Page 43 of The Lair

Maybe this is the sign to get myself that additional lock I’ve been meaning to install for ages now. Or I could move out.

Where to, though, I have no clue. I think about the last time I browsed for rentals in Bannport—too expensive, vacation homes, farms. I wouldn’t mind the extra land, but it’s outside my budget.

Deciding I’m in no mental state to make decisions right now, I lock the front door and head for the shower, all while telling myself that these recent events have nothing to do with me.

“You look like shit.”

Don’t I know that.

“Thanks, Charlie.”

“Rough night?” he asks as he passes me by to grab some peanuts for one of his tables.

It’s four in the afternoon, and our shift is nowhere near close to ending, but luckily only five tables are occupied. Sundays are a slow day, and we get to go home earlier, which is the only thing keeping me on my feet right now. I’m too tired to exist.

“Something like that,” I mutter.

If the past six years have taught me anything—my whole existence, really—it’s that waiting until my problems become big and ugly to solve them isn’t smart. I should tackle them while they aren’t making too much noise.

“Hey, Char.”

“What’s up?”

“Do you know of any rentals in the area?” I ask him, hopeful. “They don’t have to be super close to the bar or anything.”

He purses his lips as he thinks about it. “What’s your budget?” I tell him. “I might know someone, but I’ll have to check with him.”

My chest lightens up at that. “You do?”

“Yeah, I’ll text him later. It’s one of the guys from the gym. He mentioned something about moving into a bigger apartment next month, and maybe his landlord hasn’t rented his old one to anyone yet. I’ll tell him you’re interested.”

“Oh, Charlie.” I struggle to wrap my arms around him from the other side of the bar, but I manage to squeeze him. “You’re a lifesaver. Thank you so much.”

I feel his laugh in my ear as he hugs me back. “No problemo, Allie Cat. I can’t promise a happy ending, though.”

The playful tone of his voice isn’t lost on me.

“You’re out of control.”

“Speaking of?—”

“Get back to work.”

I let go of Charlie and turn to bear-man only a few feet away, glaring at me—atme—with eyes so scorching, they would be burning a hole in my skin if they could.

“Sorry, boss,” Charlie apologizes, never losing that lopsided smirk. “Was just giving Allie some good news.”

“Save it for after your shift,” he barks a little louder than normal, the harshness of his voice surprising me—and not in a good way.

Travis never raises his voice, so what the hell is his problem?

The Lair is pretty much deserted, I was just giving Charlie a quick hug, and—most importantly—our patrons don’t care. They all know us by name, joke with us, and even invite us for drinks sometimes. They sure don’t care about the staff hugging each other for two seconds during a slow shift.

Bannport is a laid-back small town, but it’s clear that some of its residents aren’t.

“What happened to you?” Travis asks when he turns to me, a disapproving notch between his brows. “You don’t look well.”

I remind myself he isn’t worriedabout me. He doesn’t give a crap and is only asking because my lackluster performance might be affecting his business. I don’t think I’ve been sloppy today, but what do I know? He always has a reason to be grouchy, so maybe I’m breathing the wrong way and it’s bothering him.

---