Page 2 of Minotaur Bar (Minotaur Bar #1)

“What if he doesn’t appreciate me showing up out of the blue, dad?”

I ask as my father waves me off.

We’re driving in his truck over to Bulls & Horns, the minotaur bar he delivers beer to.

My father owns a brewery locally in Brooksville called Better When Shared and has a contract with the establishment.

The bulls drink so much of his brews, they’ve single handedly been the reason why my father was able to open a second location.

“Nonsense! Havoc is a businessman, or business bull I should say! I think he will appreciate the initiative and eagerness,”

he happily replies, making me roll my eyes.

“Maybe. Or he could possibly think it’s desperate, like I do!” I insist.

“I’m just happy you’re home, baby girl. Nothing you’re saying can pierce this bliss bubble I’m currently inside!”

His face is beaming as he watches the road, making me smile too.

It is nice to be back home.

Even if it’s because my hair business behind the chair failed and I had to move back in with my dad.

He never once made me feel shitty for it.

He just said he couldn’t wait to see me and drove to the salon four hours away to help me pack my stuff.

I cried the whole time, but it was nice to spend time with my old man. He’s my best friend.

“Despite my business going under, I’m happy to be home too. I am grateful for everything you’ve helped me accomplish, even if it didn’t pan out.”

I sigh as he squeezes my forearm affectionately.

“You didn’t fail, Tess! You found something and gave it your all! It just wasn’t meant to be. And that’s ok! And now, I’ll get to see you when I drop beer off at Havoc’s place.”

I give him a funny look.

“You’re acting like I already have the job, dad,”

I say incredulously.

“Isn’t that part of manifesting what you want?”

he says with a wink as I scoff at him.

“Someone’s been listening to me too much,”

I grumble, even though it’s adorable he clearly has been.

“You know, you’re the reason I can’t ever date shitty men. So, thanks for that.”

“Why the fuck is that a problem?”

he almost shouts as I laugh.

“Sounds like I did a damn good job raising you then!”

“You really did!”

I say honestly.

“The problem is, there aren’t many men like you left. You’ve extremely narrowed the dating pool.”

“Less idiots to waste your time. Again, I’m not seeing the problem here,”

he says as he lifts his hands away from the wheel, shrugging.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,”

I reply, looking out the window as dad pulls into the Bulls & Horns parking lot. It’s empty, save for a big red Ram truck out front.

“He would drive a truck,” I groan.

“He’s a minotaur! Think a fucking Civic could house his bulk?”

Dad laughs at his own joke as he hops out of the truck. I take a steadying breath, unsure of what I’m about to walk into here. I’m nervous as shit. It’s been a long time since I’ve tended bar.

I swallow anxiously and open the door, stepping out onto the wet asphalt. It rained last night, and I can still smell the scent of it around me. Havoc’s truck has water beads upon it, making me wonder if he sleeps here. Does he have a home or is this place his life?

I guess that’s a fucking rude and judgy thought for me to have. Who cares if he does sleep here and this is his life. Most business owners put their heart and soul into what they’re offering. It’s actually endearing if that’s the case and I should get off my damn high horse.

“Seems to be locked! Let’s go around back and I’ll knock on the door!”

My dad is so self-assured and glowing that I can’t seem to protest as I follow him with hunched shoulders. I can’t help it. I’m tense. I’ve had minotaur friends and clients, but I never worked for an establishment that was exclusive to them. Especially one that caters to bulls. It’s just a different atmosphere than I’m used to. I don’t think either species is better than the other. If I was working a rowdy bar that catered to human men, I would have to be just as prepared for what that brings with it. And if I know anything about myself, it’s that I can adapt. And I will.

Maybe I’m looking at this all wrong. This is a challenge, and I’m great with those. I like to be forced into uncomfortable scenarios and see how I can grow because of them. I take a deep breath, looking up into the sky to see a faded rainbow arching up over us. My eyes widen, knowing this is a sign to remain open to new doors presenting themselves to me. I smirk, the energy inside my body swirling as I puff up my chest and watch my father knock on the back door loudly.

I’m fucking ready for this interview. I see it through my dad’s eyes now. And I’m about to bulldoze my way into this place, making all these minotaurs respect me in the process.