She slides the glass across the counter. I down it instantly, letting it burn a trail down the back of my throat and cough. “Fuck! What was that?” I hiss, trying my best to keep the shot down.
“That’s the priceless Jim Beam special! Good bang for your buck if you’re looking for a fun night. I like to call it the porcelain painter. I’ve had one too many bad nights after drinking that shit.” She winces. “Burns just as bad coming up as it does going down.”
“Great,” I groan, feeling the alcohol warm my stomach already.
A seat at the bar top opens, and I slip onto it, propping my elbows on the counter. It’s probably not the best idea to get a second drink already. I don’t normally drink that often, but I might as well get another while I have the bartender's attention. I can sip on this one and make it last the night.
“What’s next on the tasting agenda? Vodka?”
I bristle. “God no. I’ll take whatever light beer you have on tap please.”
She smiles and grabs a tall glass, filling it with the single beer tap they have. She slides it across to me and uses the towel from her shoulder to wipe off the sticky bar top in front of me. “Soooooo,” she sing-songs. “I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess you’re here for a little R&R. I would definitely remember a pretty face like yours if you were a local.”
Is she flirting with me?
I take a sip of my beer, letting the foam coat my lips. “Visiting family, actually. I’ll be here for a bit while I’m…figuring some stuff out.”
That piques her interest. “Who’s your family?”
“The Foxes.”
“Ches, Rox, and Walt?” she asks, tilting her head.
“The very ones. Ches is my cousin, and Walter and Roxy are my aunt and uncle.”
“Interesting. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve never seen you around the ranch.”
She looks around my same age, 25, which means she would have been around if I had gotten the opportunity to grow up here. I can’t help but think about all the memories Lan and I missed out on from being in the foster system.
“I’m originally from Washington. My circumstances didn’t allow me to get out here very often.” It’s all I manage to say, which is more than I would normally share.
She gives me an understanding smile before her hand shoots out. “Well, I’m glad you’re here now. I’m Hunter, but everyone calls me Hunt.” She grabs a coaster off the counter and scribbles something in pen before sliding it across to me. “My number, if you ever get bored at the ranch and want to hang out. We don’t get newcomers around here very often, and I’m claiming you first, before anyone else can snatch you up.”
I pocket the coaster, my chest all warm and fuzzy, or maybe that’s the whiskey. Hunter gets back to mixing up drinks for guests while I slowly sip my beer. She makes sure to still engage with me, talking while working. She’s damn good at her job. She works through the long line in minutes while filling me in on all the town drama she eavesdrops on while working.
I like Hunter. I think I like her a lot, actually. I don’t bond with people, like ever. Very rarely do I find someone who seems to be as interested in me as I am in them. No one prepares you for how difficult it is to make friends in adulthood.
I’ve been working on letting go of things that don’t serve me anymore, reminding myself why I would keep holding on to something so desperately that causes me pain and doesn’t want to be held on to. And for what? So you can keep something that only brings you heartache and stress? That onlymakes you feel worse about yourself and reaffirms your own self-doubts.
I’ll always be the first to admit I’m a sensitive girl. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in adulthood is not everyone is going to like you, and that’s okay. It’s not to say it’s my own fault. People change, grow, and sometimes the train they are on is not the one you are meant to board. At this point in life, with me and Lan moving around so much from a young age, it’s safe to say he’s my only remaining friend. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Hunter is in the middle of telling me an animated story about an older local she saw leaving here with multiple men in a single night. I can’t help but laugh along with her.
“No fair, you started without me!” Ches whines, saddling up next to me.
I pretend to look at my invisible watch. “They are about to do last call. Maybe they can squeeze you in,” I tease.
“Always the jokester,” Ches chuckles, tapping his knuckles on the bar top to get Hunter’s attention. There’s no line right now, so she saunters over, a wide smile on her face.
“Chesney-poo, always a pleasure. What can I get ya, doll?”
“Your number, for starters,” he jokes, shooting her a wink.
Hunter looks over to me, smirking. “I already gave out my limit for the night, I’m afraid. Maybe next time.”
Chesney fake pouts, pointing at his cheek. “A kiss’ll do then.”
She leans over the bar top, planting a red lipstick kiss on his cheek before slapping his other cheek playfully. Chesney howls with laughter.
