Matt’s booming roar of laughter filled the air. “No way, Ves. We’re already laying out plans for next year and it’s going to be way over-the-top. You’re going to love it. I guarantee it.” He had way too much fun with his job.
Giggling, I cynically declared, “Um, yeah, y’all are a mess. I’m already planning my out-of-town vacation for this time next year. I really don’t think my insurance can handle your spectacle.”
They all laughed in agreement.
“Did you make a call about the burned-out light in the parking lot?” I asked Rob.
“Yep, it’s working. You know that you're my top priority.”
“Thanks a million,” I replied.
“You betcha.” He took a sip from the glass that I placed in front of him. “I’ll be over tomorrow to fix the faucet. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, I work. So, if I’m not home, just let yourself in. I’ll take care of your bill tonight.”
“Nonsense, I will not take your money.” He winked. “Go back to work,” he half teased.
“Thanks, Rob,” I yelled back, rushing off to service more tables.
During the nightly meeting, everyone complained to Joe about the mysterious almost-customer, except Myra. I wasn’t sure she could be scared off by anyone, or anything. I had never seen such a reaction to anything that went on in there. The guy was there for maybe five minutes, but I guess he made a pretty strong impression on the entire staff.
Amber complained, “He wasn’t right. He's almost evil in some way. I don’t know why I am saying this, but that’s how I feel. It’s weird, I know.”
“Yeah, I agree. He was crazy. His eyes were, like, black. As soon as he walked in the bar, I could feel a cloud of evil,” Stephanie commented.
“Seriously?” I stared at them all before adding, “What are you guys, like, the crusaders of God or something? Who are you to judge? Besides, any of you walking into a church would cause it to spontaneously combust. Get a life.” I had no idea why I felt the need to defend him. Albeit, he was frightening on every level, but the conversation was just ridiculous, at best.
“Look, ladies,” Joe, the owner, chimed in. “Let’s calm down. What did he do? It isn’t like any of you to concern yourselves about a customer so much to say such things. What happened tonight?”
Everyone agreed, “Nothing.” Yet, more complaints continued to spill out.
“He didn’t do anything but spook you a little. I can’t do anything about it unless he said something inappropriate or did something. Scary doesn't hold up these days. Besides, Halloween is in a few weeks. I’m sure that is the fuel for your imagination. Everyone gets a little crazy this time of year. Speaking of Halloween, check out next week’s schedule. Everyone has a shift to help decorate. It marks the beginning of our insanely busy season. As always, you will be well compensated for your extra time here. Ok, have a good night and get home safe.”
I was the first to make it to the newly posted schedule on the employee cork board. “I have to be here at 9am on Tuesday, which is my only day off this week.” I frowned. The bar was closed on Sundays, but we rotated shifts to help with the deliveries and restock for the week. That was my week to help.
Myra pushed past me to take a look. “Me too, 9a.m. Tuesday. This will be fun. We will get breakfast first, okay?”
“Yeah, whatever.” I was less than enthusiastic. “Let’s go.”
Brad asked the security guards to walk us out to my car. Everything looked clear so we got in and began the drive home. Jason, a security guard, offered to follow us home, but I declined. Vulnerability is definitely a weakness with no defense.
Two
“You’re quiet tonight,” Myra commented.
The grunt that escaped was barely audible.
“A penny for your thoughts?” she asked in a low voice, rolling down the window. Myra loved the crisp night air.
“It was a weird night.”
“How was it a weird night?”
“You were there, Myra,” I reminded her.
“Yes, I was there,” she retorted gently.
“What do you want me to say?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Ves, you know I can feel your moods. You’re sad. Why?” Myra kept her voice soft. “Yes, a weird guy came in and it caused a fuss. I get that, but why has it put you in such a mood?”
“I’m just tired, I guess.”
“Just tired, huh?” She paused, glaring toward me. “Really? You’re going to give me that?” I continued staring at the road ahead, pretending not to notice her visual spikes pointed my direction. “Well, I won’t push.”
I parked in her driveway and she hopped out.
“Myra.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m okay. The night was a strange one, and I’m exhausted,” I paused as she looked me in the eyes, waiting. “I just don’t have anything to say.”
“Okay, I get it. See you.” She pushed against the car door allowing it to slam shut. She never realized her own strength.
“Myra?” I said through the still open window.
She leaned back in and asked, “Yea?”
“How do you really feel about Psycho Guy?” Myra turned her head toward the night sky as she pondered. “Honestly…” Her eyes met mine. “I don’t know. He’s really cute, like off the charts, but I got mixed vibes from him. Why? What did you think?”
“Something about him deeply bothered me,” I replied.
I didn’t want to admit that I found him uncontrollably alluring. There was definitely something different about him, something that called to me. It was more than physical. It was like I had a
