Page 40 of Blame It On The Carols

Aiden

The bar started dyingdown around midnight with most of the older crowd heading home after the karaoke ended. Makayla was in the middle of the room, dancing with Andi and Jasmin as they laughed and had a great time.

I talked with Jackie to see what time she wanted to go home since I was closing up tonight. Some of the security had cleared out as well, likely watching the cameras at both houses to make sure Jill got home safely. I didn’t worry as much about her since Brock was home tonight, but it was still better to keep an eye on everything until Kevin made his whereabouts known.

“Hey,” I said, pulling Makayla into my arms as the song ended and the girls cleared the dance floor. “I’m staying to close up tonight, but I can ask Tony to take you home whenever you’re ready.”

“Is it okay if I stay with you and haveyoutake me home?”

She wasn’t as buzzed as she was earlier, but definitely more relaxed than I had seen her in a while. It could be because of all the fucking we did last night or possibly because the stress of the competition was officially off of her shoulders. Either way, I loved this relaxed version of her.

“That’s fine with me, but I don’t want you to be bored staying here while I wait for everyone to clear out.”

“I honestly don’t mind. Heck, you can even put me to work cleaning tables or something.”

“I appreciate the offer, but that’s what I pay those guys to do.” I nodded toward the two bussers who were clearing the last of the tables.

Typically, I would stay open until two in the morning, but since it was already pretty empty, I couldn’t imagine we would be open too much longer.

“We’re going to get going,” Andi said, interrupting to give both of us a hug. “Zach’s waiting outside to give us a ride, but do you need any help cleaning up before we go?”

“Na, we got it but thank you. Be safe getting home.”

Andi nodded and locked arms with Jasmin as they headed out into the cold winter air.

“You guys can go ahead and take off,” I called out to the bussers. “Finish those and then head out with Jackie.”

They nodded, taking the last of the dirty glasses to the kitchen where Jackie was finishing up, leaving Makayla and me alone in the bar. I filled a glass with ice water and set it on the bar in front of her as she climbed up onto the barstool. I knew she was probably tired from how early we’d gotten up and with it being a long day, but she didn’t let it show.

Jackie came out a few minutes later with the guys, waving as they left.

“Did you have fun tonight?” I asked Makayla as I began closing out the register.

“I did. But then again, I always have fun when I’m here. You have an amazing place to hang out. I can see why it’s so popular here.”

“Alcohol is what makes it so popular,” I teased, winking at her over my shoulder.

“I’m sure that helps, but seriously, people come here because it’s a great atmosphere. Between the karaoke and the dancing, there’s always something fun to do.”

“Do you go out a lot in LA?”

She shook her head and took a long sip of her water.

“Not unless I have to. Occasionally, there will be a social event I need to attend, but it’s usually at stuffy bars with a dress code and stuck-up people. Nothing like this.”

“That sucks. You don’t ever just go out for fun with friends?”

“What friends?” She snorted and tried to play it off as a joke, but I immediately noticed the sadness that washed over her face.

I stopped what I was doing and turned around to face her. My arms crossed over my chest to keep from reaching out to touch her.

“Are you happy, Mak?”

She blinked quickly as she looked away and took another drink.

“Yeah. Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be? I have the job I’ve always wanted. I’m living in a big city, and I get to travel the world.”

I walked around the bar and stood in front of her as I spun her seat around.

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