AllFreeNovel
Share Us
One
Anna
Reading has always been my perfect escape from life. As soon as I learned it could be a career, I knew that was the path for me. I dreamt of being the next distinguished literary editor. I would help discover and refine the great novels of our time and bring that escape to more people.
I didn’t think there was anything that could derail me from that plan, but now I’m a college dropout.
I haven’t told anyone. I’m lying to my friends, family and worst of all my best friend, Aly. She would push me to go back and I can’t let that happen.
She wouldn’t understand considering I loved school so much I refused to miss class no matter what.
I should be living in New York as a literary agent but that requires a degree that I don’t have. So instead, I’m making a living as a bartender.
Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with bartending. I enjoy it. It’s just not my dream.
It is, however, the perfect way to keep an eye out for scumbags, like the guy currently dropping something in a woman’s drink. I’m there in a flash, swiping the glass out of her hand.
The gorgeous redhead looks at me in surprise, narrowing her eyes before noticing my outfit and name tag. Once she realizes I work here, she pinches her eyes in confusion.
“Is something wrong?” She asks.
I grimace. “This man put something in your drink. Let me get you a new one as soon as he’s taken care of.”
Her eyes widen as her right-hand covers her mouth. She glares at the asshole before thanking me profusely.
Of course, I don’t even get a minute to listen to her before the douche is tightly gripping my wrist. It doesn’t hurt even a little bit.
“Listen here, you little bitch. I didn’t put anything in anyone’s drink, and I-”
“Stop talking.” I stare into his eyes as I command him. He immediately closes his mouth, but his pupils dilate as he focuses intently on me. “You’re going to go outside and wait for me by the dumpsters out back. You won’t talk to another soul. You won’t do anything but wait for me.”
He turns and leaves, pushing through the crowd to the exit. My eyes follow him, and I turn my attention back to the redhead once I know he’s followed my directions. “Hi, let’s get you a new drink. Shall we?”
I guide her to the front of the line surrounding the bar. This place can get jam-packed on a Saturday night, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. Three other bartenders are managing the bar so I doubt they even noticed I was gone. I hear a few mumbled complaints, but no one speaks up more than that.
I get to my side of the bar and focus on the woman. “What can I get you?”
“A Dirty Shirley, please. If you don’t mind. Thank you again. I can’t believe that just happened.” She’s clearly in shock based on her rambling. I would be as well if my naivety of men were still intact.
“Hey, no worries. It’s not your fault at all. The blame rests entirely on that disgusting man. But since we can’t trust the world, do me a favor and guard your drink better in the future.”
She nods in acceptance.
I get to mixing her drink. Over ice, I pour an ounce of vodka, and a splash of grenadine, then top the rest with Sprite and a maraschino cherry to garnish. Although a simple drink, it’s one of my favorite’s to make.
With a smile, I slide it across to her. She accepts the drink before turning to rejoin her friends.
I help get the bar under control, mixing drinks and pouring beers. Once only a few customers are left, I turn to my boss, Mike.
“Would now be an okay time to take my break?” I know he’ll agree as he doesn’t care so long as I’m respectful of the other workers, but I want to ask anyway. He’s an incredible boss whom I love. He deserves my kindness.
“‘Course, Anna, enjoy it.”
I leave through the back, not stopping in our employee lounge, which is just a back cupboard. Mike decked it out with chairs and a water cooler, so I can’t complain. I go through the rear exit, propping it open with a rock. If anyone comes to investigate why the door is open, I’ll hear them before it’s a problem.
Standing right next to the dumpster with his back ramrod straight and sweat dripping down his face is the drink-drugging bastard. His eyes widen in fear when he sees me, but he stays unnaturally quiet as I approach.
Considering I compelled him, I expected nothing less. As a vampire, one of the perks is the power of compulsion. I was turned not that long ago and all things considered, I’m handling it pretty well. However, I worry that those who know about me would disapprove of my extracurricular activities, considering what I’m doing now.
