by Mj Williamz
Susan took a deep breath when she stepped outside her house, so grateful to be out of the smog-filled air of Los Angeles. The fresh air felt good and didn’t burn. It was a nice change, to be sure. She drove to the bar and parked in the back parking lot. She used the back entrance and saw the office to her right. She knocked on the door.
“Come in,” said a disembodied voice.
Susan opened the door.
“I’m Susan Maloney. The new waitress.”
“Oh.” The woman behind the desk stood. “I’m Leah, one of the owners. I believe you’ve been speaking to my wife. It’s a pleasure to meet you. She speaks very highly of you.”
“Thanks. I enjoyed corresponding with her, as well.”
“Please. Have a seat.” Leah motioned to a chair on the other side of the desk from her.
Susan sat.
“We have some basic paperwork for you to fill out before we can get you started,” Leah said. She handed Susan a packet. “Go ahead and fill these out and then I’ll take you out where we can see how much training you’ll need.”
Susan relaxed. This would be easy. The questions on the forms were easy. She wasn’t at all nervous about her background check. She knew it would come back clean. She quickly finished the paperwork and handed it back to Leah.
“Great,” Leah said. “Now let’s go meet your coworkers.”
CHAPTER THREE
Leah took Susan out to the bar, where she met Joanne, the afternoon bartender.
“Joanne’s been with us since we opened,” Leah said. “She pretty much gets the pick of shifts. She likes afternoons. You’ll get a mix of shifts. Some nights, some afternoons. Now, do you tend bar, as well, or only waitress? Or did my wife ask you that and I should already know the answer?”
“I’m sorry. I don’t bartend. But I can learn.”
“Great. Joanne will start teaching you today since the place is so slow. There’s really no need for a waitress. We thought there might be a few more people here.”
“Oh, that sounds fine. I’d love for Joanne to teach me.”
Leah left them alone, and Joanne handed Susan a black book. It was filled with cocktail recipes.
“Everything you need to know is in here,” she said. “Sure, I’ll show you drinks that get ordered today, but when you’re on your own, refer to this book. It’s a bible for us bartenders.”
“Got it.” Susan flipped through the book. It had drinks she was familiar with and some she’d never heard of. Still, she was undaunted. She thought bartending would be fun. And it would be a way to get more hours if waitresses weren’t needed.
She shadowed Joanne all afternoon. Joanne finally let Susan make a few drinks. The patrons didn’t seem to mind them, so everyone was happy. Joanne was very friendly, as were the customers. Susan once again thought how lucky she was to have landed in Maybon Tir.
It was six thirty, and she only had a half hour to go on her shift. She was cleaning glasses behind the bar when in walked the cute blonde from the night before. She took one look at Susan and broke into a dimpled smile.
She quickly crossed the bar to Susan. She extended her hand.
“We didn’t get properly introduced last night. I’m Mel.”
“Susan.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Susan.”
“I’m not sure I can say the same.”
Mel withdrew her hand and stood up straight.
“Whoa. Where did that come from?”
“You’re obviously a charmer and a lady’s woman. The last thing I need in my life.”
“Hey, I’m only trying to be a nice person welcoming you to a new town. I didn’t say anything about charming my way into your life.”
“No, but I know your type.”
“Brrr,” Mel said. “You’re an icy one, aren’t you?”
“Maybe I am. So what? If so, there’s a reason for it.”
“And what might that reason be?”
“None of your business.”
Joanne walked up then.
“I see you’ve met Mel. She’s a regular here so we treat her real nice.”
“Okay,” Susan said reluctantly.
“She used to be quite a skirt chaser back in the day,” Joanne continued. “Back when she and Joey Scarpetti used to run together. Now Joey’s a happy housewife with a baby boy at home. We hardly ever see her anymore.”
“Is that who you were playing pool with last night?” Susan said.
“It was indeed. She left around midnight though. Had to get home.”
“I bet you think that’s disgusting. You probably think of her wife as a ball and chain or some such.”
“Ouch. You really don’t like me, do you? All this from a drink I bought you last night?”
“I just know your type.”
“So you said. For your information, I love Joey’s wife and kid. And I’m very happy that she’s found someone like Samantha.”
“Joey and Samantha are like the First Couple of Maybon Tir,” Joanne said. “They’re practically royalty.”
“Well, I can’t wait to meet them, then.”
“Oh you will. Joey at least. She comes in here once in a while. Samantha you’re more likely to run into out and about. She’s not the bar type.”
“So, anyway, even though you’ve decided to hate me on first sight,” Mel said. “Can I get a half pitcher of Firestone Pivo?”
“Sure,” Susan said with false cheerfulness. She grabbed a small pitcher from the refrigerator and filled it. She was proud of the amount of head she left on it. Joanne smiled and nodded. Susan grabbed a glass and gave both to Mel.
“That’s five fifty,” she said.
Mel gave her a ten-dollar bill.
“Keep the change,” she said.
Susan looked at her incredulously. She watched Mel walk away and knew she had to pocket the change.
“Wow. She must really like you,” Joanne said.
“Or she’s trying to buy me.”
“You seem to really dislike her. She’s not a bad person. Trust me.”
“I don’t know. She strikes me as smarmy.”
“Maybe in the good ol’ days. But she’s mellowed out with age.”
“I can’t seem to take your word for that. I don’t know what it is about her, but she rubs me the wrong way.”
“There are lots of women in this town who would love to have her rub them the right way.” Joanne laughed. “At any rate, she’s a regular here, so treat her nice.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Maybe have a beer with her after work.”
“Oh, I don’t think so.”
“Come on. What would it hurt? Make peace with her. At least try?”
“I’ll try. But I don’t trust her.”
“It’s not like she’s asking you out or anything. She’s just relaxing and having a couple of beers. I’m sure pretty soon she’ll be playing pool or something. I say you just go up to her after work and apologize for getting off on the wrong foot. I’m telling you, she’s a good tipper and a nice person. She’s good to have as a friend.”
Susan sighed.
“Okay. I’ll try. But the minute she hits on me again, I’m done with her.”
“Again?”
“Yeah. She bought me a drink last night.”
“Oh,” Joanne said. “So you thought she was cute then, but not now?”
“I let my guard down briefly. I won’t do it again.”
“Yowza. Someone’s been burned.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Fair enough,” Joanne said. “By the way, when do you work next?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“It probably won’t be too busy. Not until football season.”
“Good. Maybe I’ll learn more drinks then.”
“Maybe. Oh, here’s tonight’s bartender and waitress.”
Joanne introduced everyone to each other, then announced her departure.
“I’m out of here.
I’ll see you next time, Susan. Now, go play nice.”
“What did she mean by that?” Lily, the bartender asked.
“I had a bit of a meltdown with that Mel woman.”
“Mel? What did she do?”
“She’s just too smooth for me,” Susan said.
“Smooth?” Lily laughed. “You should have seen her in her prime years.”
“That’s what I hear. At any rate, Joanne thinks it would behoove me to make nice with her.”
“It can’t hurt. She’s a regular here, after all.”
*
Mel was almost finished with her half pitcher when she heard a cool voice behind her.
“Hey.”
She turned to see Susan standing there.
“Hey yourself. You sure you’re allowed to stand that close to me?”
“Don’t be a jerk. I’m here to apologize.”
Mel tried to fight the smile that threatened.
“Apologize? Really?”
“Yes. I was rude. Look, I have baggage, okay? I’m just getting out of an abusive relationship. But that’s not your problem.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, but don’t we all have baggage?” Mel said.
“You? You were in a relationship? That surprises me.”
“Hey now. I know you think I’m some lady charmer or something, but I’m not. I’m only human. I’ve been in relationships. They’ve ended. It’s hurt. You’re not alone, so please don’t play the martyr with me.”
Susan stood shifting her weight from one foot to another.
“Are you going to invite me to sit?”
“Sure. Have a seat. I’m going to go get more beer. Shall I get a full pitcher?”
“I’m not much of a beer drinker,” Susan said.
“Oh, yeah. You’re a lemon drop kind of woman. I’ll get you one. Be right back.”
Mel walked to the bar and placed her order. She turned to look at Susan and found herself being checked out. She turned back toward the bar and pretended not to notice. But she had. She believed deep down Susan wanted her. Something about “she doth protest too much” or something like that. But Mel told herself to move slowly with this one. She wasn’t just going to fall into bed with her. She was going to make Mel work for it. But there was something different about Susan. Mel liked the idea of taking it slow and getting to know her. If only she could keep her hormones in check, she’d be in good shape.
She wandered back to the table and gave Susan her drink before she sat down with her beer.
“So, where are you from, Susan? And how did you end up here?”
“I moved here from LA. I ended up here because it’s a community full of women on the Central Coast and I got a job here. Who wouldn’t jump on that opportunity?”
“Oh, I don’t blame you. I love it here.”
“And how long have you lived here?”
“Oh, wow. Who knows at this point? I moved here right after college.”
“And what do you do?” Susan asked.
“I work construction.”
“That’s rather vague. What sort of construction?”
“The crew I’m on works foundation to finish. So, I can do any type of construction needed.”
“That’s pretty cool. Is there enough construction around here to keep you busy?”
“Usually. This place is really growing. And when we’re not working, my friend Joey and I can usually be found surfing.”
“Joey. I’ve heard about her.”
“Yeah? Good things I hope. I’ve never had a better friend.”
“Well, I’ve heard you two were quite the forces to be reckoned with when she was single.”
“True,” Mel said. “I’ll admit that. But that was a few years ago. She’s an old married woman now.”
“And you?”
“What about me?”
“Have you settled down?”
“I still haven’t met the one yet, but I’m holding out hope.”
“And until then?” Susan said.
“Until then I keep trying to find her.”
“Were you trying to find her when you left with those two women last night?”
Mel arched an eyebrow.
“So, you were paying attention, huh?”
“I saw you. I was curious about you. You seemed like a smooth operator and I wondered if I was right. Then I saw you last night, and my feelings were confirmed.”
“Hey, come on. Those two wanted to party. Who was I to say no?”
“It was nice of you to do your civic duty,” Susan said.
Susan was so indignant, Mel had to laugh.
“Hey, look. I used to be a bit of a scoundrel. I admit it, but those days are gone. That doesn’t mean I’m still not up for a little fun and games on occasion.”
“Oh, I’m sure you are, Mel. I’m sure you’re up for whatever comes along whenever it comes along.”
Mel licked her lips. Susan intrigued her. Sure, she had Mel nailed, but only to a degree. And sure, Mel could tell her she desperately wanted to find a special lady and settle down and work on forever with her. But she didn’t want to. She liked watching Susan getting so fired up over her. Clearly that had to indicate some form of attraction, didn’t it? Regardless, Mel wanted to spend more time with her and get to know her better.
“You play pool?” Mel said.
“What self-respecting waitress doesn’t?”
“Oh, my. Don’t you sound confident?”
“I do okay.”
“Shall we play for another round then?”
“Sure. I’m up for it,” Susan said. “We’ll lag to see who breaks?”
“Sounds good.”
Mel went first and left the cue ball inches from the edge. Susan got the ball even closer.
“Rack ’em,” Susan said.
“Gladly.” Mel smiled. So far it seemed Susan had some skill. She’d find out how much in a minute. Mel was known for holding her own in a game of pool. She was feeling pretty cocky but warned herself not to go easy on Susan. She seemed to know her way around a pool table, as well.
Mel racked the balls and stood back while Susan broke them. Susan got three solid balls in on the break. Mel whistled softly.
“That was impressive.”
Susan looked at her.
“I’m thirsty, but don’t want to pay for another drink.”
“Fair enough.”
Susan ran the table, knocking in all the solids and then the eight ball without giving Mel a turn. Mel shook her head.
“Well, color me impressed,” she said. “Want to go again?”
“What will we play for this time?” Susan said.
“Dinner?” It was out before Mel could stop herself. She watched as Susan visibly stiffened. “No strings attached. Just a new friend showing you around the town.”
“Let’s start with the drink you owe me. Show me you’re no welsher.”
Mel went to the bar and returned with another lemon drop.
“Satisfied?”
“Yep. So, dinner, huh?”
“Loser buys.”
“You rack again,” Susan said.
Mel felt her heart skip a beat. She didn’t care if she lost. Susan was agreeing to go out to dinner with her. She wondered, if she played her cards right, how far she could take things with her. For the moment, though, she thought she’d just better focus on pool. If she got a chance to play, that was.
But the second game was only different from the first in that Susan ran the table with striped balls rather than solids.
“Hey, you two want to play doubles?” a woman asked.
“Hey, Noelle. That’s up to her,” Mel said.
“Sure,” Susan said. “Why not?”
They took sips of their drinks, then waited while the newcomers racked the balls.
“Why don’t you break?” Mel said, as she felt confident no one else would get a chance to play if Susan did.
“No. You take a turn.”
“Fine,
but I seldom actually run a table.”
“Okay, then it’ll be more fair.”
“Gee, thanks for the confidence.”
“Don’t be silly,” Susan said. “We’re still going to win. And this way you finally get a chance to play.”
“You’re doing wonders for my ego.”
“I don’t think I’m saying things right.”
“No.” Mel laughed. “I think you’re saying them exactly right. That doesn’t mean I want to hear them.”
Mel broke the balls and knocked in two stripes. She kept going until there was only one stripe left on the table.
Noelle took her turn but didn’t knock any balls in. It was Susan’s turn, and she easily finished the game.
“Wow, you two are good,” Noelle said. “It reminds me of the Mel and Joey days.”
“I don’t think Joey was as good as Susan is,” Mel said.
“Don’t let her hear you say that,” Noelle said.
“Maybe someday I’ll get to play against her,” Susan said. “That would be fun.”
“Well, someone else put quarters up,” Mel said. “Shall we keep going or do you have somewhere to be?”
“No. I’m up for keeping the game going. I’m really enjoying myself.”
Mel smiled. Maybe she could melt the ice princess, after all.
“Oh,” Noelle said. “We owe you drinks. Mel, I know what you drink. What about you?”
“I’d love another lemon drop,” Susan said.
“Careful,” Mel said. “Those things can go straight to your head.”
“This isn’t my first rodeo, cowgirl,” Susan said. “I can hold my liquor.”
“Okay. I’m just checkin’ in with you.”
The new duo racked the balls and Mel broke them. They won that game and the next. Mel lost count of how many games they’d won. She finally had to throw her cue on the table to show she was through.
“What gives?” said Susan.
“I need to get up for work in the morning. I can’t play any longer. I need to get going.”
