Chapter Five: Kellan
I often thought of hiring an assistant to deal with all this clerical bullshit. I was in meetings since seven that morning. I didn’t usually mind waking up early, going for my run and starting my day. But there is just something about lawyers and accountants that drain me.
Nearly everything had to be updated; liquor license, business license, land permit…Jesus Christ I had a world of a headache by noon. Good news was we only had one month left to pay off the bar, then we would stop paying the four grand a month for land and upkeep. It was a good thing.
Years ago I didn’t see us here. I had no idea the community would take such a liking to the place. We had a lot of regulars, college students came here as an initiation of sorts into the life. It was pretty amazing.
And of course, our new bartender. The past few were good guys, but always had something going on. Alexa came off as reliable, and I hoped she was. Lord knows how beautiful she is. A natural beauty that doesn’t require the makeup and obnoxious clothing. Her face is so slender and soft, her lips a beautiful peachy color. I could kiss her for hours. I felt the tension between us, but I didn’t want to act on it just yet.
Joshua had already taken his go at her, not that he had claimed her. It wasn’t something we had ever done before, but we did have wild days behind us back in college. Threesomes, sometimes more with the sorority sisters. Somehow it was a turn on, knowing she was with Joshua. I had no doubt Austin was next. Imagining her in her pleasure prepared me for my own. I wanted her; bad.
I hid out in my office until the crowd came in. Then Joshua came bolstering in like a madman.
“What the hell are you doing in here? Alexa is out there killing it.” He shut the door behind him and sat down.
I closed out the browser window and stared at him apprehensively. He dressed casually in jeans and a polo, in fact he was always wearing that get up. But he looked like he already had a few drinks in him.
“Taking it easy tonight, I hope?” I gruffed.
“Yeah. I am. Oh, I checked the tab. Those cheese fries put us up almost two grand.”
My eyes widened. I was shocked. “Whoa. Awesome.” I stood up, prepared to go out on the floor. “Who is working the floor?” I asked. We didn’t really have a set wait staff, it was another thing on my list. I just didn’t want to employ too many full-time employees.
I appreciated the college students, but most want all the university breaks. So that would be an entire summer and winter break with them gone.
“Tessa. But you know most people go to the bar to order.” He added.
“Yeah, I know.”
We walked out and met the crowd. It was always full. Being Monday, it wasn’t as full but there was still a good amount of people. The billiard room was full and the bar was packed.
Joshua went off, and I leaned on the far wall, watching Alexa. She knew how to work with the customers, always smiling and laughing. Probably at jokes that weren’t funny. She didn’t even appear flustered as she had people calling left and right, barking orders. She just smiled and worked it off easy.
I stopped noticing her interactions and just focused on her. Her blonde hair was tied up in a loose bun, tendrils falling and framing her soft face. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, beautiful under the bar lights. Her arms were bare in the shirt, and her stomach too. But I noticed the men looking at her too. She had an amazing ass, so I understood, but it made my fists clench in frustration. I thought about changing the shirt now, to something less revealing. Tessa loved the shirt, and even hiked it up higher. Which meant I had to talk to her again. Damn’t.
“Tessa!” I called out to her as she passed me to pin orders up in the kitchen. That method was old fashioned, but I liked it. And it works fine. The kitchen staff is quick on their feet, Austin makes sure of it.
“Yeah,” she bounced over after she pinned her orders up. She stood by my side but I didn’t look at her. There have been many instances when she flirts hard, but I know it’s harmless. Her boyfriend is always around, it’s just how she is.
“I told you about the shirt.” I said. She sighed but pushed it down.
“Sorry. I get extra tips, I need the money.”
Then I felt bad. I sighed and shook my head as I looked at her. She was young, first or second year in college I think. Her brown hair and eyes made her look innocent, but I am convinced she is a little crazy. “If I give you a raise, will you stop hiking it up like a bra?”
Her eyes widened as she nods. “How much?”
We already don’t pay her the average for a waitress. “Ten an hour?”
She narrowed her eyes, and I roll mine. “Twelve. And no more tipping out. It isn’t fair, honestly.” She crossed her arms and stands her ground. I chuckled but nod anyway.
“What are you in school for?” I asked her.
“Law.” I smiled. Makes total sense.
“Uh huh. Well keep your shirt down. Get back to work. You’re the world’s most expensive waitress.”
She giggled but hopped off to work. My eyes went back to Alexa and I watched her as the night went on. I checked in on the kitchen and the tabs with Joshua. We were doing well. Joshua posts the new recipe on all our social media pages, and I think it gets people coming in.
There are a few tables of people studying while they eat. I don’t see how they can concentrate, but I’m not complaining. I decide to go and check on Alexa when things calm down.
“How many ID’s did you check tonight?” I smirked at her.
She pushed hair out of her face and smiled. “A few. Caught a few fakes.” She gestured to the few IDs by the check out and I smile.
“Anything serious?” The last thing we need is a cop bust.
“No, just some kids. I gave them virgins.” She giggled.
“Alexa!” A customer called her and she excused herself.
The guy had a wandering eye, and he followed after her as she made his drink. He looked like he needed to be cut off.
“This isn’t my first rodeo, you know. But I agree.”
“How do you like it?” I asked her. My eyes drifted to her bare skin and the swell of her breasts. I can imagine how she would feel against me. I adjusted myself right in front of her, and her skin flushed as she looked up at me.
“I like it a lot.” She replied softly.
“Good. I’ll leave you to it, I just wanted to check on you.” I touched her shoulder softly, it’s all I get for the moment.
“Thanks.” She smiled, and went to tend to more customers.
I checked on Austin back in the kitchen, and he was up to his neck in orders. But he took it in stride like always. Joshua lounged on the counter, drinking a beer as they made jokes. I joined in, but it was mostly about Alexa. I learned Austin had his little taste, literally.
“That woman is a minx, we’re fucked.” Joshua said.
“Yeah, you say that because you already fucked her.” Austin just about growls.
“Jealous?” Joshua teased. I rolled my eyes.
“Nah, I’ll get mine.” Austin turned back to the food but hands it off.
“This could get messy.” I finally say aloud.
“She’s smart, I don’t think so.” Joshua said.
“You think? And what about you two?”
They look at each other and shrug.
“We’re best friends, nothing will fuck that up. Same with you. So, if you want her, and she wants you…no laws against it, is all I’m saying.” Austin said, and Joshua agreed.
I laughed a bit and agreed with them. They were right, the three of us are tight. Whatever happens won’t break us.
We stayed in the kitchen as the night dragged on. The kitchen closes at midnight on Mondays, so it wasn’t long.
“I’m going to help her close up the bar.” I announced.
“Yeah, since you’re so old fashioned.” Joshua said.
I rolled my eyes and left. Just as I appeared back on the floor, I saw that guy from before grabbing at Alexa as she cleans up the bar. I stand off, not wanting to start something. but when she pulls away again, he grabs at her and smacks her ass. He was a big muscular guy, and I lost it.
“Hey, hands off!” I stepped forward. Alexa looked up to me and looks relieved immediately.
“Who the fuck are you?” He stood up, wobbly with his drunkenness.
I tell Alexa to get behind the bar and she does, but with scared eyes. The guy is about my size, but half lucid so there is nothing to worry about.
“The fucking owner. I suggest you leave now.” I stepped forward to the door but he shoves back. I tried to keep my cool, but the guy was really starting to get under my skin.
“Step off mother fucker, the bitch wanted it.”
And then I lost it. I wailed on him, my fist gliding across his face once, twice, three times until he’s bloody and hits the ground. Still I go on him, annoyed and fucking angry at his audacity. The urge to protect Alexa was that strong.
I heard screaming in the background, but I’m so mad I barely notice it. I keep going. I feel him go limp and then I stop, but he snarls up at me like he has a fucking secret.
And then I hear sirens.
Shit.