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“I wish I had a crystal ball to look into.”
“You and me both.” I finished off the remainder of my drink, and felt the wonderful warming sensation in my face and legs begin to set in. “Can I have some water? It’s hot in here.”
He laughed as he filled a tall glass with water from the fountain hose. “You’re cute when you’re drunk.”
“I am not drunk,” I scoffed.
“I can fix that.” He began mixing another cocktail for me.
The alcohol was coursing through my veins after the third drink. I was enjoying Chase’s show, and the conversation with Dave. I had forgotten all about the tremor earlier, as well as the picture of Shelly and Brody. It felt good to allow the wave of alcohol wash over me, and carry my thoughts out to sea.
“So, you’re telling me that your dad was so distraught over your mom leaving, that he killed himself?” Dave’s eyes were wide. “That’s some Romeo and Juliet shit, right there.”
“I used to love reading Romeo and Juliet when I was younger. I was fascinated with how you could love someone so much that you were willing to die without him.” I shook my head slowly. “If only I had known that I would actually live through it.”
Dave handed me another shot. “To asshole mothers, and their bastard children.”
“I’ll drink to that one.” This one went down easier than the first.
“Did you ever hear from your mother again?”
I laughed. “Funny you should ask. She showed up at my apartment last week.” I laughed again, this time finding it harder to stop. “I hadn’t seen her in eight years, and she just knocked on my door like it was the most normal thing in the world.”
“What did you say to her?”
“I told her to leave, in a nutshell.”
“Out of the nutshell?”
“I screamed in her face, told her that I would never forgive her for what she did, and told her to stay away from me.”
“Weren’t you the least bit curious as to what she had to say?”
I shrugged one of my shoulders. “What could she have said that would have made a difference?”
He whistled, shaking his head. “And you seem so normal. You should be a mental case after everything you went through. I don’t know how you could be so strong. You’re like…” He stopped to think of the words.
“Xena, the Warrior Princess, as my best friend calls me.” I raised my glass and finished the last of my fourth drink.
He slapped the bar as he laughed. “Yes! That is perfect.” He turned towards the group of people holding cash in their hands awaiting his service.
I held my phone up in front of me and took a selfie, with Chase on stage in the background. I sent it to Shelly, and told her that I missed her. Though my cheeks were flushed and my eyes were glassy, I was smiling. The Fireball and rum combination churning in my stomach had loosened me up, and I felt much more relaxed.
Dave was swamped for a while before he made it back to me. I noticed one couple in particular growing impatient. The bar was small, but it brought in just as many customers as any regular sized bar. Dave needed help.
“Hey!” The man shouted to Dave, who was out of earshot. “We’ve been waiting for ten minutes!”
I hopped off my stool and crouched down to get under the bar, popping up on the other side. I did not want Dave to get any complaints from disgruntled customers. I flashed my best smile at the couple. “I’m sorry for the wait. What can I get you?”
They exchanged confused looks, unsure if they should give me their order. “I’ll have a Blue Moon, and she wants a rum and Coke.”
“I can do that,” I said to myself. I searched for a clean glass and pulled on the lever for the Blue Moon. I forgot to ask if he wanted bottle or tap, but I hoped for the best. I also forgot to ask what kind of rum the woman wanted. “What kind of rum would you like?” I shouted over the music.
She pointed to the bottle with the pirate on it, and I poured until I thought I should stop. I had no idea what I was doing. I prayed the couple would be happy enough with their drinks to turn around and enjoy the music.
“How much?” The man asked, clutching two twenty-dollar bills in his hand.
Luckily, Dave had returned. “It’s on the house. I’m sorry for the wait.”
