Page 12 of Broken Hero
I go to Tom. “I think I may have offended my first customer.”
His eyes widen. “Why, what did you say?”
“General chit chat, but I think I got too personal.”
He shakes his head. “Girl, you aresoin there - I have never seen him smile or make conversation with anyone, but with you, it was like he was Mr Sunshine.”
“What, never?”
He shakes his head, “He’s always so stoic, he takes life way too seriously - when all the others let loose, sure he joins in, but it feels like there is always something holding him back. And believe me, I pay attention.”
“Yeah, you do. Do these guys need to worry about you stalking them?”
“I already do - on Facebook. Unfortunately, they're not too interesting.”
I laugh and look over to Declan, who’s looking at his pool cue as though he wants to snap it in two. He is so intense.
I feel more confident in my new role as a barmaid as the night progresses. It's gone ten when three guys come in and walk to the bar. I've died and gone to bad girl heaven - if there is such a thing - there should be! They're all tall, I guess there is a height restriction to be a fireman - and good looking. They should do a calendar – it would be a best seller.
They all give me a second look, I know the look, they notice me, look away and look back to see if they're interested. I made an effort with my appearance today like I do every day. I have my long hair blue ombre styled up today in a messy bun. I didn't want my hair to get in the way of my work today.
One of them approaches the bar. “Well, well, who do we have here? You are new.”
I smile and give him a slight bow. “I am, well spotted. I'm Sophie.”
“I'm Corey, I work at the fire station across the street.”
“Nice to meet you, Corey – do you work with Declan?”
He frowns. “You're kidding me. Declan?”
“Yeah, you don't work with him?” I'm confused.
“Well yeah, I just can't believe Dec got in there before me. It’s not his style.”
He looks around, and his eyes land on Declan. “Hey, Dec. Are you kidding me? You got the moves in on Sophie here before she met me? What chance does a guy have if she meets you first?”
Declan smirks and saunters over with the cue in his hand. He seems to have relaxed a little from our last conversation - thankfully. “Leave the girl alone; she's new - you want her to come back, right?”
He looks over at me and winks. Wow. My girly parts do a little dance.
I lean onto the bar. “Declan got me this job. He heard I was looking for work, so he put a word in for me. I know his brother.”
Corey nods. “That makes more sense.”
I don't understand what that comment means, and I don't ask. I have orders that I have to fulfil.
Once last orders come around, I go to collect all the glasses.
I hear a deep voice behind me. “How are you getting home?”
I spin around. It’s Declan.
“I have my bike. It’s chained up around the back.” I do have my driving license, but I can't afford to run a car.
He frowns. “You're not cycling home. It's nearly one in the morning.
“It's fine. It's how I get everywhere. I’m in between cars at the moment.”
