Page 57 of Tease
“Okay, so this was an elderly married couple… who came to your ER and just expected you to be able to pull out this piece of food?!”
She just nods her head while taking another sip of her martini. I take note that Shelah is drinking this one much slower than the last. Ha! I made it stronger on purpose.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t. I had to call the on-call surgery team. After the procedure was done, the team called back toupdate me.” Shelah looks me directly in the eyes. “It was pure mush when they pulled it out.”
A soft gasp escapes from my mouth. “His asshole made mashed potatoes?!”
Shelah and I burst into a fit of giggles, fresh tears lining our eyes. I lean my body over the bartop and grab us some napkins, handing one to her.
“Holy shit, I didn’t realize I needed that laugh, KC. Thank you, pretty lady.” Her arms shoot out from her sides to embrace me. I hug her back tighter. Apples and cinnamon invade my nose as I inhale her hair. Shelah’s presence at this bar has always brought me a sense of calmness, being that motherly figure for me in Chicago.We really should hang out outside this darkly lit bar sometime.
Shelah’s warm palm rests against my cheek. “Are you ready to tell me what’s been troubling you?” Shaking my head, I try to turn away from her. “Don’t do that, KC.” Worried chocolate brown eyes are staring at me.
An uneasy smile fills my face. “Eh, it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“Girl, you think I don’t know that? You are strong and powerful. You can handlemanythings. But it doesn’t mean you have to be alone while doing it. You listen to me, week after week. Please share your thoughts with me. I’ll always be a sounding board for you.” Her tone is sincere as she reaches for my hand. “KC...”
I hang my head low, accepting defeat, knowing that I need to get these thoughts out, and Shelah is someone I trust. One who’s also an outside source, who can give it to me straight. “Okay,” I whisper softly.
Patting my cheeks with my hands, I psych myself back up and into go mode. “But first, I need to make my rounds here and check on the staff.”
“Sounds good. I mean, you’re my ride home tonight. I’ve got all the time in the world.” She shoos her hand at me. “Go do your thing; you know where I’ll be.”
Val, another bartender, takes Shelah’s empty glass, replacing it with a full one. I squeeze Shelah’s shoulder and lean down to whisper in her ear. “Thank you; you’re the best.”
“Oh, I know it, and don’t you forget it.” Her laugh follows me as I make my way around The Purple Room. Ladies are occupying the lit-up dance floor, singing along to “Beautiful Girls” by Sean Kingston.
When I walk back to the bar, an uneasy feeling spreads across my skin, slimy. A dull ringing sound fills my ears, and it stops me in my tracks. I look all around and take in my surroundings to see if someone’s staring at me. This place is overflowing now, bodies are touching, voices are loud, drinks are flowing, but nothing and nobody is standing out to me.
CHAPTER 45
KC
The clock, hanging right above the entrance to The Purple Room, lets me know that there’s only an hour left before closing time. I let the other staff know that I’m done for the night and will be hanging out with a friend. Our two newest bartenders arefresh:twenty-one, beautiful, and eager to please.
I walk over to Liz—the bubbly, cheerful one. “Liz, I’ll be over there in the back corner booth until it’s time to close. If you need me foranything, don’t hesitate, okay?” My thumb is hiked over my shoulder, showing her which booth.
She finishes clearing off a table near the bar, and smiles at me. “No problem, boss lady.” Blue eyes go to where her friend is working behind the bar. “We’ve got this. Promise.”
Shelah’s laughter lets me know where to find her; she’s next to some older women who are talking her ear off. One is telling a story with exaggerated hand gestures. When tired chocolate eyes connect with mine, she gives me a subtle nod. “Ladies, my date has finally arrived. I wish you nothing but the happiest of times tonight. Now, get you a ride home; no driving tonight.” Her finger waggles back and forth, like she’s scolding these women.They give her a mock salute, then raise their glasses up in her direction.
Looping her arm into mine, she whispers, “I was starting to think you didn’t actually want to talk.”
I continue leading us to the corner booth in the back. It provides the best view to watch over everything. “Oooh, honestly… there was some internal debate on sneaking out the back door.” My wink lets her know I’m kidding… kind of.
The speakers are near the front of the bar, so back here at our booth, it’s much quieter. Shelah looks at my face and quirks an eyebrow at me. “Do you need a drink before starting?”
“Hey, now. I’m the designated driver for you tonight, young lady.”
Her hands go up in surrender. “I was only offering you some liquid courage to get you started.”
Liz stops at the table, placing two ice waters down. Shelah’s eyes follow her as she walks away. “Smart woman.”
“She is. I like her. I think she’ll do well here.”
I sit back into the cushions and watch the condensation start to trickle down my glass. My fingers grab the cup, moving it back and forth. Finally, I look up at Shelah. “You’ll think I’m crazy…”
Shelah sucks in a breath before responding. “I’d never think that, KC.” Scooting her water glass to the side, a trail of water follows it, she leans both elbows on to the table. “You have this vibrant energy that makes people want to be near you; it’s one of the reasons I come here,” she points at me, “for you and our chats. I would hope that you know you could tell me anything.” She leans back and clasps her hands together. “I was once your age, you know, so go on, hit me with it.”
