“Hey, Myra. Thought we could go hang out at work today, you know, as customers.” My life had become sad. I didn’t want to be at home because I’d have to hang out with my sister. Since Demien had the day off, hanging out at the bar seemed to be a good option.
“Yeah, I guess. On your way?”
“Yes, gettin’ in the car now. Be ready.”
“Already am. I’ll meet you outside.”
The engine purred to life. First stop, Myra’s house. Second stop, the bar.
As Myra opened the car door, she asked, “Why do you wanna go to work when we don’t have to? We’ve never hung out there.”
“Nothing else seems the least bit fun, and I don’t want to hang out at home for obvious reasons.”
“You don’t look well. What’s goin’ on?” She placed her hand on my shoulder.
“I guess I had nightmares last night. I thought I heard voices accompanied by footsteps, but Shannon and Jake were snoring when I went to tell them to be quiet. It wasn’t them. The alarm didn’t go off; doors and windows were locked. I guess I dreamt it. It seemed so real. Myra… I think I’m losing my mind.”
Myra gazed into my eyes with a sympathetic veneer. “I have dreams like that. It’s freaky. It was just a dream. We both know how sensitive your alarm system is. No one can get through it without a lot of commotion.”
“True.” I didn’t bother to tell her about the note left on my bed. I didn’t see a point. I had no clue what to make of the situation last night, particularly the note. If the note was real, I couldn’t help but think that the entire experience of the night was real. I allowed a deep breath to escape my lips as I let the events from the previous night play in my memory.
Myra quickly changed the subject, sort of, for which I was grateful. “Oh, I hope Demien is there today. Talk about eye candy for some entertainment.”
“Hmm, I hate Demien.” Unfortunately, there’s something about him that calls to me. I added to the end of my thoughts, not daring to tell her that. Of course, after the time we shared at the Halloween party, it was getting harder to hide my true feelings.
“Why do you hate him? Has he done or said something to you?” Her voice and eyes were blazing with concern.
“No, there’s just somethin’ about him. He doesn’t seem like he’s had a very stable life, you know?” When she didn’t look like she caught my drift, I added, “He’s trouble.”
She laughed. “We work in a bar. Most of the people who come through that place have rap sheets longer than my credit card list.”
I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically. She wasn’t wrong.
“You said it, not me. He seems more dangerous. I can’t quite describe in words what I mean, but I don’t think he’s child’s play.”
“Well, this’ll be fun hanging out without havin’ to do any work. Everyone will be so jealous,” Myra sang, as we slipped out of the car.
“Fun is what I’m counting on.”
“Hey, girls, I thought you were off today,” Brad yelled over the music as we approached the bar.
“Yeah, we are. I just missed you so much,” I replied.
“Yeah, right.” He laughed, shaking his head. “You want something to drink?”
We ordered a couple of sodas. I started to hand Brad money as he shook his head.
“Ladies, come on. Drinks are on the house.”
“Let me pay for them. We aren’t on the clock.” I pushed the money to him.
“Okay, you asked for it.” His smile was arrogant. “Hey, Joe, Vessi and Myra are here. How much for their sodas?”
Joe came out of the office. “Hey, girls. You love me so much you want to pay me a visit on your day off? Nicccce!” He wiggled his eyebrows. When Joe messed with us it was never serious. He made us giggle because it was so obvious that he wasn’t seriously attempting to flirt. “Drinks are on the house. You girls work way too hard for me to make you pay for your own drinks.”
Brad whispered, “You made me.”
“You two are the first ones to answer my call when we’re shorthanded. Besides, what kind of gentleman would I be to make ladies pay for their own drinks?”
“Come on, Joe. Don’t argue. We aren’t on the clock. We should pay.”
“Oh, if that’s your concern then you are now on the clock.”
“Joe,” I began.
He lifted a hand to stop me. “No arguing. I’m in charge here. Brad clock them in while they are here, please.”
“You go it.”
“Joe, no,” I started.
“It’s done and I won’t hear another word about it. You two are appreciated more than you will ever realize. Enjoy your night and have a little fun. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Joe,” we replied in unison.
“My pleasure, ladies. Anything you want is on the house. Have the kitchen cook you up some food. Relax and have a good time.” Joe tapped the bar in front of us and winked. “You deserve it. Brad, I’m finishing up paperwork, and then I’ll be out to help. You guys have it under control for now?”
“Sure thing,” Brad said. Turning back to us he said, “See? Question me… ha.” He chuckled and headed off to serve customers.
“I don’t see Demien,” pouted Myra. “Do you know if he works tonight?”
“Forget about him. He isn’t good for you,” I said. I managed to keep my tone in check, but my heart was racing in anticipation in hopes of running
