His Runaway Witch

The beginning

It was just another long day at Rosie’s bar. I can’t remember the last time I sat down or had a minute to myself. It was my fault. My coworker had begged me to cover for her, meaning that I’ll have to work a 12 hour plus shift but at least the pay was good.

“Hey Wren.” I heard my name and turned to the random stranger at the other side of the table. I blinked back at him, confused as to how this handsome man knew my name.

Around here, I’ve been called all manner of things and my name was the last on the list. Most of the ‘nicknames’ in the list were extremely insulting but I’m kind of used to it.

“Wren!” He called again, pulling me away from my thoughts. He glanced down at the name tag on my chest and I finally realize the answer to the question in my head. “Give me a shot of anything on the tap.” He said and I almost melted. His voice sounded angelic. I quickly turned around and picked up a shot glass. I placed it on the counter in front of him and poured him some of the vodka that was on the tap. I needed to refill that as soon as I can.

“Busy day?” He asked gesturing to the crowd around him and I nodded. “You don’t talk much, do you?”

“Only when necessary.” My voice barely coming out as a whisper. The music drowned out my voice, causing him to lean closer and gesture to his ear. I leaned over the bar, careful not to pour his drink. “Only when necessary.” I said into his ear and I pulled away. He had a smirk on his face as if he just won the lottery.

“What is a pretty girl like you doing in a bar like this?” He asked and I shrugged. Talking about my family problems was the last thing I wanted to do. It’s already bad enough that I don’t look like the top model and I’ve got family baggage, weighing me down too.

“What is a man like you doing in a bar?” I almost shout above the music. “Aren’t you meant to be at a board meeting grilling everyone for coming 30 seconds later than you did?” I teased and he chuckled, throwing his head back in laughter. He picked up the glass of vodka and took the shot. Tapping the glass twice on the counter, I poured another shot which he gulped instantly.

“I actually grilled my employees for coming late today.” He said after the second gulp. “I didn’t think I was easy to read. How did you guess that?”

“It’s not everyday a man like you walks in with a very expensive suit and asks for anything on tap. It must mean you had a really bad day.” I explained as he tapped the glass again. He looked down at the glass then smirked at me.

“You’re right! Bring the most expensive bottle.” He said and I smiled to myself. After tonight, I should be getting a promotion which would reduce the time I’ll spend attending to customers. I hated being a bar girl. The amount of groping and name calling I received everyday was alarming.

“Yo! Fatso!” I heard as I turned around to get the bottle from the cabinet below. As I bent down, I could feel stares on my body. I hated this job but the pay was a lot higher than the waitressing job a few blocks down. “Fattie, I’m calling you.” I heard as I pulled the bottle out of the cabinet and stood up straight. I turned back to Mr Mysterious almost mechanical. I didn’t want him to think I was affected by those names I was being called.

“I’ll be going to the VIP section. Join me.” He said and I shook my head. I have never been invited and all the stories I’ve heard made me feel lucky to have never gone.

“Fattie!” The random guy called, this time leaning over the counter and grabbing my arm. “You dumb b***h!” Mr mysterious casually moved closer to the random guy and whispered in his ears. The man’s eyes widened as he listened to what Mr mysterious whispered. It almost seemed robotic as he nodded and said something I couldn’t quite hear. He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out some cash which he placed on the table. “Forgive me.” He said before walking away. That was strange.

“What did you do?” I asked and he smiled sheepishly. “There was no way that man would leave me alone. Tell me, what did you do?”

“Come with me to the VIP section. I’ll tell you everything.” He said and I shook my head. I wasn’t going to fall for his tricks and besides I didn’t even know him. I didn’t even know his name and he knows mine or rather he knows my middle name.

“You’re probably a creepy stalker.” I joked as I opened his drink for him. He grabbed the bottle and looked at the contents.

“Or maybe I’m just someone who’s looking to just chill. This is my first time here and you’re the prettiest girl in this place.” He said and I smiled at him. “And besides you know how to hold your own in a conversation.”

“Don’t even lie! We haven’t spoken for up to thirty minutes and you already think I’m a good conversationalist.” I challenged him and he smirked. I was becoming all too familiar with his smirk. I don’t know why but it reignited a spark inside of me that I thought was dead.

“If you’re not going to come, why don’t you have a drink?” He suggested. “All bills on me.”

“I don’t like drinking alone.” I said sassily and he smiled. “Pick a friend and they can join the fun. All bills on me.”

“What if I want the most expensive bottle?” I teased.

“Do you think I’m f*****g poor?”