LEXIE
The evening crowd came in fast. By seven o’clock the bar was packed with people laughing, talking loud, and clinking glasses. Music played low in the background, mixing with the sound of pool balls cracking and chairs scraping on the wooden floor. I had planned to stay upstairs and read, but Mia looked tired and short-staffed, so I came down to help a little.
I was wiping down a table near the back when Mia hurried over, carrying a tray with drinks and a basket of fries. “Sara, honey, can you take this order to table seven for me?” she asked, looking grateful. “The guy in the blue shirt. My hands are full with the bar.”
I took the tray and gave her a small smile. “Sure. One delivery coming up. Try not to drown in beer while I’m gone.”
Mia laughed. “You’re a lifesaver.”
I balance
