Page 4 of Liquid Courage
“What promotion do you get at the dock?”
“Try doing secretarial work instead of putting these beautiful hands all over fish scales.” Kat flexed her fingers in front of her friend’s face. “Believe it or not, Idon’tactually want to sort fish for the rest of my life. But whatcha gonna do with only a high school diploma in this day and age?”
“I work at the shop. Could probably get you an interview if you’re any good with cars.”
“I can change oil. That’s about it.”
“Girl, what kind of dyke are you? At least rotate some damned tires once in a while.”
Kat laughed on her way into the back room to grab some fresh coasters. She happened to glance at the clock and begin her countdown to end of shift. A rousing evening of taking a shower and watching Netflix on her ancient laptop awaited her, and she was damned excited to do it.
She was able to leave five minutes early when the next shift arrived. Kat grabbed her jacket and bag before saying goodbye to Harriet and heading out. She only lived a few blocks away. Convenient, since she didn’t have a car and a bus pass wasn’t in her meager budget. The studio apartment was enough to wipe out her income every month.
But at least it was all hers.You know, for all those women I totally bring home.Kat pulled the hood of her jacket up and shoved her hands into her pockets. The nights were chilly that time of year.
Not chilly enough for some people, though. Because that was a woman in nothing but a cocktail dress sitting in the bus shelter.
It was gonna be a long wait for poor Vivian. The buses were only hourly at this time of night. She had been better off staying in the bar and taking her time drinking her booze. Maybe she would’ve made a friend.
Kat turned around, intent on taking the scenic route to her apartment so she wouldn’t cross Vivian’s path.
But the moment she pivoted in her Converse and started singing a random ‘80s song, she realized the alternative was much more appealing. She certainly could take the long way home. Or she could go for broke.
Someone really,reallyshould keep Vivian company, anyway. She was a sitting duck in that shelter. God only knew who would come and harass her.
***
Vivian rechecked the bus schedule. Twenty-five minutes. Really? She had to wait twenty-fivemoreminutes for the bus? Shit. She thought about texting her sister and telling her she was coming home, but decided against it. No need to share the failure that was her life right now. She might as well save it for when she got home and Phyllis began the gamut of questioning.
“So we meet again.”
Vivian looked up. Kat stood before her once more, this time with a bag strapped across her chest as she propped herself up against the shelter. Vivian hadn’t been able to see the skinny jeans and black and pink Converse behind the bar. “So we do.” Vivian looked away again. Where was that bus?
“Feeling any better?”
“It’s only been fifteen minutes. You off work already?”
“What can I say? I get off early.”
They sat in silence for another minute. Kat checked her phone and watched the cool evening amble by, one second at a time.
“Still thinking about that shithead?”
“Sorry.” Vivian held her chilly arms close to her chest. “Still a bit sore about it, I guess.”
“Understandable.” Kat put her phone away. “If it makes you feel better, I think you’re pretty.”
Vivian snorted in disbelief. “Thanks, but I know how I look. Like a sickly beanpole.” She turned that snort into laughter. “Can’t be helped. Not gonna dwell on it much anymore.”
“That’s good.” Kat pushed herself off the shelter. “I’m serious, though. I don’t think you look sickly. I mean, when you say you were really sick a while ago, I guess I can see it. But if you never told me at all, I doubt I would have noticed a damn thing. Some women are fat and some are skinny. Either doesn’t say shit about who you are as a human being.” Before Vivian could protest, Kat continued, “Take that Shari for instance. She’s hot, and she knows it. But what good does that do her if she’s miserable? She’s great to look at from afar, but once you get up close, you can see the ugliness emanating from her.”
Although she knew what Kat meant, Vivian couldn’t help but say, “You mean it’s better to be ugly and a good person, like me?” She smiled to make sure Kat didn’t take it seriously.
“You joke, but you know it’s true. I never said you were ugly, though. Quite the opposite. I recall saying that you’re really pretty.”
Vivian blushed and continued to search for the bus. Once it showed up, that would be the end of the bartender’s charm. At least her night didn’t end on a completely sour note.
“You wanna get out of here?”
