Page 32 of Roar & Lizzy: A Forever Kind of Love

Chapter 12

People crowded insideThe Fire Ring, playing pool, congregating at the bar, and mingling with others. Lizzy hurried between the tables. Tonight's shift was exactly three months from the day Roar hired her.

The time flew by, and she had no doubt that people would continue to come to the bar as word of mouth spread. Looking back, she could see Roar had the right business plan. Recommendations made loyal customers.

The tips were good. No, they were great.

The hours were perfect.

She found herself in a better mood and looking forward to coming to work most nights. Casting a glance behind the bar, she looked for Roar. He was one of the reasons why she looked forward to working.

"Can we get three pitchers of beer over here," said a male customer.

"You've got it." She smiled, never missing a step.

"Thanks, sweetheart," the man called after her.

She stepped behind the counter, hung two orders on the wheel, and called Peer's name.

"Right here." Peer stepped into her view.

"I need three highballs, one half and half, and three pitchers of beer." She turned and looked out at her section for anyone looking for service. "Oh, and a rum and coke."

Peer whistled, getting her attention. He waved her over and slid three tumblers along the surface of the bar. "Do the highballs."

She grinned, standing beside him, and grabbed a bottle of Jack. Her repertoire of drinks she knew how to make had grown since she began working at the bar, thanks to Peer.

"Maybe I should be a bartender." She laughed, eyeballing the glasses while she poured.

Peered grunted. "You'd take my job away from me?"

"Never." She hip checked him. "You're the best teacher, and I'm not done learning."

"You've come a long way." Peer winked before laughter gave him away. "And have a long way to go."

Finishing the orders, she put all the drinks on two trays. Holding them at shoulder level, she balanced the weight and walked to the end of the counter.

Glancing at the path ahead of her, spotting Kelli, she continued forward when a fist flew toward her. The trays clattered to the floor and wetness splashed her bare legs before the impact registered on her face. Pain exploded.

Covering her head with her arms, she bent at the waist, holding her pounding face.

"You bitch. I told you to stay away from him."

Recognizing Kelli's voice, she tried to straighten, and hands grabbed her, lifting her off her feet.

"Get her out of here, Peer," yelled Roar.

Lifting her head, she tried to pry open her eyes, but the tears and throbbing ache blocked her vision. "Roar?" she squeaked, her heart pounding.

"I've got you," he said.

She bounced in his arms until he stilled and then her body dipped and her butt landed on his lap. Able to sit up, she used her fingers to touch her face, but he caught her wrist.

"Don't touch. Let me look." He cupped her face, tilting it left and right, up and down.

His breathing deepened and roughened. Unable to open the eye that was punched, she peeked out of her right eye. Roar's angry face filled her vision.

"Damn her," he muttered.

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