Chapter 4
CHAPTER
FOUR
Lizzie
“Ready for another?” I ask Burt, one of the regulars I’ve come to get to know a little tonight, my second official day as owner of the bar.
Or Lizzie’s Place as I’m calling it. Temporarily, until I unveil the new name.
“You betcha, Lizzie,” he replies with a nod and a toothy grin.
Burt is one of the several regulars I’ve come to know since signing the papers yesterday.
The moment I opened the doors on Friday with the keys I was just handed, I’ve met Tom, Larry, Gus, and Jarrod.
Of course, there have been plenty of others who I’ve met, especially tonight, which is definitely a little busier than it was both Monday and last night.
But from what I’ve heard, word has gotten around that Chuck’s Place is under new ownership, and it appears everyone is curious.
I pour another draft beer and set it on the counter.
He nods and reaches for his drink. From what I learned the day before, the regulars are used to paying at the end of the night.
The previous owner let them keep a tab on a slip of paper and then settle up when they were ready to leave.
I’m not against that, and I told them that fact.
But I do believe we need a better system in place.
I agreed to continue to do it that way for a short time, until I could get a new pay system installed and could count drinks electronically there.
Sure, there were a few grumbles, but the regulars agreed we’d revisit the discussion at a future date.
“It’s a lot busier than normal. That’s because of you,” Jani states with a laugh.
Jani is the only other female bartender, working two or three nights a week.
She’s twenty-six and a single mom of two-year-old Evan.
She’s already shown me a dozen photos of the cute little guy, with his black hair and dark chocolate eyes.
Considering she has lighter hair and hazel eyes; I’m going to assume he favors Dad in his features.
“Because everyone is being nosy,” I state with a chuckle.
“Exactly! But that’s good. At least they’re buying drinks while they’re here,” she replies, pouring a Jack and Coke for a guy wearing too much cologne.
I can’t argue with her there. Last night, we had a handful of patrons stop by to see the new owner, but tonight is on another level. Every stool is full at the bar, and the tables too. Plus, there’s a handful of small groups around the room, including four guys playing pool.
I’m ecstatic the employees Chuck had have agreed to stay on under my leadership.
Well, everyone but Collin. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet.
I found out he’s a full-time firefighter and works here a day or two a week, as his schedule allows.
He’s supposed to work tomorrow, and even though I have big plans to really dive into the apartment upstairs and get it a little more livable, I can work if needed.
I had every intention of texting him today to see if we could meet, but the entire day just got away from me.
Poor communications skills on my part, and hopefully he’ll accept my apology.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I quickly pull it out to check the screen. I smile instantly when I see the name.
Dad
We’re coming tomorrow. No arguments.
Dad
Love you, Lou. So fucking proud.
I shake my head and fight back the tears as my fingers fly across the screen.
Me
See you tomorrow. Love you more.
Dad
Impossible.
I slip the device back into my pocket and grab a Bud Light for someone at the bar.
How I’ve managed to hold off my family this long is beyond me.
Mom came over with me to sign the papers and take possession of the bar, leaving my dad chomping at the bit to help.
I brought over just enough personal items to stay in the apartment upstairs for a few nights, knowing the big move would be happening first of the week.
But weekends are the busiest time at my family’s bar and restaurant, so I couldn’t pull them all away from their own place to help with mine, even though they would have done it in a heartbeat.
Plus, I just wanted a couple of days to feel the ground settle beneath my feet.
No one argued, at least not to me. I’m sure Mom got an earful from Dad, but he hasn’t said too much to me, other than reminding me they’re all here for me when I need it. He understands my desire and drive to do this on my own, and he does support that decision, even if it’s killing him.
Apparently, their sitting back and waiting is over. Honestly, I’m surprised they lasted forty-eight hours. It wouldn’t have surprised me if they would’ve shown up Friday at noon when I turned the key and opened the door.
“What’s so funny?”
“Huh?” I ask, turning my attention to Jani.
“You had this look on your face and a little smile on your lips,” she says, pulling a couple of beers from the cooler.
“Oh, nothing much. My family. They’re coming tomorrow.”
Her eyes widen. “All of them?” Jani knows of my large, extended family, something we chatted about when I met with her earlier today.
“Well, I can assume so, yes. They don’t do anything small,” I state, moving to the end of the bar to grab a couple of drink orders.
“I’m kinda sad I’m not working tomorrow,” Jani replies with a laugh when she’s close enough to speak over the noise. “Collin will get first look at the Meyer clan.”
“Eight bucks,” I tell the guy buying the beer I just grabbed.
He hands over a ten, flashes a mega-watt smile, and says, “Keep the change, pretty lady.”
Jani snorts and shakes her head. “Stay away from that one. He flirts with everything and everyone, and his dick falls into any vagina it gets near.”
My eyes widen at her comment before a burst of laughter slips from my lips. “That sounds…yeah.”
She rolls her eyes. “Town manwhore. Charming as all get out, which is probably why it’s so easy for him. He’s cheated on every girl he’s ever dated longer than a month.”
“Good to know,” I reply, even though he’s not really my type.
Not that good-looking, a great smile, and fit body aren’t my type, but I can tell he’s a player.
It oozes from his pores, and after finding myself dating one exactly like him back in my early twenties, I’ve vowed to stay the hell away from guys like him.
The only thing they’re good for is breaking your heart, because even the orgasms they swear they can provide are somewhat lackluster.
“…he’s pretty good. Just usually a little on the quiet side.”
I shake my head, snapping out of my own thoughts and try to focus on what she’s saying.
I quickly realize she’s talking about Collin still.
“Oh, uh, I actually haven’t talked to him.
I meant to text him, but the day got away from me, so I don’t really know if he’s coming in tomorrow or not.
He might just assume he doesn’t have a job, thanks to the new owner,” I state with an awkward chuckle.
She scoops ice into two glasses and starts mixing drinks. “I’m sure he’ll be here. He’s incredibly loyal.”
“Yeah, but he was loyal to Chuck, not me,” I reason, grabbing six different beers out of the cooler and setting them on the bar before twisting off the tops.
The front door opens and slams with a thud. Most people would hate the sound, but for me, I love it. The old door adds to the charm of the building.
“Well, here’s your chance to find out.”
I look up and find the man in question, as well as a handful of others, headed my way. My heartbeat quickens, and I feel my cheeks start to heat.
I’m blushing?
Seriously!
Frustrated, I clear my throat and finish my order, ignoring every set of eyes I feel on me. They’re nothing new. I’ve had eyes on me for the last two days, everyone wanting to see the new girl in town.
When I finish filling the order and take the customer’s cash, I finally turn my attention to the end of the bar where Collin stands. His intense blue eyes are all-consuming and all-knowing as he watches me work. “Hi,” I greet, offering a brief smile.
“Hey.”
I glance around the bar, noticing the brief lull in customers waiting for a drink, so I quickly add, “Do you have a second to talk?”
If he’s surprised by my request, he doesn’t let on. “Sure.”
I point toward the back room, where Chuck had a small office set up. Over my shoulder, I hold up two fingers to Jani. “Give me two minutes.”
She nods, waving me to go ahead, before jumping in and washing dirty glasses.
We step inside the small room, and I swear, with his presence, it feels so much tinier than before. I’m not claustrophobic, but the walls are definitely closing in around us. Not to mention the little space seems to amplify his woodsy, fresh scent, sending zings of pleasure to my core.
“I won’t take but a minute of your time, but I needed to apologize.”
That seems to catch him off guard, because his eyebrows shoot upward. “Why?”
“I’ve been meaning to call or text you. I was told you were working your other job yesterday, so I was holding off, and then today just got away from me. Chuck had you on the schedule for tomorrow, and I’m hoping you’re still planning to work here.”
He swallows, considering me with those intoxicating eyes. “I’ll be honest, I assumed you were starting fresh with employees.”
I shake my head, feeling even worse about not clearing things up with him before now. “No, and again, I’m sorry for that. I’ve talked to everyone who worked here prior to me purchasing this place, and they’re all staying on. I hope you’ll consider it too.”
“Uhh, I’m not sure. This might be the perfect time for me to step away. My full-time job keeps me pretty busy, and I was just doing this to help Chuck out a day or two a week.”