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“Because it’s where I’m from. It’s where my family and friends are.”
“And?” I push off the bar and stand in front of him.
“And what?”
“What does that have to do with being here?”
“This is comfortable. Stable.”
WHEN YOU'RE READY
55
“Got it. Booooooring.” I giggle and turn towards the front door when I hear it ring.
“That’s Lenard. He and his two buddies are our regulars. They always drink Jack and Cokes.”
“Well, if he isn’t the cutest old man I have ever seen.”
I walk over to the corner of the bar where Lenard takes a seat, and I reach my hand across.
“Hi Lenard, I’m Riley. Grayson’s new “better half” behind the bar.”
Lenard laughs and looks me over.
“Oh, I see. Grays got some competition now. Better watch it Grayson.”
“I think I can handle it.” Grayson says from behind me.
“Jack and Coke for ya, Lenard?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
This night goes as I figured it would. Slow, but mentally exhausting. Sometimes, down time isn’t my friend.
“Grayson, can you take this bucket to the back for me?”
“We are literally closed. You’re allowed to leave the bar area.”
“Ugh I know” I say as I place my hands against the bar and drop my forehead on the countertop.
“Oh, come on. That wasn’t so bad. And it’s over now.”
56
T. SPEAR
“Yeah. Yeah.” I lift my head to look at him, and his smile lightens my mood.
“Hand me the bucket munchkin” he reaches out his hand and I grunt, lifting the bucket of empty bottles to him.
“Does anything else need to go back there that my small weak ass can grab?”
He laughs and shakes his head, then points to the pile of rags laying on the end of the counter. I walk over and grab them in my arms and follow him into the back.
“Gennie will pick those up in the morning, so you can leave them in the corner.”
I drop them down and lean against the small freezer, propping my hands one either side. I lean my head back and close my eyes.
