Page 10 of Bee

"No, I did pregame back at the compound. Nothing I haven't done before." She leans further over the bar, the low cut shirt she has on giving me full view of her small but somehow perfect chest.

"After yesterday maybe doing the same things you've done before isn't the best idea." I don't look away from her and see the moment her face falls. I'm killing her buzz but I don't care.

"I didn't come here for all this. I promised you that I would pay you tonight and I always keep my word." Bee peels off a few bills and slides them toward me on the bartop. I quickly take it and toss it in the cash register.

"Alright, you're all settled up." I'm expecting her to get up and try to go home but she doesn't move.

"Give me a double of Jack."

I could tell her no. I could refuse to serve her but I know if I don't give her the drink she'll just go somewhere else and spend that money. Somewhere else where someone can take advantage of her like that asshole tried to do last night.

No, it's better if I keep her here and keep an eye on her.

"Whatever." I mumble and grab the bottle of jack. I pour her a double and fill the rest of it up with water. I'm sure she's drunk enough she won't even notice. I slide it in her direction and she takes it. She sips it at first, closing her eyes to absorb the sensation before she tips the glass up at me and slides off the bar stool.

The rest of my night is a mix of me taking care of the rest of the customers and keeping a close eye on Bee. She dances with the regulars and the newcomers. She talks to everyone she can. She literally buzzes from person to person making alasting impression every minute of the night. I'm actually kind of surprised she's still able to go on. Finally, when I make the last call she makes her way back to the bar to sit down. It's nearly three in the morning and I'm more than ready to close up for the night but Bee looks like she can go another twelve hours or more.

"One last drink?" She waggles her eyebrows at me. I'm surprised she hasn't noticed by now that her drinks are more water than anything else and I've stopped charging her.

"Do you really think you need another one?" I bite my tongue as the question rolls off my lips.

Her features go hard and she shoots me that devilish glare. I'm sure with anyone else it might have been intimidating but to me it's kind of cute. I've already seen her at her worst, I'm not scared of the little bumblebee.

"I don't need a daddy. I need a bartender that's willing to do his job." She snaps in my direction.

"If that was the case I should've cut you off hours ago. You don't need anymore to drink Bee." There's no give in my tone. Even though I know she's not as drunk as she could be I'm not going to be responsible for her walking outside and getting herself into trouble.

We stare at eachother for a long moment again. So far that seems to be most of our interactions, both of us pushing at the other just checking how far each of us will bend.

"Fine, some water then?"

I nod my head, "That I'll do with pleasure." I turn and pour her a large pint glass of water and slide it over in her direction. She sits there for a while just sipping it while the rest of the people in the bar mosey over to pay their tabs and file out. I have to take a few car keys but that's normal business for me. What I'm wondering is what Bee is actually waiting for.

"You planningon locking up for me too?" I question as I start cleaning down the bar.

"No, I just ... What's your deal anyway? You go around playing superman for everyone?"

The question shocks me. It's not the first time I've been accused of that but I need toot know what she sees that would give her that impression.

"No, just the ones who need it."

"And you think I need to be saved?"

"Last night you did, as for the rest of your life, I'm not the man to do that." I tilt my head and go on doing my chores.

"That's good because I'm not some weak little girl that needs a man to do anything for her. I take charge of my life. I do what I want, when I want." I can't tell if she's trying to convince me or herself.

"And how is that working out for you?"

"It's working out just fine thank you very much. Last night was a fluke if I was in my right mind I'd have skinned that guy alive." Bee grits through her teeth. I believe it.

"That's true. He would've had hell to deal with if you were in your right mind. But I don't think I've ever seen you in your right mind."

She crosses her arms over her chest, clearly upset that I'm calling her out, "I don't have a problem. I don't need to hear that from you."

"Then who do you need to hear it from Bee? You needed a drink at eight in the morning. If that's not someone who has a problem then who is?" I want to get through to her.

"You don't know anything about my life. Just because you see me here from time to time and at one of my worst experiences doesn't mean that you get to judge me." Her words are laced with venom but they don't cut my skin.

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