"I'm coming out of my cage and I'm been doing just fine."
It was busy afternoon in Ganges bar for a change, I guess everyone was in the celebration mood before New Year's Eve. Shannon was behind the bar as usual on the Friday. As always, she looked really good. She'd look good even if she was wearing an old potato sack (for those of you who are old enough to know what that is). Her inky black hair pulled back in a ponytail to show off her big bright eyes and full, plump, red lips. The cardigan she is wearing over her tee shirt did little to disguise her desirable breasts beneath.
"Hey Shannon." I called out to her. Over the past few months that she had worked there, I had become more and more entranced by her. First thing I think about when I wake up; the last thing before I fall asleep. In between, I constantly thought of her. I had hoped she thought about me the same way and not just a good fuck buddy.
"Hi G!" Shannon greeted me as she got me a beer from the fridge. She came around to my table and sat the beer down before giving me my customary hug but no kiss; it felt different somehow. "A little later than usual, are you?"
"Yeah, came to watch the game. Maybe even stay later to watch the late game too." I told her then chuckled. "Depending on how much I drink during the first one!"
Shannon scooted away to do some barkeep stuff. Like I mentioned, it was pretty busy. I knew we weren't going to have a chance to have our typical intimate interaction. No HJ or BJ let alone a full make -out session. However, even if it was busy, she would find time to sit beside me on the bench to chat. Instead if she did come to converse, she seemed a little aloof and stood away to talk.
"Bing!" A text message on my cell.
Lately every time I heard that notification, my heart literally skipped a beat hoping it was something from Shannon. And it was. I clicked on the notification and opened the message. It read:
"Sean (the owner) wants me to stay behind the bar more and thinks we're getting too handsy."
Shannon was by the cash register when I looked at her and gave her a curious, confused gaze. We were pretty discrete if anyone else was around and our behaviour when other were around was not out of the ordinary.
Shannon bit her lips and returned a slight shrug.
There wasn't an opportunity to talk to her about it, so I sat, drank my beer and watched the game. At about 5:30, the game ended and not in a favourable way. I knew Shannon would be finished at six and thought at least she could stay for a quick drink before leaving for home. Around five to, some guy walked in. I didn't recognized him. He wasn't a regular for sure. Spidey sense went off.
He took a seat at the bar and when Shannon saw him, her demeanor immediately changed. She brought him a beer then continued doing her beer and cash count. Kristina that evening's keep had arrived and was busy doing her opening stuff.
Suddenly New Guy, stood up and walked to the far end of the bar in the back area. I watched as Shannon used her hands to support herself against his chest and gave him a big kiss. I watched her tell him to take a seat beside her as she counted up. She had recently did the same and called me over just the last week.
Completing her till, I watched New Guy finish his beer and walk out. Shannon gave Sean her cash out, grabbed her coat and gave me a quick hug before she left. We did the same thing last week too when I offered her a lift.
"So Kristina, is that Shannon's new BF?" I asked.
"Yeah, I think so." She answered back.
Stunned, confused, hurt, angry. Jealously is a real bitch. You have no control of any emotion. The pit of my stomach churned as I tried to think of any sign that this was happening. Okay, I know we were just bar friends with benefits, but no warning; no nothing!
Just the week before, she said she was going to a friend's Xmas party. Then next day, I sent her a text asking how the party went and what she ended up wearing.
