The drive was less than one mile and stricken by nerves, I sat parked outside of the pub for nearly five minutes. My cell jingled notifying me of a text message.
"Do not prolong the situation. Enter the pub Rebecca."
Oh my God, I thought. Are these people watching me via satellite? I grabbed some cash from my purse and locked it in the glove box. I exited my vehicle and walked into the pub. Music was playing and the drinking hole hummed with conversation. I walked to the bar not knowing what to order. I am not a drinker usually, so I ordered a Margarita. The female bar tender fixed my drink and collected the fee, complimenting me on my outfit. I thanked her and took a sip of my drink. The salt around the edge of the glass was surprising, but it complimented the drink.
I spun the bar stool around, turning my back to the bar, watching the groups of people engaging in conversation, playing pool, or playing darts. I felt shy being in this place all by myself. I turned the stool back around and sipped my drink again. The bartender approached me asking if I was a local. I proceeded to tell her I was vacationing at the Rock Creek Cabins.
"Oh," She said. "I've heard some bad things have been happening there."
"What you are hearing is true. A police officer visited my cabin this morning filling me in with details. Sounds like a scary situation," I said.
My phone jingled again and anxiety filled my chest. More instructions I thought. Nine more days I kept telling myself. "Excuse me." I said to the bartender, unenthusiastically, viewing the text message.
"Two men are playing darts, one in a green and gray T-shirt, the other in a brown polo shirt. Introduce yourself to them." I was tense and almost couldn't bring myself to approach them. I got off of the stool and walked towards them, following the instructions of the message. Many sets of eyes gazed in my direction as I made my way across the pub. I knew I looked good and I should have been more confident. My heart was racing as got near the men, who were bullshitting while taking turns tossing the darts.
"Hello guys," I said. "Got room for one more?"
The men looked at me like I was a bother or that I couldn't play darts competitively with them.
"We're just about done here honey, how bout we buy you a drink?"
I shook my head in agreement as the man in the polo shirt tossed a bull's eye proclaiming his victory.
"What are you drinking?" The loser of the match asked.
"Margarita," I said, raising my glass to him.
The other man pulled a chair out for me at a table while his friend shouted across the pub for two beers and a margarita. I took a seat along with the gentlemen. They introduced themselves as Jim and Randy. Jim, the man in the polo shirt was handsome. Brown eyes, dark skin, and dark hair. Clean shaven yet rugged looking. He had to have been at least ten to fifteen years older than me, perhaps in his late thirties to early forties. The other man, Randy was more my age. He was fairly good looking as well. Blond hair, blue eyes, short stubble facial hair, his appearance was more of the gentle looking type.
The drinks were brought to the table and I introduced myself as Rebecca, sipping from my fresh margarita. They questioned my dart playing and I told them I was probably better than they would expect. They said that maybe we could play next time. I told them today might be the only chance. I was only here on vacation. They said they were done with darts for the day and had to be leaving soon after their drinks. I smiled and said that was too bad. They laughed and asked where I was vacationing at. I told the at the Rock creek Cabins.
"That's been a dangerous place lately, Rebecca," Randy said.
"I wasn't aware of that when I arrived, but I have been hearing that quite a bit. I even had an officer stop at my cabin this morning," I replied.
We talked briefly about the city and other fun spots and soon they were excusing themselves. They ordered me another margarita, insisting against my decline, and said that it was nice to meet me. I concurred and waved them goodbye.
I finished what was left of my margarita and knew I was starting to get buzzed. I didn't need another drink, but I thought nine more days, maybe this one would go by a little easier. My next drink arrived and I said thank you. I was sitting by myself again, but being liquored up I felt more relaxed. My phone jingled again.