’re hot and there are plenty of other men; attractive, willing, and able.

I glance at my reflection in the half-fogged glass when I step out of the shower. My long, straight, jet-black hair falls just above my navel. Dark brown eyes stare back at me, beady brown eyes as my dad would say. And a three-thousand-dollar smile. Braces paid off in the long run.

Rushing to get dressed, I grab my makeup bag and quickly apply eyeliner and mascara before walking out front.

"There she is," Mindy says as I round the corner. The bar is absolutely full of people. There are at least ten guys sitting at the bar and a few more are shooting pool. This is the busiest this bar has been since I started working here. The jukebox is playing Tim McGraw’s “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” and laughter fills the room. The men are winding down from their workday and it puts a smile on my face to see the bar so busy. This. This is what a bar is supposed to look like.

Mindy approaches me when she spots me out of the corner of her eye. “Ready to take it over?”

“Ready when you are,” I smile my best fake smile and give her two thumbs up.

Mindy closes out her register and hands me her paperwork. "Put this in the safe please."

I take it to the back and take a deep breath before I return to the front of the bar, preparing myself for a successful evening at the bar. I take a deep, steady breath. With that, I turn on my heel and put on my best bartender face. I got this.

"Lilly, this is Darren," Mindy introduces me to one of the construction workers sitting at the bar. "He's the one that's been asking about you.”

"Nice to meet you," I say, offering him a soft smile.

"You too, beautiful," he says, smiling at me.

Great. He’s flirting with me. Mindy and her fucking schemes. Darren isn’t a bad looking man. His short brown hair and chin strap give him an edge and his light blue eyes are beautiful. His teeth are a little crooked, but it works for him. The only thing wrong with him is the fact that he doesn’t have a blue Harley, his arms are not nearly big enough, and his name isn’t Cass.

"I hear my best friend here has set up some kind of double date. Is that right?" I inquire, fidgeting with a sticky spot on top of the cooler in front of me.

"Yes ma'am. But only if it's okay with you," Darren says.

“ Yeah, it's fine.” My answer isn’t welcoming, but I can’t help it. It’s not fine. I don’t want to go. I don’t have it in me to fake it.

"Lilly, can I talk to you for a second? We need to go over some of the changes before you take shift," Mindy scolds, giving me a look of disapproval.

"Yeah."

Mindy drags me to the back. "What are you doing? Be nice. He's cute and he's really interested in you."

"I don't want him. He's just...He's so little."

"What? Have you lost your mind? He's as tall as half the guys out there and he's not tiny. He's a normal looking guy. What's wrong with that?" Mindy asks, shaking her head in disbelief.

"You said it. He's a normal looking guy. I'm just not into him."

"Lilly, you're being unreasonable. Would you at least give the man a chance? Please? For me?" Mindy asks, her tone borderline begging.

"Okay, okay. But only for you," I say, then turn and walk out.

As soon as I walk out, there are four guys at the bar waiting to be served.

"Hey bartender!" one of the guys shouts.

"I'm coming. What can I get ya?" I ask with my best fake smile.

"I need three Bud Lights and two dollars in quarters. Kyle over here isn't done getting his ass kicked in pool yet," the guy says, laughing and pointing at his friend who is shorter than everyone else.

"All right, John. You won two games. So, what!" he says, laughing. Everyone seems to already have a buzz, and I have a feeling I’m in for a long night.

The night, surprisingly, goes by fast, filled with men enjoying their time off work and small talk between Darren and I whenever I get stuck by him. He talks about how he’s interested in basketball and rap music, and I listen, half bored to death. When I mention my interest in photography, he’s quick to change the subject and ignore the fact that I even spoke.

The more he speaks, the more I realize we have absolutely zero in common. He comes off as arrogant, boasting about the money he makes and everything he could buy for me. I fight the urge to roll my eyes out of the back of my head. By the time the night is over and everyone is leaving, Darren stays to help me close the bar, against my wishes.

"When you get done, do you want to ride with me to meet Mindy and Kyle, or would you rather drive yourself?" Darren asks. Evidently, this double date is tonight. Beautiful. Just fucking beautiful.

I’ve had a long day and the last thing I want to do is entertain some arrogant construction worker.

"I'm going to drive. I don't like leaving my car."

"Sure thing," Darren says cheerfully, but his face says he’s disappointed in that choice.

"Where are we all meeting at?" I don’t know what we’re doing or where we’re going. It’s already almost eleven.

"Mindy said something about a dive bar downtown that was open twenty-four hours and serves food.”

"Oh, okay. Then you can just follow me."

It doesn’t take long to finish cleaning and closing the bar. Darren walks me out and thankfully doesn’t try to kiss me when we get to my car. I would have hated to explain to Mindy why his nose was busted, but I would’ve gladly told her exactly why. The thought makes me warm and fuzzy inside. Maybe I’m holding onto a little bit of rage.

I'm only doing this for Mindy. She owes me big time. I drive down the highway, heading to Daisy’s Sports Bar and Grill. Darren follows behind me and I tone down my driving so he doesn’t get lost, although I would like nothing more than for him to literally disappear.

I pull up next to Mindy’s red Jeep in front of the bar. Thank God. I didn’t want to be here alone with Darren for any amount of time.

"It's about time you made it!" Mindy cheers when I get out of the car.

"Holy shit. Is that a '66 Fastback?" Kyle asks, walking over to my car.

"Yes. Yes, it is." I beam with pride as he inspects Betty.

"How did you not notice it in the parking lot of the bar earlier?" Darren asks.

"I didn't pay any attention to it, but holy shit. She's beautiful.”

"Whoa, tiger. Calm down." Mindy pushes him, playfully.

Mindy seems to like Kyle and I can understand why she pushed so hard for this double date.

"What are you smiling about over there?" Darren asks, stepping closer to me.

"It's just nice to see someone who can appreciate my car the way I do," I chime.

We find four seats inside of Daisy’s at the bar. A skinny, petite blonde is behind the bar, dressing in blue jean shorts and a low cut tank top.

"What can I get for you?" she asks.

We all look over the menu and unanimously decide we aren’t very hungry and should just get an appetizer for the table. Before taking the menus, the blonde lingers, staring at Darren as he stares back until he puts his head down and breaks eye contact. There is definitely some recognition here, but neither of them say anything.

Dinner drags and my disinterest in Darren only grows with every minute I spend in his presence. I put on my best bartender face and pretend to be interested when he talks about March Madness, I pretend to be interested when he tells me all of the pussy he can pull, and the biggest lie of the night is when I pretend to be interested in him. Truth is, this guy is a drag and I can’t get my mind off of Cass.

"Where's your head tonight?" Mindy asks when we step outside and are getting ready to leave.

"What do you mean? It's here," I lie.

"No, you're lying, and you know it. Are you still stuck on that mystery biker?" she pries.

"No, I just wasn't enjoying my night. That guy was a total asshole and nothing about him was entertaining. His personality made him an extremely unattractive man."

"I get it, love. If I would have known that he was like that, I would not have set you up with him. For that, I'm sorry.” She has a light in her eyes that takes away my frustration. “But thank you so much. I got to hang out with Kyle and get to know him. He was great and we have plans to meet up again tomorrow night," Mindy says, giddy as ever. Mindy doesn’t ever smile like that.

The look in Mindy's eyes makes this terrible night worth it. "I'm happy for you, love.”

We hug and part ways. It’s late, or early and I need to sleep.

My eyes involuntarily roll when Darren walks up next to me.

“So, your place or mine?” he asks, wrapping his arm around my lower back. At first, I thought he was joking, but his firm grip on me and the fact that he’s trying to shove his tongue down my throat tells a different story.

I press both hands to the center of his chest and glare at him.

“Let. Go. Of me. Now.” I say, through gritted teeth.

“What? You mean to tell me I gotta respect you after I just took you out on a date?”

“No, you have to respect me because I fucking deserve it. Now get the fuck off of me,” I shove him as hard as I can. He trips over a parking block and falls flat on his ass. I slam the door of my car and leave, never looking back.

Once I make it home and calm down, I take out my tips from the night. I count the money and gasp. Holy shit. I made almost two hundred dollars. At this rate, I’ll have at least one month’s rent in a few days if it continues to go this way.

The thought of actually being able to keep my independence eases my mind as I crawl in bed. Smiling, I play the night Cass and I met in my mind. Our playful banter. Shooting pool. His infectious smile as he shot the eight ball. His smile always the last thing that plays through my head before sleep takes me.