Page 38 of Shut Up and Bite Me

“Come back anytime. I’m certain that whomever you got these for will love them.”

Nodding her way, I walk back out to the car, gently tucking the bundle in the back seat before opening my driver’s-side door. But right before I’m about to slide inside, a glowing sign catches my eye across the street.

Glancing up, I read the name set aside a crescent moon in a neon sign. Hale Bar.

I’m not much of a drinker by any means. I couldn’t even tell you the last time I had a beverage with alcohol in it.

Greyson from two weeks ago would laugh at the idea of going to a random bar and drinking by myself in the evening. But I don’t even know if I’d recognize that version of myself anymore.

Fuck it.

Shutting the door, I lock my car with my keys before carefully jogging across the street toward the rustic brick bar, slowing down as I reach the wooden door at the entrance.

Stepping inside, I immediately love the vibe. Dark navy blues, grays, and blacks decorate the interior. Even the pool table is blue with dark stained wood. It reminds me of a bar I would see in an old movie, where a cloud of cigarette smoke would hang in the air. But thankfully, no one is smoking inside tonight.

Descending the few stairs to the main floor, I can’t help but feel eyes all over me as I cross the hardwood to the light wood bar and sit down on an empty stool.

A guy a few chairs down blatantly stares at me with a look of confusion and something else I don’t quite understand.

“What can I get started for you?” a deep, rough voice cuts through the music. The bartender is rocking a black-and-gray flannel over a white T-shirt with a short beard.

To be honest, I don’t even know what I like. The handful of times I’ve gone out, I usually just order the same as the people I’m with.

Cracking my knuckles beneath the edge of the countertop, I ask, “Is it weird if I ask you to surprise me?”

He chuckles deeply. “Not at all. I’ll bring you something that’ll really take the edge off.”

“Sounds great. Thanks,” I respond as he grabs a glass and begins pouring a few different liquids together.

Pulling my phone out, I shoot Vivian a quick text.

Me:

Hey, hope everything’s okay. I was out running a few errands and decided to stop for a drink quickly. I’ll be back soon

Setting my phone down on the counter, I spin it in circles, holding it lightly in place with my finger, repeating it over and over while my mind drifts to places it probably shouldn’t be. Ones where Vivian is sprawled out beneath me, laid bare for only my eyes to see.

Our time together is almost up. And I’m going to have to tell her sooner or later that I like her, that I don’t want to lose her. The thought of it scares me more than finding out that vampires and witches exist.

“Here you go.” The bartender slides a tall glass with an interesting-colored liquid over to me.

“Thanks,” I murmur, picking the glass up and taking a sip, nearly spitting it back into the glass.

It’s not bad. It’s just…weird and very strong. I’ve never tasted anything like this.

It’s got hints of blood orange and mint with some other bizarre flavor that I don’t recognize.

“Do you like it?” he asks, and I don’t miss the slight humor in his smile.

“Y-Yeah. It’s good. What’s in it?” I ask, taking another drink that, of course, goes down the wrong tube, making me cough obnoxiously.

He laughs loudly at my pain, flatting his palms against the edge of the barside countertop. “A few different liquors, herbs, juices, and our secret house mix.”

“I’ve never had anything like it, that’s for sure,” I say truthfully, making a mental note to never ask a bartender to surprise me again. I’ve only had, like, three drinks, and I can feel it hitting my bloodstream. “It’s definitely strong.”

“Oh yeah, you’ll be feeling it soon. Got to get you your money’s worth. Although this one is on the house tonight. I haven’t seen you around before, and the first drink is free to new customers.” He grabs a rag and tosses it over his shoulder.

Lifting the cool glass to my lips, I take another drink. “You must work a lot to know everyone that comes in here.”

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