I turned back toward the counter of the bar, just as my phone went off again. And like a bee to honey, my eyes were back on my screen, seeing what Courtland said to my request.
Chief: Baby, I’m on my way!
Me: Okay.
I smiled silly while I solidified the final details of my plan to leave early.
The sound of someone walking up had me putting my phone in my purse.
It was a woman I didn’t know. She looked to be my age, maybe a few years older. She was cute, slender with a long, slick ponytail.
“You needed a break from the mundane too?” I shifted my body so I could face her from the side while I chuckled.
“Just for a trip to the ladies room. I didn’t want to interrupt my husband. I can always tell by the tight squint in his eyes when he’s making a strong point.” She smirked.
“Oh you’re a good one. You actually pay attention. I more or less just smile, nod, and toss out a few chuckles mixed with a lotof alcohol to make it through these things.” This time I laughed while she took down the shot before grabbing the glass of wine she ordered. I liked her.
“Hi, I’m Johnni, and you are?” I went to extend my hand when the sound of a masked man shouting caught everyone’s attention in the room.
“Fuck you! This is for Tim Rogers!” I looked over at Quincey now making his way toward me just as gunshots began to ring out along with the screams from everyone including me. The view I once had of my husband coming to protect me faded as a sea of people rushing the exits flowed between us. I looked around to see if the woman I was just talking to was still near me but she wasn’t. More shots came and I wasn’t sure from who, so I quickly hit the floor. My mind went to Quincey as I crawled to the other side of the bar. I noticed the bartender was on the floor too but the blood pouring from his head had my screams growing louder as I hustled back to the other side, this time now on my feet. I had to get out of here. I quickly glanced around for an alternate exit and didn’t see an option beyond a door that I hoped led to a kitchen area with another way out. As I began to go toward it, taking my chances, someone’s arms grabbed me and I swore I would be next like the bartender.
“Lawd, please, protect me. I just started falling in love. I can’t go yet,” I prayed as the madness continued around me with more shots flooding my ears.
“Josie, it’s me, are you hurt?” I turned to see Quincey with tears now streaming down my cheeks. I shook my head before I answered.
“No. Are you?” I asked, now examining him as he was doing me.
“I’m okay, as long as you are.” I felt the wetness against my skin before my eyes registered that it was blood. Quincey hadbeen shot. Panic set in as my eyes widened along with my mouth as more tears pooled in my eyes.
“Q, but?—”
“Shhh… Josie, it’s not bad. We have to get out of here. Aric went to get the truck, c’mon.” The way my nerves were shaking, you would’ve thought I was the one shot instead of Quincey who managed to cradle me and his side at the same time.
We finished heading for the kitchen, hitting a door that opened to a back alley where the driver was with Aric in the front seat. Quincey opened our door. I scooted over and practically caught him in my arms the second he was inside.
“We need to go to the hospital; he’s been shot,” I said through sniffles. I held him in my arms, adding pressure to the gunshot wound as he faded in my arms.
We made it to the hospital and they rushed Quincey back while I sat in the waiting room handling the necessary calls to his parents. Aric and Tia both made sure to keep the press away.
The ringing of my phone had me quickly remembering Courtland and him being on his way to come get me.
“Shit,” I said just as I accepted his call.
“Yo, baby you good? Why are you at the hospital? What the fuck happened?”
I shook my head as if he could see me.
“Baby, there was a shooting and?—"
“I’ll be there in one minute.” That was all I got out before he ended the call. And not even a minute later, he was walking into the emergency room with a mixture of worry and anger on his face. I jumped up, making my way to him, immediately throwing my arms around him while he cradled me close. I buried my face into his chest and cried as he rubbed my back.
“Shhh… Lou, I’m here. It’s going to be okay.”
“Courtland, I was so scared. Someone came in shooting, and oh God. It could’ve been me.” My voice cracked at thatrealization. My mind wouldn’t stop picturing that bartender shot dead on the ground and how close he had been to me.
Who would be trying to hurt me though?
“Ay, but it wasn’t and damn sure won’t be. I’ll never let anything happen to you, Lou, and that’s on our love.” He leaned me back just enough to kiss my lips quickly and not a second too soon as Quincey’s parents came walking through the doors.
