Page 3 of We're Not Strangers Anymore

The bar is bustling tonight, it’s typical for a Friday but I only got a few hours of sleep. The air is thick with laughter and the TVs blaring sports stations. I weave through the crowd, balancing a tray of drinks with practiced ease.

As I approach a table, I catch sight of a familiar face from last night. He’s sitting at the bar watching a game on the big screen. His dark hair is neatly styled. He’s dressed more casually tonight in a white T-shirt that shows all of his impeccably designed tattoos.

I drop the drinks off at my table and head over toward the bar. He turns as I approach and his lips curl into a charming smile.

“Hey, it’s you from last night. Do you remember me?”

“Of course,” I reply, setting down my tray. “How could I forget? Whatever you said to those guys made my night easier.”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I just couldn’t stand to see them talk to you like that. I’m Grayson, by the way.”

“Rowan,” I introduce myself, feeling a blush rising in my cheeks. “What can I get for you tonight, Grayson?”

“Surprise me,” he says with a wink, leaning back on his stool.

I nod and start mixing a cocktail. There’s something about him that intrigues me, maybe it’s the tattoos. As I hand him his drink, our fingers brush, and a small spark of electricity shoots up my arm.

“Thanks, Rowan,” he says, his gaze lingering on mine a moment longer than necessary. “I think I’m going to enjoy getting to know you.”

I laugh lightly, trying to shake off the odd feeling. “We’ll see about that.”

As I pour a draft for another customer at the bar, I notice a hundred dollar bill under Grayson’s empty glass. I’ve been so busy tonight I didn’t even notice he left. Part of me feels bad for being too distracted to even talk to him when he left sucha big tip for the second night in a row. What the hell does he do for a living to be able to throw that kind of money around?

“Looks like you did well tonight, Rowan. Jenna is closing tonight if you want to be cut early.” Greg says beside me.

“You’re the best, Greg. I’ll clock out after this guy.” I say, pointing the beer glass towards my last customer.

He nods. “Sounds good. Catch ya tomorrow night, Rowan.”

Rowan

I throw my hair into a ponytail and quickly dab concealer under my eyes to hide the dark circles. I’m exhausted but Saturday nights are almost as busy as Fridays, and it's more regular customers. The tips are good so I can’t complain. Plus, I’ll have tomorrow off to finally catch up on much needed some sleep. Between the clinic and the bar, I hardly have any free time anymore. The outside air fills my lungs as I leave my apartment building to head to work. The breeze sends a little more energy into me– which I can use even after six cups of coffee. I finally reach the bar and see one of my regulars, Dave.

“There she is! How’s it going, squeeze?” Oh how I missed Dave's nickname for me. He’s a good guy. Definitely a heavy drinker, but a good guy.

“Oh you know what your kind says, ‘It’s going’. Where have ya been?” I ask, stopping at the entrance door of the bar.

He laughs taking a pull from his cigarette. “I could say the same. Lady troubles.”

“I’m guessing the dating profile didn’t work?”

He shrugs. “Nah, none of them are like my Annie. I just need to get over the divorce before trying to date.”

“You’ll get there, Dave. Give it time.” I pat his shoulder and walk into the bar.

Madison is working tonight and for some reason she can’t stand me, so my shift is going to be even more agonizing than I anticipated.

“You have a table, Rogan.” She says without looking at me. She purposely butchers my name every time we work together, which has only been a few times so far, but I keep having to convince myself that violence isn’t the answer every time I’m around her. She’s such a bitch for no reason. She’s the type that always has people picking up her shifts, she comes from a pretty wealthy home and only works here to pay for her trips with her friends.

“I’m bartending tonight, Mckenzie. I’m only taking three tables at a time.” I toss over my shoulder, walking past her.

She steps in front of me. “My name is Madison, and you’re going to have to take more tables because Jenna is a no-show.”

I lean my face close to hers. “My name is Rowan, like I’ve told you plenty of times, and if you like your brand new twenty-five hundred dollar veneers I suggest you get thefuckout of my way.” Tonight is not the night for her to test my patience. I’m sleep deprived and my bills are late. I have zero tolerance for her shit right now. She walks away with a stunned look on her face. Hopefully that shuts her up for the night.

I’m behind the bar when I spot Grayson walking in. He makes his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the room until they lock onto mine. My heart skips and I can’t help but smile.

“Looks like someone has a new regular.” My manager, Greg nudges me as he walks to the kitchen.

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