Page 17 of Howling Night

It rang once. “Steven.”

The voice was gruff but not unfriendly.

“Hi, this is Everly Montana. Sheila from May’s Diner gave me your card,” I said, using my business voice. “She said you were in need of someone to help out at your bar tonight, but I wanted to let you know that?—”

“Ah, yes,” he said, sounding relieved. “Glad you called. I’m in a real bind. What kind of experience do you have?”

I swallowed hard, feeling a bit stunned. “Uh, well, none. So I understand if that’s a problem.”

“Nah, it’s as easy as pie,” he said, immediately dismissing my concerns. “You’ll learn. We’re not serving fancy cocktails or anything here.”

It was obvious I wasn’t going to be able to get out of it. I paced the floor, watching my feet move.

“Just gotta pour beers, maybe mix a Jack and Coke. Can you be here at seven sharp? I’ll show you around right quick before things pick up,” Steve said.

I hesitated for a moment. “What does it pay?”

“Right to the point, huh?” he said with a chuckle. “I like that.”

“Sorry,” I said with a sigh. “This was sort of sprung on me, so I have to move some things around.”

The only thing I had to move around was what time I’d crawl into bed. But he didn’t need to know that.

“Sure thing. I really appreciate this. I can give you seven hundred for the night since I’m in such a jam.” He paused for a brief moment as if waiting for me to accept. “You can keep your tips, too.”

Seven hundred plus tips for one night of pouring beer was far better than I expected. That would easily cover new chairs and a porch swing.

“Directions?”

“I’ll text you the address.”

“I’ll see you at seven,” I heard myself say before I could change my mind.

“Perfect.” He hung up without further pleasantries.

I stood there with the phone in my hand, wondering what I’d just gotten myself into. Seven hundred dollars for one night of work was too good to pass up, not that he’d even given me a chance to come up with an excuse as to why I couldn’t do it.

Oh, well. I’d gotten through worse things in my life.

I spent the rest of the day trying not to think about my evening commitment and relax. Before I knew it, the afternoon had slipped away.

Standing in front of my closet, I surveyed my options. Most of my wardrobe consisted of tailored business attire, sweats, and pajamas.

I settled on a pair of dark jeans that I’d only worn a few times and a navy silk blouse. It didn’t fit quite right, and I’d only bought it because Annie said it looked fabulous on me. I wouldn’t be heartbroken if it got ruined.

I pulled my hair back into a simple but cute ponytail and applied minimal makeup. There was no sense in trying to impress anyone at a rural bar, and I certainly wasn’t looking to attract any attention.

At 6:45, I grabbed my keys and my phone before heading out to my car. The evening air was brisk, carrying the scent of wild honeysuckle and lilac from somewhere nearby.

With the bar being on the outskirts of town, it didn’t take as long to get there as it would have had I been going into town. I passed only two other vehicles on my way, which was somewhat comforting. Maybe the place wouldn’t be as crowded as I feared. Then again, if it wasn’t going to be busy, why would he need to have someone else come in to tend bar?

As I rounded the last curve, I caught sight of a building that resembled a house more than a commercial establishment. The parking area already contained a handful of vehicles, which probably belonged to the others I’d be working with. A sign reading “The Timber Tavern” hung over the entrance, while a neon light in the window simply flashed the word “Beer” over and over.

I pulled into an empty space off to the side, turned off the engine, and sucked in a deep breath. For some reason, I was more nervous about stepping into the bar than I had been going into a meeting with top executives for an important business meeting.

The difference was at my job in the city, I knew my shit. But out here, I had no idea, and I was sure everyone would notice.

“Seven hundred dollars,” I reminded myself aloud. “Plus tips.”

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