Friday came and Jake was delighted that, for the first time ever, he would have someone to rely on at work. Fridays and Saturdays were the busiest days of the week. The locals would swarm “Allison’s” bar and wouldn’t leave until the early morning. He hardly had time to catch his breath. Still, he wasn’t convinced that Holly would stay true to her word. She had been flirting with him for months and would not give up, despite his continuous rejections. In his mind, this could well be just another way for her to get closer to him. Jake also had no idea whether she could handle all of the pressure. At some point, Holly could very well snap and quit. At any rate, he would have to wait until the night to find out.

In spite of his doubts, she did not fail him. She showed up fifteen minutes early and did not even try to start a conversation with him. Instead, she asked a few questions about work first and then did everything Jake told her to do. And, as the bar became more and more crowded, she seemed to be coping with pressure much better than he expected. Holly didn’t complain at all and actually seemed to be having fun at her new job, smiling at him and at the customers as well. Of course, a few of her acquaintances were somewhat surprised to see her pouring drinks and even went on to laugh at her, but she paid no attention to them whatsoever. By the end of the night, Jake was starting to admire the strength of her character and her tirelessness alike.

After the last customer had left, he excused himself and went to the terrace, in dire need of some fresh air.

“Well done, deputy.” He thought to himself, as the numerous town lights came into view. “It got crazy here tonight and, yet, you kept your mouth shut and kept on working. I’m impressed.”

A loud crack of thunder ripped through the night as he gazed out at the view. The night of Allison’s fatal injury began to replay in his mind, as a few raindrops landed on his face. Jake felt tears rising up in his eyes, as he found himself still asking if he would ever stop thinking about the few moments that had been haunting his mind all this time.

“Always the same question. Always the same answer. How can I forget? How can I stop thinking about you, Allie? I was there, baby. And I didn’t even get the chance to say ‘goodbye’…”

Two tears streamed down his cheeks, as the rain became stronger. Jake took a deep breath, sensing more and more raindrops on his head, as happy memories of his life with Allison flashed before his eyes.

“Graduation, military school, walks by the beach… Your hug, your kiss… God, I miss you so much, Allie. Where are you, honey? Where are…”

“Jake!” Holly’s feminine voice interrupted his thoughts. “What are you doing up here? Come back inside.”

He couldn’t force another word out of his throat. By that time, Jake was so overwhelmed with emotion that he couldn’t even turn to her. Looking down at the concrete, he closed his eyes, trying to work up the courage to speak to her, to no avail. Just when he opened them, the most amazing thing happened: Holly’s high heels came into view, as she stepped in front of him.

“Earth to Jake,” she waved her hand in front of him, still smiling. “Are you there?” Jake rolled his gaze up to meet hers. Suddenly, her smile was wiped off her face. His eyes were reddened and more tears were running down his cheeks, as his body shook. “Oh, no…” Holly whispered. “What’s wrong? Was it something I said?”

“No.” Jake shook his head sideways. “It’s not you.”

“I’d like to meet her someday, you know,” she softly spoke as the wind blew through her hair, “that Allison girl. She must be very special to you.”

A bitter smile formed on his face, upon hearing her wish.

“You can’t.” He sniffled, wiping the tears from his face. “She’s dead: killed in action.”

“Oh, my God…” a sad whisper left her lips. “Is that why you…?”

“Quit?” He finished her sentence. “Yeah, I just couldn’t do it anymore.”

“I’m sorry. You…” She faltered, cupping his face in her hands. “You named this bar after her?” A simple nod served as her answer. “I’m so sorry, Jake.” One more, even lower, whisper left her lips. “You’ve been hurting and I kept asking you questions all the time.”

“It’s ok.” He heaved a long, heavy sigh. “You couldn’t have known.”

Holly ran her thumbs across his cheekbones; gazed deeply into his eyes. Then, she tilted her head up. Shivers went down his spine, as he felt her soft kiss on his cheek.

“If you ever need a friend…” She said, her voice thick with emotion, as she caressed his face. “You know where to find me.”

Jake chose to remain silent, as the night sky lit up with a bright flash of lightning. Holly dropped her arms and moved around him, as he ran both hands through his soaking wet hair. Another bolt tore through the sky, as his body trembled even more violently.

“No need to be sorry, Holly. You had no idea. “If I need a friend?” you say. I don’t know. What am I supposed to do, talk to you about her? You’re still a woman, darling. It’s just not right. Your hands felt so good on my face…”

Jake had not finished his thought, when he spotted her in the paved parking lot, heading towards her small, red Ford. He had no time to waste. He flipped around, sprinted across the terrace and ran down the stairs. His long strides brought him closer to the glass door of his bar in seconds. He pulled it open and hurtled towards her. Holly was about to enter her car, when he grabbed her by the wrist. Jake spun her around to face him, feeling his blood pumping through his veins.

“Holly?” He whispered her name, the vapor from his breath clouding his vision, his hand shaking as her gaze shot up to meet his. “I need more than just a friend.”

She gave him no answer. Instead, Holly raised her free hand to his face, looking up deeply into his eyes. Her gentle caress made his heart flutter. Jake held her closer, tilting his head down to meet her lips. He loosened his grip on her hand and wrapped both arms around her back, as their mouths joined in a long, passionate kiss. Holly put her other hand on his face, pressing herself into him as their kiss grew in intensity. Jakes’ left hand traveled up her back, as he took his right one off of her. It dove into her hair, as one more flash of lightning lit up the night sky. The feel of her drenched hair in his palm sent shivers of delight through him, as her hands crept around his neck. Jake recalled his own words about keeping their relationship “professional”, but he could not stop. Holly’s kiss soothed him; the warmth of her breath comforted him. He had not felt like this in a long time. His grip around her back became tighter as she stroked his skin. Jake laid a tender kiss on her chin and slowly leaned back, opening his eyes. The sight that greeted him amused him. Holly’s lips were still quivering and her eyes were still closed, as raindrops flowed down her forehead and her cheeks. A faint smile formed on his face; yet, he did not say anything. Leaning over her, he slid his hand down her hair and whispered in her ear:

“Goodnight, Holly.”