Customers started to slowly make their way in and order drinks. Lauren felt good being back at work. She was concerned about Jennifer, she never got sick but it didn’t seem to be interfering with work. Jennifer was still making drinks at her normal pace, tonight would be the real test though.
Lauren wondered when Jessie would get to work tonight. She couldn’t wait to hear more of Jessie’s music. Lauren thought about how Harper stood her up earlier today and still couldn’t believe it. Lauren ran her fingers through her hair, pushing the thought out of her head, and went back to work.
Jessie got there about an hour after customers started coming in. She walked past the bar and gave Lauren a devilish grin. She made her way to her stand and set up for the night. People were starting to fill in around the bar, keeping Lauren and Jennifer busy.
“Tripp!” Lauren looked to the other side of the bar to see Matt calling her over.
“Yeah?” Lauren replied, continuing to pour her customer’s martini in their glass.
“We need six Liquid Marijuanas, five Flaming Volcanos, and three Menage a Trois for the V.I.P. section. Go up to their bar and make them. Then come back.” Matt barked across the crowd.
“Isn’t there somebody working that bar already?” Lauren said agitated.
Matt walked behind the bar “They don’t know how to make them and this is a high paying party. I’ll cover here for you while you take care of them.”
Lauren was astonished that Matt offered to cover the main bar. He was a terrible bartender. But Lauren knew Jennifer could handle the mixed drinks while Matt got beers and poured single drinks. “Fine.” Lauren said hesitantly. “Jenn, you okay for a bit?”
Jennifer nodded “Matt I’ll handle the mixed drinks. You handle beer and single alcohol drinks.”
Lauren smiled at Jennifer taking charge. Lauren made her a fine bartender. Matt fumbled around the beer cooler trying to help. She headed up to the V.I.P. section so that she could hurry up and get back before Matt killed the vibe.
When Lauren got behind the bar, she looked around the section at the customers. She could tell these were important people. She told the other bartenders, Sean and Ash, to watch her as she started mixing the drinks. It took her ten minutes to make the entire order. The customers were amazed at Lauren and how quick she was. They thanked her and she headed back to her bar. She made a note to go back over training with Sean and Ash, or at the very least tell them to learn to find a tool to look up how to make drinks.
“That party must be pretty wealthy. One of the guys was wearing a gold Rolex watch. And that was the cheapest I think I saw.” Lauren tapped Matt on the shoulder as he was struggling to pop the top off of a bottle.
He handed the bottle to Lauren, unopened “Yeah they are doctors and lawyers, all in some organization. They paid a shit ton of money to rent the section for the whole night.”
Lauren used her bottle opener and was handing out the beer in seconds before jumping on the next order. She knew they must have made a hefty payment. Normally Matt only rents it out for a few hours to each party, especially on nights like tonight. Matt headed off back to the section to make sure the party was happy.
“I’m glad you’re back. Matt is terrible help. I almost fell behind.” Jennifer passed behind Lauren grabbing for a clean shaker.
“I knew you could handle it.” Lauren smiled. “You learned well Young Padawan.”
Jennifer shook her head “Whatever Tripp. Don’t get cocky.”
Lauren smirked. “Oh yeah, cause you would like it.”
“Yeah right.” Jennifer smiled.
The night seemed to fly by. Once Lauren heard Jessie’s playlist going, it seemed like the entire club got a hundred times busier. It was drink after drink coming in. Lauren could tell Jennifer was starting to get tired and slow down so Lauren picked up the pace. There was no time for breaks. The bar never slowed. Lauren barely had time to talk to Jess when she came in. Jess brought a few friends and they all made their orders with Lauren. Lauren tried to be friendly and pay attention to them talking, but she didn’t have much time. Lauren told Jess to go have a good time with her friends out on the floor. Lauren walked around the bar to hug her sister before getting back to work.
At the end of the night, Lauren and Jennifer were both exhausted. They counted out the tips and split the money. They made triple compared to what they made the night before.
Lauren saw how bad Jennifer looked “Go on and head home Jenn. I’ll clean everything up.”
“Are you sure Tripp?” Jennifer asked.
“Yeah I don’t mind. Feel better.”
“Thank you.” Jennifer picked up her stuff, kissed Lauren on the cheek and headed out.
Lauren got to work cleaning up the bar and restocking. She looked up at the DJ stand, Jessie had already left. Lauren wondered why she didn’t say anything to her. But Lauren had gotten the feeling that Jessie got what she wanted and she was done with her now. Lauren knew how it went, she had pushed off women countless times. She wasn’t proud of it, but Lauren knew that nobody really wanted anything other than sex from her.
“Tripp.” Lauren looked up to see Matt walking up to her.
“I’m almost done restocking then I just have to mop.” Lauren continued to fill the beer cooler.
“Don’t worry about mopping. The cleaning company will take care of it in the morning. You made a damn good impression on the people at that party Tripp.” Matt handed her an envelope.
“What’s this?” Lauren took it, opening it.
“I don’t know. One of the lawyers told me to give it to you.” Matt watched her.
Inside, she saw it was at least $1500 and a business card. “Holy shit. You sure they already paid you for the rental?”
“Yeah why?” Matt looked curiously.
“There’s money in here and a business card?” She took out the card and turned it over.
Someone had written on the back “This tip is for you. If you want to make some extra cash, give me a call. K.T.”
“What’s it say?” Matt looked at her.
“Just that it’s a tip and if I want to make some extra money to call them.” Lauren tucked the card back in with the money and put the envelope in her pocket.
“Well shit Tripp.” Matt walked off.
Lauren finished stocking everything before she grabbed her stuff and headed out. She got on her motorcycle and headed for her apartment. When she got home she took out the envelope and reread the note. Then she counted the money it. She couldn’t believe someone gave it to her for a few drinks. All together for the night, she made almost eight grand. That was unheard of for bartenders, but she was used to bringing in at least a grand or two on a regular basis. Matt built an amazing club and she knew she made a pretty good reputation for the drinks. People drove for up to two hours just to have a good night at that club. Lauren never understood it, she was always fine with a small little bar. But she couldn’t complain. Lauren took her phone out of her pocket and saw she had a text message. It was Harper.
“I am so sorry. I promise I didn’t stand you up. I got stuck assisting in surgeries all day. There was a massive accident. If you are free tomorrow night, we can do dinner.”
Lauren was relieved that Harper didn’t stand her up. She texted her back. “Dinner, your choice, at 7?”
Lauren laid her phone on the couch next to where she sat. She thought about Harper. How she was caring, sweet, and cute. Then Jessie came to her mind. There was an undeniable connection between them but Jessie seemed disinterested lately. Harper was interested, Lauren knew that. And Lauren would be lying if she said she wasn’t attracted to her. But Lauren would also be lying if she said she did not want to be with Jessie. But was Jessie interested? Did Jessie also feel the connection? Lauren had a hard time reading Jessie, but she knew there was something there.
Lauren sat back on the couch and ran her fingers through her hair. She wasn’t sure what to do or if she should do anything at all. She was at a loss. Lauren got up, undressed, and headed for bed.
When she woke up, Lauren stretched. She was relieved that she could finally stretch out and not be in pain from her wounds. There were still scabs healing, but the worst part was finally over. Lauren went to the bathroom and took a hot shower. Afterwards, she looked around her closet for clothes. She decided she would just wear a hoodie and some sweats for now. Lauren got dressed and began picking up her apartment. She straightened a few things and did her laundry. She made herself a sandwich since it was no longer breakfast. As she ate, she thought about tonight with Harper. She wasn’t sure how it was going to go, or how she even wanted it to go. Lauren decided to throw on some clothes and head to her sister’s house for a little.
When Lauren pulled up to Jessica’s house, she saw a car in front. Lauren thought that was weird because Jessica couldn’t afford a car. She always had to set up rides or take cabs. Lauren took off her motorcycle helmet and walked up to the door. She tried to open the door but it was locked so she knocked. A few seconds later Jessica opened the door. “Lauren!!!” Jessica gave her a big hug before letting her in.
“Who’s car? I’m not interrupting anything am I?” Lauren sat her helmet and backpack down.
“It’s my car!!! I got a bonus for finishing my first month and a half” Jessica shined with pride.
“That’s great. I’m sure it was a relief. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you get one.” Lauren felt guilty. She ran her fingers through her hair.
“I wouldn’t have accepted your help. You know that. Are you hungry? I’ve been worried about you.”
“I’m okay. I ate a sandwich. I just figured I’d stop by to see you. I was pretty sick and took some time to myself. So you are still enjoying work?”
“Yeah you look like you haven’t been eating. You aren’t doing that shit again are you?” Jessica gave Lauren an accusing look. They sat on the couch.
“No. I told you I was done. And actually I’ve been eating fairly regular up until the last 2 days.”
“Okay, good. And yes I love my job. Hopefully I’ll get a raise soon. What are you doing tonight?”
“I am meeting a friend for dinner.”
“Nice. I think I’m going to the club for a few drinks. My coworkers like that DJ. She’s pretty awesome at mixing music.”
Lauren felt her ears start to turn red. She tried to push it back. “Yeah she is pretty good. Definitely took the club to a whole new level.”
“She’s cute too.” Jessica smiled.
Lauren felt her ears in flames now. “She’s alright.” She lied. “You want me to hook you up with her?” Lauren smirked.
Jessica grinned. “You know I prefer men.”
“I was messing with you. But you should go out and enjoy the club. I might stop by after dinner.”
“Maybe I won’t be there by then. I might be getting lucky.” Jessica laughed.
Lauren smiled. “Maybe. But I should head back home so I can get ready.”
