wonder if maybe there is such a thing as a too-shitty bar. There are cigarette stains on the walls, and a horrible selection of music beats from speakers that most definitely have seen better days. I have half a mind to turn around and walk out of the place but decide against it when I see her standing at the other end of the bar. My ass barely finds the seat on the old leather cracked bar stool as I stare at her. She’s got one hand on her hip, but she’s smiling down at the guy talking to her while he gestures wildly, spilling a pale beer on the bar top and floor as he does so. It hits me then exactly what I need tonight.
An argument with Mel is just what I need to feel better. If last night is anything to go by, fighting with her leads to the best sex I’ve ever had, and that’s a much better way to get out all of this aggression I’m feeling. Hopefully, it’s better than drinking till I pass out.
Chapter Seven
Mel
This bar, and the people in it, is the last thing on my mind, but with the medical bills hanging over my entire family’s heads, I know I can’t afford to let my guard down. My dream was always to be a big-time journalist but focusing on that will have to wait until my sister is in remission or at least out of the hospital.
When I walk inside, I spot one of my favorite regulars, Jack. He’s an old, somewhat bat-shit crazy, man with more wisdom and thoughts then I care to admit, but he’s sweet, and he always leaves good tips.
Jack’s talking to Abe, the owner of Abe’s bar, and my one time, one night, mistake. When his dark eyes clash with mine I cringe. Since the night I made the awful decision to have sex with him in the back room, he’s been all over me. Possessive, controlling, and more much like an ex-boyfriend than my boss.
“Melody,” Jack rasps, smiling at me as I make my way behind the bar, Abe’s creepy stare making me feel dirty. I can feel him eyeing me up and down. It’s disturbing, and if I weren’t so desperate for the money, I’d probably walk out right now, and never look back.
I return his grin, making a point to ignore Abe as I saunter up to the bar, focusing my attention on the friendly older man instead. “Hey Jack. How are you tonight?”
“Oh, you know, just drinking rum and having a good ole’ conversation with Abe here.” He grins, showing off the few teeth he has remaining, the others lost in what he says were numerous bar fights, ones that weren’t his fault, but knowing him like I do now, I find that hard to believe.
Returning his smile, I touch his hand with mine. “Well, don’t stop on my account. I’m going to get inventory done before business picks up.” I cross my fingers hoping Abe won’t follow me as I walk to the back of the bar.
I count the bottles of liquor and cases of beer, marking how many of each we need on my notepad. When I finish, I turn around to leave the room, jumping when I see Abe standing in the doorway. My notepad and pen fall, the noise overly loud when they hit the floor.
“Jesus. Could you maybe say something next time instead of just standing there staring?” The words don’t have nearly the amount of venom they normally would, and the longer we stand here, the more uncomfortable I become. The way he’s staring at me gives me the creeps.
After a few more silent moments, I bend, picking up my stuff quickly and hoping I can get past him before he tries something, but I’m not fast enough. Before I can slip past him, he’s in front of me, blocking my way and bringing our bodies a whole lot closer than I want them to be.
“You’ve been avoiding me, Mel.” Even the way he says my name makes me shiver. “You don’t return my calls, or texts, unless it’s something work-related.” There’s an edge to his voice that I don’t like, and I straighten, trying to hide the fear that’s trickling down my spine.
As hard as it is, I lift my eyes to meet his. “We aren’t dating Abe. We had sex. Once. We’ve never even been on a date, and we’re never going to be.”