2. Mia #3
Jensen leans down against the bar. “Uh, duh. You run shifts in heels, Mia. It’s more than fucking deserved.”
Shaking my head, I glance down at my black three-inch heels. “I could go taller if I wanted, but I fear that would really blow everyone’s minds.”
“Oh, fuck you,” Jensen teases before pushing off the bartop to start cleaning up a bit.
“How are you holding up?” I ask.
After Beck’s mom passed, they were back and forth between here and Virginia until the New Year. I told her to take as much time off as she needed, but selfishly I’m happy to have her back. I like talking to her. Girlfriends are hard to come by these days.
Jensen manages a half-smile. “I’m good. Maybe not as good as you, but good. I really appreciate all the time off.”
“And how are you and Beck?” I ask with another sip.
This time her smile grows. “That part is great. Beck’s still processing everything, and his dad sometimes has him pulling his hair out, but…” Jensen trails off with this blush on her cheeks and this all consumed by love smile on her face.
My smile can’t exactly match hers, but I try. “You’re so in love.”
“Yeah, I am.” Her blush only deepens but then she wipes her hands on her jeans and clears her throat. “I do have something else for us to talk about, though…”
Shit, I fear I know where this is going. Shutting my eyes, I brace for the news. “Rip the Band-Aid, Jensen.”
“I’m officially turning in my notice.”
“No, I refuse it,” I say, only half-kidding.
Jensen gives me a sympathetic smile. “I wanted to talk to you before I sent the email, but I’m giving my months’ notice. There’s no way you’ll have someone as good as me in two weeks.”
“No one compares to Jensen James.”
She snorts. “Well, obviously. But with you training them, I think you’ll get close.”
I suppose she’s not wrong. I knew this was going to happen eventually with her opening up her own tattoo shop, but dammit, I really hate that she’s leaving.
Blowing out a small raspberry, I give her a smile. “I figured this was coming. Can’t say I’m happy about it, but I’m really happy for you.”
Jensen’s shoulders relax slightly, but she still has this melancholy look on her face. “I know you are. I’m really sorry, but—”
“Oh, Jen, stop,” I cut her off. “You’re leaving to do something you love. If you need anything with the business, please let me know.”
“Thank you, I appreciate that. Listen, Beck and I are having a game night at our place tomorrow. If you’re not working you should come.”
My lips immediately want to smile but I fold them together instead. It’s so tempting to say yes, but even with our friend-like dynamic and her giving her notice—I’m still her boss.
“You know, I would, but considering my best bartender is off tomorrow, and I’m officially going to have to start looking for her replacement…I’m going to have to catch the next one.”
For a second, I think Jensen is about to insist I come, but there’s a knock at the front door. Normally that would freak me out at the end of shift, but I have a hunch. “That’s Beck, isn’t it?”
Jensen laughs, and everything about her seems to light up. “Oh, I’m sure of it. He can wait while I clean up, though.”
I hop off the bar stool. “Go on, I can close up.”
“No, Mia, he can wait. I’ve been off for weeks. Not to mention, I dropped the bomb of me leaving—let me help you.”
I wave her off. “Go, Jen. It’s fine I promise. I’m too hyped up to sleep anyway. Go. I mean it.”
It takes her a total of two seconds before she relents, grabbing her coat and bag. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Walking to the door, I double-check it’s Beck before unlocking and opening the door. “She’s all yours.”
Beck’s eyes only look at Jensen as she greets him at the door. “Damn right, she is.”
Jensen’s eyes roll, but that blushing smile is still there. Taking his hand, she turns back to me. “Thanks again.”
“Of course, be safe going home.”
“We will.” She nods.
Beck tosses a hand up as he’s pulling Jensen to his truck. “Night, Mia.”
“Night, guys,” I holler back before closing and locking the door, then leaning back against it. I let out a proud sigh as I take in my restaurant.
The varying chandeliers hanging down from the ceiling, arched sections of the back wall hold a beautiful display of wine bottles, and our merlot-red tile floors. This place makes me so happy, and now it’s all mine. Mine to take care of and grow.
Reaching for my phone, I take a quick picture, hoping to timestamp this feeling. Not to mention look back on as my very first day as owner and see how it’s changed over the years to come.
A notification catches my eye before I lock my phone.
Unknown number
Hey, it’s Adam. Sorry I kept you over today. I had a nice time talking to you.
Thank goodness I didn’t see this when Jensen was here, that cheesy smile I had this morning from him is back. This definitely solidifies the teddy bear comparison.
Not expecting a response, I type out a reply anyway and hit send.
That message just cost you a hundred dollars, All-star.
Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I make it behind the bar before I feel it vibrate.
Money well spent.