The Bartender

12

“How to excel at your job like a pro…” Sam read the title of the book Jackie got him from the bookstore on the way to Barneys’. “Well, it was the only book that stood out to me amongst the rest. It was either that or ‘How to stay in shape: mentally and physically at a full-time job’” Jackie shrugged nonchalantly. 

“I love it.” Sam turned the paperback around to read the summary, careful to not let too much of his disappointment show. “See, I told you he probably preferred the pay raise.” I mumbled under my breath. She ignored me. 

“Really? Great. Make sure you read that whole thing and report back to me what you’ve learnt.” Jackie patted him genially on the back and turned back to me. 

“I bet he wishes he never invited the both of us at all.” I whispered to which she smirked in reply.

Judah appeared from behind the bar, brows rising in surprise when he realized I wasn’t alone this time, but with a group of people he’s never met. The only person that stood out to him was Jackie.

“I’ll be right back.” I said to Jackie who raised her cup of iced water to Judah, greeting him in a civilised manner instead of shouting across the bar. “I need to check on Max too.” 

“I got your text earlier and wow, good to see you back here again.” Judah said. I pulled a face, nevertheless, I smiled. I was actually glad to see him. “So those are the people you work with?”

“Yeap, well, some of them at least. It’s a last minute birthday celebration and there is no way to decline when you’re asked to be there in front of everyone else.” 

He smiled but said nothing.

“Listen, I honestly didn’t want to stay out this late on a weekday, not especially when you’ve babysat Max all day…” I gushed, leaning against the counter with my forearms propped against it. 

“Ronnie, relax. Sarah’s got both kids started on an early dinner. Have you had yours yet?”

Sarah was Barney’s (the previous bar owner’s) older sister. “I haven’t.” I admitted sheepishly. He looked at me with a look of disapproval. 

“And you’re drinking on an empty stomach?” he asked. “Well, I haven’t exactly started on a single glass just yet.” I added quickly, turning my head round real quickly to see a few of my colleagues staring at me while I made small talk with the dashing Bartender. I turned my head back around. “Well, I haven’t exactly had the time to eat all day, been busy with work and meetings and—”

“Come with me.” He said in a final tone that left no room for an argument, but being the stubborn woman I was, I always had something to say. “Judah, I can’t exactly leave Jackie and—” I tried protesting.

“I’m sure Jackie won’t start a bar fight in the few minutes while you’re gone.” He told me, nodding his chin towards the back of the bar that had a whole other back room built by Barney when his son—Lucas was born. He had it specially built for him just so he could keep an eye on his son and run his business at the same time.  “Well clearly you don’t know her well enough.” I said.

“How was your day?” he asked, right after the doors of the bar shut behind us. “Just dandy.” I replied, not wanting to sound like I wanted to complain about my horrible first-day-back-at-work. He stopped me mid-stride just as we were about to enter the backroom. 

The sky had a paint mixture of red and orange while the sun beyond was beginning to fade; a gust of wind blew past and ruffled the mess I called my hair that was rolled into a careless loose bun with stray wisps flying all over my face. I was not in the best of spirits and I was already worn out from the day. 

All I wanted to do was to get home, soak in a nice warm bath then cuddle with Max watching whatever cartoon she wanted, then maybe Judah might stop by with some chicken wings like he did the other night on a weekday for a little midnight snack. 

“Tired eyes, sagging shoulders, a messy albeit sexy hairdo with her blazer sleeves rolled to her elbows don’t exactly scream an excellent day.” He suggested casually as a hand raised, tugging a stray wisp of fringe behind my ear. And somehow, that little gesture alone pumped a little warmth within the veins of my tired frame.

And I cracked open like an egg. 

“I feel like I aged 10 years in the last few hours and things at work weren't as good as I hoped they’d be, there was one problem after another…” I admitted, exhaling softly as I trained my eyes at his shoulders, not wanting to let out more than I already have.

Cars zoomed past behind us as we stood frame to frame in the small crevice of the alley where a few cars paralleled parked and large overly stuffed green trash bins leaned against the peeling red brick walls; we were just a few steps away from the kids and Sarah. 

Judah took a step forward and wrapped me in his arms. The act often caught me by surprise; although this wasn’t the first time we’ve embraced but I was still taken off my guard whenever he did this. I will admit that I feared he could read, deduce even my thoughts by just wrapping his arms around my frame. But I will also admit that this gesture alone took away the worries and the battle of thoughts in my head allowing me to breathe properly once more. 

My arms that were dangling uselessly at my sides seconds ago finally remembered its motor skills and they reached for his back, hands squeezing the back of his well-built shoulders in response to his embrace. 

He said nothing, he didn’t even try to console me that everything was going to be okay. In circumstances like these, people usually do, right? A harmless little white lie just to make you feel better in that moment seemed plausible, no?

“I’m sure you did well today, but may I give you a word of advice?”

I nodded in a wordless reply. So he continued. “Disappointments are inevitable when things don’t turn out the way you want them to be, we’re humans who are unfortunately susceptible to that sort of emotion. But know that you’ll always be given a chance to try again, to do better, well unless, of course, if you’re dead…” he trailed and I snorted, saying, “Of course there’s always a ‘but’.” 

“All jokes aside, even if no one else acknowledges the effort you’ve put into preparations for todays’ meeting, you at the very least should. It’s important to give yourself the recognition you deserve and be proud of what you’ve done. I know Max and I are very proud of you.” 

I pulled back at the very mention of that last sentence he had just said. “You are?”

“You don’t get told that very often, do you?” he said, tilting his head a little lower to look at me.

I pursed my lips in answer. I don’t.

My silence was his answer.

“Well then, at the very least if you’re going to have to hear it from anyone, you might as well hear it from me.” 

“Oh I hear many things from you alright, this was the very first time you said what you said.” I broke into a small grin albeit fighting very hard not to hug him once more despite the little churn at the back of my ribcage. 

“You save that smugness alright, come on, let’s get you something to eat before I return you to your colleagues.” 

Judah placed his thumb just a little further up the door handle of the back room. “You changed out the locks.” I stated, noting the new security feature handle. “Well yeah, there are kids here after all. The last thing I’d want are the patrons from the bar taking a little detour in here doing things the toddlers’ minds could be potentially scarred..”

I nodded in agreement. The lock clicked open, and I followed him in from behind through the slit of the door. 

Max and Lucas were seated at the dining area, eating from their plates while Sarah was chopping up some greens at the kitchen counter. “Aunt Ronnie!” Max cried as she scrambled down her chair and ran towards me as fast as her little feet could. I smiled brightly at Sarah before turning my attention to Max.

“Hello sweetheart, I’ve missed you.” I extended my arms and knelt on one knee just as she approached me, knocking the wind out of my lungs as she did. “How was your day Aunt Ronnie?” 

I raised a brow, impressed that the 3-year-old had a newfound interest in an adult’s day. At the corner of my eyes, I saw Judah give her a nod of approval. Seems like he was doing more than just babysitting today. “Work was tough but I feel much better now that I’ve seen you, how was yours Maxie?” I caressed her hair gently as my eyes searched hers.

She proceeded to tell me she had the best time at dance practice earlier followed by a painting class and afterward, Judah picked her up and brought her to the park with Lucas and got them an ice cream cone for a snack.

“Judah tells me you’re here with your colleagues.” Sarah smiled, figuring Judah had brought me in here for a quick meal when he helped me into a seat at the dining table. “Yes, it’s a real last minute birthday celebration that I couldn’t say no to.”

“Is it because adult’s birthday parties are boring?” Lucas interrupted. “Kid, you’ve clearly not been to a grown-ups’ birthday party, you’ve not seen half the fun we adults have.” Judah chuckled as he proceeded to grab a plate from the dishwasher. Sarah smacks Judah on his arm to which he gave out a small protest. “What? It’s true.” He grumbled under his breath as he made a face at me to which I sighed in reply. Sarah too, shook her head.

“What Uncle Judah was trying to say is that we don’t even have pig mud pits and noisy, mooing cows grazing around.” I compensated and Lucas looked at me thoughtfully. “I’m not quite sure if we share the same idea of a kid’s birthday party, Ronnie.” 

“I grew up on a ranch, birthday parties ran a little differently there.” I explained. “I learn something new about you everyday.” He said.

Sarah placed a bowl of greens in front of me, “Here you go dear, oh, the lasagnas’ ready.” She pats down her palms against her apron and turns her back around. 

“Are you taking us home later, Uncle Judah?” Max asked almost innocently, tilting her head as she spoke. Judah almost never says no to her and she knows exactly who to ask for extra snacks and ice cream because she knew he had a soft spot for her.

“Sure, if you want me to.”  Judah answered. She nodded furiously. 

“Max, honey—” I said tiredly, reaching for the wooden spatula to scoop some greens for Judah and I. “Uncle Judah has to stay on for work. I’m taking you home in maybe an hour or so.”

She pouted at her unfinished bowl of lasagna then lifted her eyes through hooded, watery eyes. “But…” 

“Max, Uncle Judah has spent his whole day with you, but now he has work to be at—it’s been a long day for us all.” I tried to explain but that made her slouch further in her seat.

“Hey, don’t worry about it, I’ll manage.” Judah assured me in a whisper as he reached over his other hand and ruffled Max’s hair, nipping her tiny nose with his two fingers gently. “I’ll personally see to it that you both get home safely, fair enough?” Judah said and just like that he was once again manipulated by a toddler. 

Max cheered and continued chattering with her friend as if she wasn’t about to cry over a minute ago.

Judah—sending I would want a word with him then turned his attention towards me, draping his arms so carelessly on the backrest of my chair. “You know what I think? Our little Maxie has developed separation anxiety—a term I have never used and never thought she’d have. “ I whispered. “Also, if I told you once, I told you a thousand times, you’re spoiling her rotten. She very well knows she’s got you wrapped around her little finger.” I hissed then paused to catch my breath. 

He looked at me amusedly. “You said our.”

“What?”

“You said our little Maxie.”

“That is what you’ve sieved out of my whole sentence?” I raised a brow, feeling my cheeks grow warmer the longer he stared at me, eventually, I broke eye contact. “Wipe that silly smug look off your face.” I smacked him on his thigh lightly to which he caught while he grabbed a piece of garlic bread from the bread basket. I didn’t even complain about it.

After telling Max Judah and I would come back for her much later, we left the backroom and walked back into the cold Washington air once more. The sky was darker and the street lamps were lit, music wafted from nearby restaurants and faint clanging of pots and pans came from the back kitchens.

“I’ll let you get back to work and hey, I apologise truly if coming home with us is going to disrupt your working hours…” I trailed. “Don’t worry about me, I already called for backup.”

“Backup? Who?”

“Remember my friend Kale?”

“The really good looking friend of yours? Oh yeah, I remember him.” I nodded thoughtfully. “Really? The guy who’s name is after a vegetable?” his voice seemed nettled, he was scowling even, 

“Alright that’s it. You and that 3 year old have got to stop hanging out, you’re both bad influences for each other.” I said placatingly. “You’re just jealous you’re not cool enough to hang with us.”

“Good god.” I clicked my tongue impatiently. “I’m going back in.”

“You’ll know where to find me, enjoy your night.”

The music in the bar had changed to a more upbeat tempo and there were more patrons than half an hour ago—it was only seven. Dodging a few already tipsy men and waiters holding drink-filled trays, I finally made my way back to our table. “What did I miss?” I asked Jackie. 

“Well, Marcus just told everyone he’s gay and Jenna over there just announced she’s pregnant.” Jackie rested her chin on the palm of her hand. “Oh that’s great news, isn’t it?” 

“Except that it took dating 3 different girls to realise that he didn’t like coochie and Jenna’s pregnant with a married man’s child. Mondays bring out the worst in people. Did you also know that—oh wow.” Jackie paused in mid-sentence and her eyes darted to the left. “Who is she and what.a.dress!” she let out a low whistle.

“Jackie, I swear you have the attention span of a bloody celery.”

“She’s approaching the bar…”

I took a quick glance over my shoulder but only caught a quick view of the back of the woman in a red dress with thick, luscious hair wrapped tightly into a low bun. “Probably ordering herself a drink.”

“Oh no, she seems to know the Bartender.”

“Everyone knows the Bartender alright, he’s the only man who knows what every woman wants in here.”

“Let me rephrase that, I think she knows him rather intimately.” Jackie said succinctly. Something kept me from looking over my shoulder, an unfamiliar heat churned in my stomach and I tried to downplay it by laughing at a joke that Sam told—it wasn’t even that funny. 

“You couldn’t make out that lamp post you were staring at earlier outside the book store yet you’re seeing everything now in three dimensional.” I snorted, looking at her deadpanned. “And quit staring, you’re going to make them uncomfortable.”

“I’m not, Judah is.” She clarified, smirking. “You’ve got to be more specific than that.” I noticed the slight exasperation in my tone as I answered my best friend, what was wrong with me?

“Judah’s staring right at you.”

“Oh look, there’s Kale.” I was glad that there was an excuse for a change of topic as I saw the tall, good looking detective walk through the doors of the bar. He seemed to notice me almost immediately and waved. “How is it that the men in your life look like Calvin Klein models and mine look like beluga whales?” Jackie pouted. 

“I’m not sure if your husband would appreciate him being compared to the largest sea mammal but don’t worry, I’ll let him know.” I winked. “You wouldn’t dare.” She taunted but was ignored when Kale walked up to me and gave me a hug as soon as I stood. The other female colleagues at our table ogled shamelessly at the stranger at our table. 

“Hey, Judah told me you were going to be here tonight, it’s so good to see you here again. Evening Jackie.”

“Evening to you too, Kale.” Jackie greeted. Was she blushing?

I turned to him once more, almost apologetically, I said, “And I’m sorry you had to be here to look after the bar, I’m sure you have much more important things to attend to.”

“Nah, it’s all good. Heard it was your first day back to work, how was it?” he asked. “It was a really long day, but it felt good to be back.” I said.

“Yeah, adulting is hard. I know you probably hear this a lot but don’t you worry, things will get better.” He squeezed my arm gently and looked over to the counter, his brows stitched together as he frowned. “Oh, she’s here too.”

“Who is?” I asked blankly. 

“Ah, well.” Kale turned his attention back to me once more but before he could answer, Judah whistled him over. “I’m sorry, I’ll be right back with you Veronica, that dumb ass seems to need me at the moment.”

“Go on ahead, I’m not going anywhere at least for the next 30 minutes.” 

He smiled apologetically and left me standing awkwardly at my seat. I watched Kale join the duo and stood rather closely next to Judah but only to be pulled into a hug by the mysterious gorgeous woman in red. 

“You two are physically present but you’ve not said a word to any of us.” Sam pointed at Jackie and I drunkenly and waved his beer bottle in a circle. Sensing that statement was directed at us, I looked back at my table distractedly and shook my head in apology. “You’re right Sam, I’m sorry—"

“If you’re sorry, let’s dance shall we?” Sam went around the table and the rest watched him in either anticipation or terrified looks as he approached me. After all, I was his manager, they should be fearful for him. “No, I’d rather not.”

“Sam, Veronica is in no mood for this, pick someone else instead.” Jackie interrupted. 

Sam shook his head and grabbed a hold of my wrist. “Come on Veronica, or you’re only feisty at work and it’s all for show when you’re up against Pearson and Pitkowski?”

“Sam, I know it’s your birthday but you’re drunk as heck. Someone get him a glass of water please.” I said listlessly and shifted my attention towards our other colleagues and they scrambled to call a waiter. “Oh do save your authoritarian act, everyone knows despite that façade you put on, you’re a real softie on the inside.”

“Sam!” Jackie said warningly but he ignored her. “I don’t recall speaking to you Jacklyn, would you do the birthday boy a favor and zip it?” he snapped at her. She was very much taken aback at his behavior because the Sam we knew had never behaved or acted that way around women at work.

“Just once dance boss, let’s see if your charisma outside of office matches the one where we see 9 to 5 on the go.” Sam persuaded further and the rest of the colleagues were either afraid to react so as to not cause a scene in public. 

“Sam, stop.” I said in a firmer tone. 

“Women always say things they don’t mean, it’s always the opposite, no?”

“Your face is about to be the opposite end of your skull if you don’t let the woman go. Don’t make me ask you twice.” A calm yet firm voice took the patrons at our table by complete surprise. Sam whirled around, unstable on his feet as he snapped, “And just who the f**k are you?”

“If I tell you who I am, you’re going to remember my name and this face for life—the man who rearranged your face and the contents of your diminutive brain though I assume there’s not much to rearrange for.”

Jackie snickered.

The mysterious woman in red turned to look at us, wondering what was so important that the man she was talking to earlier had abandoned her alone. Kale too, had his eyes trained on his best friend and I. The atmosphere in the bar had now toned down as hundred pairs of eyes were looking into our direction.

For a minute there, Sam looked mortified but yet remained stubborn as a mule.

“Judah…” I placed a hand over his and his clenched them into a fist beneath mine. Frustrated, Sam snapped once more, “Man, you can f**k right off or I will sue your ass for threats—”

Judah peeled Sam’s hand that was closed around my wrist and twisted him around, slamming his hand against his back; Sam let out a strangled yell at the pain of his twisted arm. “And since when do you care about the law if you’re about to break at least two of them with your display of indecorous behavior in my bar?” Judah said contemptuously. 

“Do we have a problem here?” Kale interrupted tersely as he gave Sam a rather forbidding look. “Must I arrest someone even on my night off?”

“No Kale please.” I put my hand on his arm gently. “It’s fine. Could you maybe please get the crowd to stop staring? We’ll settle this and leave right now.”

“Ronnie.” Judah looked at me as if I grew a second head and I nodded in reassurance.  “Alright, nothing to see here people, my sincere apologies, enjoy the night and drinks are on the house.”

At the mention of free drinks, the crowd cheered and went back once more to their merry making. “Jackie, maybe you could reassure our colleagues that everything’s okay?” I whispered and she nodded quickly.

“Judah it’s okay, Sam’s really drunk so just please let him go home.” I coaxed. “And please, don’t hurt his drawing hand. He’s our safety guy and I need him for the project I’m working on.”

“You’re letting this human stain off the hook just like that?” 

“Hey asshole, who do you think you’re calling a human—”

“Sam, would you just shut up for one second?” I ground out and he did exactly like he was told. I then turned to Judah once more.

“I know that’s not an excuse to dismiss him for what he did, but everyone from our table saw how he acted and it will be enough of a punishment for him back at the office. I just don’t see how causing him any physical damage right now would teach a drunk man a lesson he’d forget the second he wakes up tomorrow.” I said delicately despite wanting to punch Sam square in the face. He wouldn't remember it but my colleagues would. 

Judah hardened features softened and relented, but not before threatening him in a low voice. “If you ever lay hands on this woman or any other woman for that matter, you best believe you’ll be drawing floor plans with your pencil stuck between your saggy butt cheeks, are we clear?”

Sam nodded quickly and Judah released him. “Now scram. Don’t you ever come back here.”

“He wouldn’t even dream of it.” I reassured him. “Right, can I take you and Max home?” He took my hands in his and observed around my arms to see if Sam had done anything more than harassing me.

“I would appreciate that.” 

“Marina is still waiting for you by the bar.” Kale approached us once more just as we were about to leave, his eyes dropped to our intertwined fingers then took note at the grim look Judah had on his face. I assumed Marina was the name of the woman in red who was now looking at Judah and I with mild interest. “But of course, I’ll tell her you have more important matters to attend to.”

“I’m sorry you had to see all that Kale.”

“Hey, you’ve got nothing to apologise for alright?” Kale smiled kindly at me. “And you, I trust that you’ll get both lovely ladies home safe.”

“What do you think I’m doing right now?” Judah said dryly. 

“Taking advantage of the situation.” Kale winked and left before Judah could say anything else. “That jerk has no manners at all.” he protested.

“That jerk could be right about you, you know.” I suggested cheekily. “How so, Ronnie?”

I lifted our intertwined fingers and shot him a playful dirty look. “Yeah well, maybe just this once he’s right.” He agreed without putting up a fight. “Come on, let’s get the both of you home and tucked into bed.”