Page 9 of Waiting for Sunshine

“Fuck it, those kids are watching a movie tomorrow,” Leah says, surrendering her sober Tuesday night.

“And this is why you’re my best friends,” I hold my shot glass up.

“Cheers!” we all sing out in unison.

After tipping back our shots, and slamming the glasses back on the bar top, I look back at Ruby.

“This place is incredible. I have never seen someplace so, unique.” I waved my hand around the bar. Her gaze follows my hand gestures and she smiles.

“Yeah, Max really poured himself into this place.” She shakes her head.

“Max?” I repeated in question.

“Yeah, Max Mullins. He opened the bar a couple of years ago, after getting out of the Navy. He was a Navy SEAL, the dude is a total badass but he’s too humble to flaunt it. He’s also a great boss, but you didn’t hear it from me. I like to give him shit, keep him on his toes.” She winks at me, making me laugh.

“Noted,” I playfully salute.

“You know, we’re actually in desperate need of a new bartender if you’re looking for a job.” Ruby says, raising a brow. “I mean, I have no idea what you normally do, but if you can mix a drink it’s steady cash flow and the tips are really great.” She shrugs, wiping down the bar top. .

“Well, I’m not really that experienced,” I admit, spinning my shot glass around..

“Oh, that’s not true! You told me you madeeveryone’sdrinks at parties in college.” Leah chimes in. She’s not wrong. When we would go to parties I was at the drink table for the majority of the night. Not sure if it’s something to brag about, but I got pretty good at it.

“But that’s not enough to be a bartender… is it?” I turn to Ruby in question.

“Works for me.” She says taking me by surprise.

“Wait, really?” I rear back, not hiding the absolute shock in my voice. I thought for sure there would at least be an interview, maybe she’d ask me to make a drink to show that I actually knew how. I don’t know, something. Instead, she starts digging behind the bar for something as she keeps talking.

“Look, the last guy we had back here didn’t know Jack Daniels from Jack Black.” She sets an application on the bar and slides it towards me. I look at it, then back up at her with a blank stare.

“I’m the hiring manager so this is just a formality, but the job is yours…” She trails off.

“Shane. Shane Thompson.” I eagerly say, offering my hand.

“Ruby Ranes,” she shakes my hand. “Anyways, the job’s yours if you want it.” She smiles before going to grab more glasses.

I look at my friends who are watching with curious stares. “What do you guys think? Should I do it?” I scrunch up my nose, needing confirmation.

“Hell yes. Why do you think we always put you in charge of drinks on girls' night? You make them the best!” Taylor encourages. I look at Leah and Lauren who both shrug and shake their heads in agreement.

“Screw it, guess I’m a bartender,” I toss my hands in the air before grabbing a pen from my bag to fill out the application. “Another, Ruby!” I call out, requesting another shot. When I get a raised brow from Taylor I roll my eyes and turn to face her fully.

“Taylor, I caught my boyfriend with his face between his assistants' thighs on our anniversary and I got turned down for a job at a Color Me Mine.Color. Me. Mine.I am doing another fucking shot.” I turn to grab the shot Ruby had already poured for me before disappearing and notice two men – two gorgeous, tattoo-covered, Viking gods–and a dog–standing behind the bar now, staring at me.

The guy with dark brown hair, deep blue eyes, and muscles I would gladly curl up and die in, was none other than the one who spilled coffee on me earlier today. He snickers then walks to the other end of the bar to talk to customers, the dog following behind. The other guy, the one with copper brown hair, forest green eyes, and a bright smile looks at the four of us and says, “sounds like we need another round, what are we drinking, ladies?” he claps his hands together eagerly.

“Can you make a key lime martini?” Taylor asks, her most flirtatious voice in action.

The guy leans in a little closer to her, “You got it, darlin’.” He winks at Taylor and gets to work making her drink. She watches him move around the bar and grabs my arm dramatically.

“I think I’m in love,” she holds her free hand up to her chest, all goo-goo-eyed at the bartender.

“Well, he clearly meets all of the qualifications.” I tease, tossing back my tequila shot, but my eyes never leave the man who stands at the other end of the bar.

Of course, he works here too.

Ruby makes her way back up front and I wave the application to show her I’m done filling it out, and she smiles before walking over to me.

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