Page 8 of The Barkeep and the Bro

“That good?”

“I was thinking of taking my career in a new direction. Any direction.”

I fiddled with fitting bowls into the dishwasher. I would never load these things properly. But I managed to get everything in, toss in a detergent packet, and get this cycle started. At least something in my life had forward motion.

I joined Amos in the living room, plunking down in the adjacent armchair. It wasn’t a matching set with the couch, but the colors were a fun enough contrast.

“Can I be honest with you? Ever since this whole thing went down, I’ve been reevaluating things, and I realized I never liked finance that much. I did it because it was a job I was offered in a cool city, and I made good money.” Hearing myself talk brought needed clarity.

Amos pushed himself to sit up from his cushy surroundings. “Well, let’s try a different tack. What do you like doing?”

“Drinking,” I said with a laugh. “I like being around people, talking with them.”

He opened his mouth, but no words came out. He looked deep in thought like he was pulling something from deep in his mind.

“What?” I asked.

“You like interacting with people and not being behind a computer screen. Have you thought about being a bartender?”

“Really? Do they make money?”

“A good bartender at a busy place can make bank. No desk, no cubicle. You’re the center of the party, but you’re not drunk.”

Amos was speaking truth to power, unlocking realizations in my mind. How had I never considered becoming a bartender? It seemed like the perfect job.

“You’re a genius.”

“I do what I can.” Amos pulled up his legs onto the couch, his body wired with excitement. “And I know someone who needs a bartender.”

I tipped my head. “Who?”

“This guy owns a local bar downtown. I actually went to high school with his daughter Ellie.”

“Ellie Dekker?”

“Yeah! You guys know each other?”

“She’s my ex-girlfriend.”

Ellie Dekker was the daughter of Mitch Dekker.

Big, burly Mitch Dekker.

“Small world! So you know Mitch Dekker.”

I gulped a lump in my throat. I didn’t know why I had that reaction to his name. Was it because I thought about him as a bear a little while ago?

“Stone’s Throw is a popular place. They get good crowds, even on weeknights, because there aren’t a lot of bars in Sourwood. It could be really good money.”

I was liking the idea the more I heard. I could chat with people, hang out, and get paid. I had a personality that could garner tons of tips. But…

“Would Mitch want to hire me?”

“Why not?”

“Well, for one, I don’t have any experience.”

“You can learn. It’s not rocket science.”

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