by Leeah Taylor
“Z…”
She didn’t even get it out before he was already throwing his hands up, coming towards her.
“I heard…I heard.” He half smiled, squeezing past her. “Good thing he’s my dad because otherwise, I’d probably have knocked him out by now.”
Becca chuckled and leaned onto the bar. Shaking her head, she gave the back room a sideways glance. There was comfort when Z was frustrated. Especially with his dad. It made it home. Of course the bar and Uncle Danny had always been home, but the loss of both of her parents, so young, still made her question her path and where she belonged.
“Nah, you wouldn’t.” No one was there to hear it.
It was the same routine every Friday night. Danny would stress about how much inventory they had, how much coverage the bar had, who was on the floor, which bartender was on the bar, etc. If there was something he could worry about, he would. But that was Danny. Next to his children that bar was his life, and without it he wouldn’t be who he was.
Nikki appeared from the other side of the bar, where the hall and bathrooms were. She walked the length of the bar and leaned against the bar facing Becca.
“Nikki, you good on tables, right?”
“As always.” Nikki smiled, checking her hair in the mirror on the back of the bar.
“Good because we reopen in about 30 minutes,” she told her and the rest of the staff that had begun to trickle in from the back room. “So make sure your areas are good to go.”
By day, Tony’s was open for breakfast and lunch, and then closed for the afternoon, only reopening for the bar crowd Thursday through Sunday.
Becca made a round of the bar, switching on the flat screens as she went. Counters lined the front and back walls, high top tables in the middle, pool tables to the back, and some booths beyond them. The bar itself was centered between the hall and storage room door. Passing back through the bar, she eyed the liquor bottles, ensuring none were empty or about to be. Just as she finished, her phone went off. Fishing into her apron, she pulled it out but didn’t bother to check who it was.
“Hello?”
“Ha, you’re finally taking my calls?” The voice made her skin crawl and she cringed.
She sighed at the voice, now wishing she had checked the caller ID. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back.
“What do you want, Davin?” she asked as diplomatically as she could muster. Securing the phone between her ear and shoulder, she reached for two empty bottles and tossed them into the trash. The sound of them clanging together echoed through the empty bar.
“You done giving me the silent treatment?”
“Not a chance, you just need to fuck off already.”
Memories flooded her mind. He had always gotten too aggressive with her, and the fight that had ended it all had been monumental, but over something so frivolous. Davin was the kind of guy who felt women were there to serve and be obedient. It was subtle at first; he wouldn’t hit her, but his grip would get tighter and tighter. And finally one day he lost it and his fist had come down hard on her face. She tried to rationalize it but she got tired of hiding the bruises. The last fight provided a way out for her, and this time she planned on sticking to it. And if she didn’t, Z and Danny would make sure she did.
“Fuck off? Sure you don’t want to rethink your answer?” His tone changed almost instantly. What started out somewhat complacent was now arrogance.
Becca took it as a cue, ended the call and shoved the phone back into her apron. Hatred and anger boiled at the surface. She took in a few deep breaths but felt her cheeks growing hot, and her heartbeat pulsed in her ears. Nikki had caught the tail end of the conversation, and watched Becca try to overcome her emotions.
“Davin?” she asked, cringing at the name. Becca ball up her fist and her eyes burned with anger as she pushed past her.
Becca had had her fair share of conversations when it came to Davin, and she wasn’t about to have another. Both Danny and Z stopped and watched Becca charge through towards the back door, and then shrugged at Nikki. She shook her head and mouthed silently to them ‘Davin’.
“Becca, you okay?” Danny called after her. She didn’t answer, but instead the door slammed against the concrete wall and she went for the dumpster.
“You two go finish up front. I got this one.” Danny pointed to the two and back at the front of the bar. Tossing his clipboard down on the crates beside him, he readied himself for damage control.
Cautiously, he peeked out the door just in time for her to heave a rock at the door. The door slammed shut and the sound of it resonated through the building.
“This should be easier as they get older,” he muttered before attempting to open the door again. Alright, cease fire,” Danny called out, throwing his hands up first before looking out.
“I’m fine.”
Danny let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, uh huh. You look like a picture of fine.”
Becca pulled her hair up off her neck and stopped with her back to him. The October heat was still thick, and sweat prickled the back of her neck and brow. She took several soothing breaths. Danny walked over to her and dragged her over to a couple of milk crates.
“Sit.”
She crossed her arms and sat down. Sitting down next to her, he kicked the dirt. Resting his arms on his knees, he looked out into the empty parking lot. How many pep talks had he had in this very spot with any one of them, he wondered?
“So Davin call again?”
“Yeah.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “Was too worried about stock on the front that I didn’t look to see who was calling.”
“I told you I could take care of that very easily.” He gave her a quick look, gauging how angry she was.
Yeah, with your foot to his face.
Becca knew that if she gave the word he would grab the metal baseball bat in his office and hunt the boy down. And Z would be right behind him. But she didn’t want the trouble that came with it. The fact was, Davin Cosgrove was the nephew of the town sheriff, and in his family’s eyes he could do no wrong. Even if it meant beating up a girl half his size.
“No, that’s okay. We can’t afford the bail.” Becca nudged him. Her face softened and she gave him a halfhearted smile. “Really it’s okay. I’m just tired of dealing with everything Davin. If it’s not him calling it’s all of you asking. Has he called? Did he come by? Did you see him in town? I just want to be done with him, Uncle Danny.”
And that was the root of her stress and frustration. Becca knew that her family and extended bar family were only concerned for her feelings and well-being, but she just wanted this time in her life to be over.
Meeting Davin had been a fluke. Working at the bar hadn’t been the life goal she’d aspired to, but after a failed attempt at college that’s what life had handed her. And she was happy being there. Davin was only visiting family when he stumbled into the bar with a handful of friends. He was sweet and funny, even charming. And that had caught Becca’s attention. It was only supposed to be a summer fling, she had told herself several times. Have fun, get her mind off college, and spread her wings. However, Davin had stuck around. And summer turned into fall and fall to winter and before Becca realized it, Davin had taken over her life. Dictating where she could go, when she could go, and whom she could go with.
“Okay I get your point. No more Davin talk. Promise.” He stuck his pinky out to her. Narrowing her eyes at him, she locked fingers with him. It brought her back to a very distant memory.
A sad little girl sat on the front step of her Uncle’s house. Her mother had just died and as friends and family filled the house, offering comfort and casseroles, she sat teary-eyed and lonely. But Danny did what any uncle would do. He joined her on that front step. He pulled her over to him and looked down at her.
Lifting her chin he said, “She may be gone darlin’ but her spirit and her smile and everything will always live on through us. I promise.” He poked out his pinky, hesitating for a mo
ment and wiping away her tears, and she locked her pinky with his.
Every day since then, he had made good on his promise.
“Good. Don’t forget to send out the memo,” she teased, getting up from the crate, and headed for the door.
He watched her walk back inside. She was like her mother. The red curls, the blue eyes. Her big heart. But she was even more like her father. Stubborn and feisty. Danny got up and went back inside, letting those memories go. As he grew closer to the door leading to the bar, he could already hear people filing in.
“Oh it’s going to be a busy night,” Danny said to no one before slipping into his office to hide.
The night went like every other night did. Old faces and new faces filled the bar. The one thing that brought them all together was the football game.
Halfway through the night and Becca was already growing tired. Back and forth she went to the bar, filling shot glasses and popping beer caps. Her feet burned, lower back ached and the pretty made-up face she had on before opening was already melting off of her. The neatly placed bun on the top of her head had fallen halfway and she had hastily pulled it the rest of the way, letting her curls fall down her back. Leaning against the bar, resting her cheek against her hand, she waited for an order.
“Beeeccccaaaa.”
Nikki came bouncing up to her and Becca tried hard, but she couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s silly girl act. Her best friend leaned against the bar and her hands tapped the old wood. A playful smile on her face. She smacked at her gum loudly.
“What?” Becca kept her face forward, biting her lower lip to keep from laughing. She could tell Nikki was up to something.
“Did you see the cutie in the back booth?”
She pointed behind her, just past the pool tables. Becca looked and her heart jumped at the sight of him. He was more than just a cutie, he was gorgeous. His shaved head, athletic build.
“He’s cute.” She looked away and absently bit at the inside of her lip. Nikki narrowed her eyes at her. She straightened now and pointed in the direction.
“Get your butt over there.”
Becca shook her head though, already feeling butterflies building in her tummy.
“Come on, Becca, go meet him. Go flirt.”
“Nikki….” Becca whined. She looked again and nibbled at her lip again. He was tucked away in the farther corner of the bar, his head buried in a book. She thought it odd, but the new face only piqued her curiosity. She gave Nikki another unsure look.
“Go,” Nikki ordered, pointing again.
“Stop, he’s going to see you.” Becca grabbed at her arm and pulled it away, already feeling her cheeks grow hot at the thought.
“Becca, come on.” Her best friend, her partner in crime. She groaned at her to go and spread her wings. Nikki just wanted to see Becca smile again. And she was sure this guy could do that.
“Becca Ann, listen to her. Go, have fun,” Linda encouraged her.
Linda was a longtime family friend and bartender. She set down a shot glass and filled it with some whiskey. She pushed it towards her. “Go on.”
Becca smiled and tipped the shot in her mouth. She grimaced and cringed as it burned down her throat.
“Bleh, why did I do that?” She groaned, pushing away from the bar. “I hate both of you, just know that.” Becca narrowed her eyes at both of them, and shook her head.
Nikki squealed and jumped in place. “No, you love us!” she called after her.
Before she even got to the table, he looked up from the pages and it stopped her. His brilliant green eyes were dark and too inviting. Becca stood awestruck in front of him, biting at her lip. Her cheeks flushed and already she could feel the pulse in her ears. A shy awkward smile played at the corners of her lips.
“Miss?” he said quietly. William could hear her heart quicken. A smile touched his eyes as he watched the girl in front of him. This was why he loved humans so much. They were intriguing and beautiful. And this girl was no exception. “Miss?” he said it a little louder, breaking her trance.
Becca straightened and flattened out her apron around her waist, her fingers playing with the hem of it. “I…I’m sorry.” She fumbled for the words. It had been some time since a man had had that effect on her. “Um, can I get you something?”
“No, I’m fine, thank you.” William found himself smitten by her reaction. Becca looked up and their eyes locked on each other’s. A familiarity raced through her. Something deep within her very core was almost screaming. She couldn’t place it though.
Do I know this man? Of course she didn’t; she was sure she would remember a face like that. A body like that. But something nagged at her.
William felt the shift inside her. It reminded him of when someone recalled a memory. It was a very distinct feeling for him. He cocked his head slightly as the same feeling hit him now. Who is this girl?
“You know what; I’ll take a whiskey and a beer.”
Becca snapped out of the daze and realized she was still staring at him, and immediately blushed.
“Right, whiskey and beer.”
He took in everything about her as she walked away. The way her curls bounced on her back with each step. Her smooth, barely tanned skin sent a shiver down his spine. He even noticed when she gave him a sideways glance. It made him smirk. Could this be the change he had been looking for, he wondered, looking back down at the book in front of him? With a shrug, he let the notion go for the moment, at least until she returned.
Becca came up to the bar with a smile on her face. She wasn’t sure why she was smiling but knew it was because of him. Nikki and Linda stared at her, waiting for her to say something.
“Whiskey and beer, Linda.”
“And?” Nikki poked at her.
“And nothing, just a whiskey and a beer.” She held back, not sure if what she was feeling was worth sharing. Linda waved her hand at her and poured the whiskey. Throwing the bottle into the trash.
“Z!” He peered around the corner from the back.
“Yo.”
“I give you ‘yo’. We need a bottle of Jack on the bar.”
“Well that’s good because I was already bringing you one.” He smiled, setting it on the counter.
“Smart ass.”
Becca giggled at the two and grabbed her tray. Linda had played an important role in all three of their lives. The closest any of them had as a maternal figure. She was supportive and understanding when Danny was downright irrational.
“Careful Nikki, you might lose my handsome cousin to a cougar.”
Nikki brushed it off and grabbed Z by the shirt, jerking him towards her. “Not a chance.” She kissed him hard.
Becca giggled again as she turned away and made her way back through the bar. She enjoyed goading Nikki when it came to Z. The three had been together since kindergarten. And when they had hit high school, Z’s and Nikki’s relationship had gone from friendly to intimate to inseparable.
William sensed her return and he looked up to meet her eyes.
This time Becca didn’t waver but gave a coy smile as she put the shot glass and bottle in front of him. There was something about him that made her curious. And she couldn’t shake the feeling of familiarity.
“Anything else?”
“Yeah.” He considered the next words. “How ‘bout your name?”
“Hmmm, you first?” Becca countered, watching his reaction. But in good William fashion he barely blinked.
“William.”
He already liked her personality. She was shy but with a hint of feistiness under the surface.
“Becca.”
She offered her hand to him, and he took it and placed a gentle kiss on it as he softly inhaled her scent. The Beast within him stirred some. It was intoxicating and vibrant and sent a thrill through him. Something deep within him that was begging for attention. He couldn’t remember a time a woman had felt this good. Felt this right.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Wow, and most think chivalry is dead,” Becca muttered, finding her balance again. His smile shook her though. “You let me know if you need anything else.”
He nodded.
William’s hand reached for her hand though, as she turned to walk away. It was an impulsive move and he almost pulled away. But he reminded himself that it was time for a change. And that change started with her.
Turning, she looked down at the fingers just barely grazing hers. Her eyes met with his and she could see something there. Lust and passion. She was sure she knew those eyes.
“Would you let me take you out sometime?” He was sure his voice was shaky, nervous even. But unlike with the other women he had met before, there was something that made him want to know her better. Something beyond fifty dollars on the night stand and a stolen bite to the inner thigh on his way out. She was better than that and he wanted to find out how much better.
“I’d love to.” She surprised herself. “But I’m not your usual dinner and movie kinda girl. Takes a little more to impress me.”
William chuckled to himself as she turned again and went back to the bar. She was feisty, shy and beautiful. He found her fascinating. Her scent lingered around him of strawberries and vanilla.
Taking the shot and a sip of the beer, he got up and walked up to the bar. Linda and Nikki stopped what they were doing, eyes wide and jaws dropped. He laid twenty down on the bar and eyed Becca. She had her back to him, preparing a tray full of drinks.
“Sunday afternoon, three o’clock.” Becca jumped, and her drinks toppled over, spilling the liquid over the tray. She turned to stare at him. “I’ll meet you here.”
“Okay.”
“Have a good weekend, ladies.” He flashed them all his sexy smile and left. Nikki and Linda looked at Becca, their mouths hanging open.
“A date?” Linda smirked.
“Yeah a date.” She barely looked at them as she watched him leave.
Becca tried not to act too excited. But inside she was more than excited. Her inner goddess was jumping up and down, delighted.
