Page 42 of The Innocent

“Can I sit anywhere?”

“Yeah, but if you have any decency, you’ll sit at the bar and save me a trip to deliver your shit to a table.”

Customer service had changed a lot in the last few years. But Imogene would keep her thoughts to herself. She made her way across the room to the bar. She hopped up on the stool, and the woman placed a menu in front of her. She turned, but Imogene raised her hand as if she was in class.

“I know what I want.”

“Oh Babygirl, you’re gaining points with me, making my life super fucking easy. What do you want?”

“Cheeseburger with pickles and raw onion, an order of fries, and a ginger ale.”

The woman nodded, grabbed the menu, and turned to the man at the end of the bar, winking.

“You owe me fifty bucks.”

Imogene glanced over at the man. He was much older, long white beard, and she noticed an MC vest. It was different from Jekyll’s but bore a lot of similarities including the patches.

His scowl shifted to Imogene. “Thought for sure you would’ve hightailed your ass outta here within seconds.”

The customer service was not improving.

The woman laughed. “Well, she didn’t, Grain, so you lose.”

He scoffed, taking a hefty swig from his beer. He lowered the bottle and swiped his mouth with his sleeve. “You already take all my fucking money, Gee.” The corner of his mouth curled. “I’ll think of something else to give you.”

It was like watching a movie as Imogene darted her eyes between the man and the woman. Their banter, while subtly callous and mean, seemed to have an underlying sweetness.

Gee rolled her eyes. “It ain’t a fair bet if you enjoy the winnings. Think of something else.” She walked down the bar and into the hallway.

“My old lady,” he said, which had her turning back to Grain.

Old lady. She knew the term. A wife or partner to a member of a club. I wonder if Jekyll has an old lady. Her shoulders slumped, and she settled on her stool. She’d spent way too much time thinking of him. The likelihood she’d run into him again in Lawry was null and void. Killcreek was close to three hours away.

The stool scraped the floor, and she watched Grain step behind the bar. He grabbed a glass from the shelf and walked in front of her, pulling down the drink lever. When it was spilling over the rim, he grabbed a rag, wiped the glass and placed her ginger ale in front of her.

“Thank you.”

He hooked his thumb over his shoulder. “Be waiting for a while with Gee.” He squinted, staring at her. “You look nervous, or you always like this?” He gave her no chance to respond. He dropped his elbows to the bar, putting them at eye level. “First time at a dive bar? Nobody’s gonna fuck with you, sweetheart.”

“Oh.” She waved her hand and laughed nervously. “It’s not that, though this is my first time in a bar like this. But I like it. Very authentic. Bells and whistles are overrated, and they give off the same stuffy aura. I like the old school seventies vibe of this place.”

He stared back at her as if she’d grown another head. Her persistence on speaking when she was anxious was a downfall.

“I’m sorry, I tend to babble when I’m nervous.”

He grinned, straightened, and slammed his hand against the bar. He looked over at the older man at the opposite end of the bar and pointed. “I knew it ’cause I fucking know women. Tell me why you’re nervous.”

She widened her eyes. His inquiry and interest was unexpected. Was he always this forward with strangers? It came off intrusive, but also reminded her of a friend who’d insist on hearing her problems and concerns. If she had any friends. And since I don’t…

“I just started a new job, and I’m meeting my first” —she paused— “client today. I just want to do a good job.”

“Like I said, I know women. You’re gonna do fucking great.”

He said it with so much confidence, it gave her a boost. She took a sip of her soda and licked her lips. Aside from coworkers during training, who weren’t exactly friendly, this was the most she’d socially interacted with anyone. Imogene wasn’t ready for it to end.

“Have any advice on how I could be less nervous?”

“Distraction.”