Page 1 of Off-Limits to the Grizzly

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Blair

“Come on, Blair. I’m short-staffed. You’d be doing me a big favor.” My boss, Adrian’s voice comes from just behind my right shoulder.

I go still, halfway through pulling a rack of steaming beer glasses from the washer. A drop of ice shoots down my spine.Is he really bringing this up again?“No, not happening,” I reply.

“You could just… wear a bra-top or something.”

I spin around and give him my coldest stare. “I said, the answer is no.” I say it loud, to make sure he hears me this time.

His eyelids do a weird spasm. “No need to get all sassy on me.”

I clench my jaw. “No need to try andmanipulateme.” What’s gotten into him? He even told me when I interviewed for the job that they have topless Wednesdays, but he hires different staff for that night. Said it was a long-running thing he’d acquired from his predecessor. He made a face like he hated it, butwhat could you do? It’s a big crowd-pleaser.

He tilts his head and stares openly at my boobs. “You’ll getawesometips.”

“I don’t care.” I fold my arms across them.

His face darkens. “What’s the big deal, Blair?”

My mouth falls open. “Seriously? What’s the big deal?” I splutter. “Uh, the fact they’re mine and I get to choose who sees them.”

He shrugs. “Show ’em to one guy, might as well show ’em to everyone.”

I goggle at him. “Um, that’s not how it works for most women.” As it happens, no guy has seen them before. But I’m not about to admit to that. And Adrian is really starting to freak me out. He’s different tonight. Up until now, he’s been like a big brother. A little nerdy, but kind. He’s also been my roommate for the past six weeks. We watch movies together and eat popcorn, for christsakes. I thought wegoteach other. But now, there’s a weird light in his eyes. Is he high?

“I’m not getting my tits out for money, and that’s final.”

“Don’t forget, I took you in and gave you a place to stay.”

“Uh, you hired me and rented your spare room to me.”

He sighs. “Not even to help a guy out?”

“Not even to help a guy out.” I make my voice hard, hoping it’ll signal that I’m done with this bullshit.

He shakes his head sadly. “You’re breaking my heart, Blair.”

And just like that, the Adrian I know is back again. The porn-king swagger is gone, and I remember he’s that guy I chill with on the couch, laughing hysterically and quoting lines from our favorite movies.

* * *

Don’t stare,don’t stare, I remind myself the following evening, as I trudge down the stairs that lead from my apartment to the rear of the bar. I’ve agreed to work the shift, fully clothed. No ifs or buts. I don’t feel comfortable with this, at all. But hopefully it’s a one-off, and I guess I’ll have to start looking for another job tomorrow.

Well, this was not what I was dreaming of when I moved out to Oakdale. I thought living here would be the new start I needed, after I lost basically everyone I cared about. First, my best friend, Kayla, left our little hometown. Then my parents died in a car crash, in a fog of cheap bourbon. Then my grandma died, too.

There was nothing keeping me in Twin Falls, so I decided to be like Kayla. She was always the crazy one, while I was the sensible one, but we were inseparable. When she disappeared, I felt like I lost a part of myself. So, I went out into the world, trying to be as free and impulsive as she was. Now look where that’s got me—bullied into working at a titty bar.

I step behind the bar, wearing an extra-loose T-shirt and jeans, just so there’s no confusion. And I do a double take. There’s the familiar cozy room, all done out in dark wood; the long wooden bartop, with the craft beer taps; the regulars sitting at their usual tables; the small screens showing a bunch of sports. And… there are a bunch of bare tits. At least ten of them. It’s such a freaking incongruous sight, I fight back a laugh.

“Uh, hi,” I say to the girl standing by the beer taps, pouring a pint of Blue Moon.

“Hey!” She puts down the foaming pint and turns to me with a huge smile. “I’m Peaches.” She’s tiny, but her tits are huge, like a pair of over-inflated balloons. I can just make out her perky nipples in my peripheral vision.Don’t stare, don’t stare.Focus on the flashing white teeth instead. Nice dental work.

Her pretty forehead furrows and I realize I haven’t introduced myself.

“I’m Blair.”

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