Page 18 of Howling Night

With a deep breath, I hid my purse under my seat and stepped out of the car. It was just one night… I could handle anything for one night.

I walked into the tavern, struck immediately by the woody scent of aged oak that had been soaked in beer. The interior was actually nicer than I’d expected — rustic but clean with a long bar running along one wall and scattered tables on the other side. It was clear that Mr. Perkins ran a successful business based on decor and how much he was offering to pay me.

Behind the bar stood a woman who could have stepped off the pages of a magazine. Her wavy red hair fell in glossy waves around her shoulders, and she moved with the kind of easy grace I’d always envied. She was wiping down the bar with practiced efficiency, looking up as the door closed behind me.

“Hey there,” she said, her smile warm. “What can I get for you?”

I smoothed my hands nervously over my jeans. “Actually, I’m Everly Montana. I’m supposed to be helping out Mr. Perkins tonight?”

“Oh,” she said, nodding. “You’re the one who will be helping me tonight, huh?”

“That’s me,” I said, pushing my shoulders back. “Not too busy?”

She shook her head. “Not yet, but it’ll pick up.” The young woman, no more than twenty-five, wiped her hands on a towel and reached across the bar. “I’m Donna. Steven said he found someone, but he didn’t mention it would be a woman.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said, shaking her hand. “I should warn you that I have no idea what I’m doing.”

“Don’t worry about it. Friday nights can get pretty crazy, but it’s not like brain surgery or anything,” she said, turning toward the door. “Steven! Bartender is here.”

“Thanks,” I said, pressing my lips into a thin smile.

She waved a hand. “No problem. I’m just glad you’re not some guy who’s going to brush up against me all night. Or grab my ass.”

I opened my mouth to tell her she had nothing to worry about as far as those things were concerned, but the side door swung open. Steven, wearing a black polo and jeans, came out with an unreadable expression.

“Wasn’t sure if you’d show up,” he said, jerking his head toward Donna. “She’ll show you what to do, but let me give you a quick tour.”

“Sure,” I said, stuffing my hands into my pockets.

I followed Steven as he gave me a perfunctory tour of the small establishment. He pointed toward a hallway off the main room.

“Restrooms are down there. Men’s on the left, women’s on the right. Got a small kitchen in the back. Nothing fancy, we just serve basic bar food. Wings, fries, nachos, that sort of thing. Paul will handle that all himself tonight. You won’t need to worry about it except to maybe bring someone their order.”

“You just want me to make sure glasses stay full,” I said, jerking my chin back toward the bar.

“You learn quick,” he said with a half smile as he gestured toward another door. “That’s a storage room. Don’t go in there unless Donna tells you to get something specific.”

I followed him back to the bar, where a man in his fifties with a trucker hat sat. He glanced over at Steven and then at me before returning his attention to Donna as she set a bottle of beer down on a coaster.

Steven checked his watch and shook his head. “I gotta run, but I’ll try to check in later tonight to see how things are going. But Donna could run this place, so she’ll get you all up to speed.”

“That’s right. I probably deserve a raise,” she confirmed with a grin, leaning forward and resting her hands on the bar counter. Her extremely low-cut top barely contained her generous cleavage. “It’ll be fun.”

“Not too much fun. Got a business to run here,” Steven said, patting a hand on the man’s shoulder. “You doing good, Bob?”

“Oh, yeah,” the man said, taking a big gulp from his bottle. “Parked the semi in the yard and hopped in the pickup before my wife could make me do a single chore at home.”

Steve laughed. “We’re glad to have you. Invite her over.”

“I’ll think about it,” Bob said, taking another drink that was probably at least half the bottle.

“All right, I gotta jet,” Steven said, pointing to the bar. “Envelope in the register for you. Take it after we close tonight.”

“Thanks,” I said.

Steven nodded. “Appreciate the help on such short notice.”

“Anytime,” I said, instantly wishing I could take it back.

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