Page 20 of Kings of Decay
“Told me what?” I asked.
“That we’re dating.”
Chapter fifteen
Willow
Ifelt betrayed.I didn’t speak to my father when he got home. Instead, I hid in my room. I couldn’t be sure my anger wouldn’t make me say something I regretted.
How could he be dating someone after only a month of living here? Mom had only been gone for two years. Was he really over her? The thought made me sick to my stomach.
Despite knowing better, I dove into Facebook until I found her. It wasn't hard, considering the size of the Grayling Pass population.
This Amka woman didn't seem like my dad's type. She was pretty but boring. A recently divorced school teacher with a page full of outdated Minions memes. I wondered what Dad saw in her, assuming they met at the general store.
I shut my laptop and looked at the clock. Shit, work was going to start soon. I'd have to continue my investigation later.
***
Dad dropped me off outside the bar. ThePAYDIRTsign flickered in the dark.
"Have fun at work," he said.
"Make sure you pick me up at one, ok?" My own voice sounded weird to me after being quiet all day.
"Sure thing, sweetie," Dad said. He was either oblivious to my mood or choosing to ignore it. Either way, I didn’t care. I just wanted to escape the tension that had built up in the truck.
I climbed out and slammed the door behind me. I watched him drive away, feeling a deep sense of frustration bubble inside of me. I didn’t understand why he couldn’t just take some time to grieve before moving on. But I couldn’t force him to feel anything.
I trudged through the snow to the bar, my boots crunching against the frozen ground. I'd never seen so much snow in my life, and it wasn’t even November yet.
I pulled the door open and stepped inside, instantly greeted by the smell of stale beer, cigarette smoke, and the faint scent of quality whiskey. The bar was dimly lit, save for the flickering flames of the wood fireplace. The jukebox in the corner played a repeating loop of Johnny Cash songs, providing a somber backdrop to my night.
Todd, the owner and barkeeper, looked up. "Evenin' Willow."
The bar was full of the usual crowd, mostly miners drinking their money away. It was funny how a depressing dive bar felt like a sanctuary from my thoughts.
I took my place behind the bar, preparing ice and glasses for the rush. The last bus from the mine normally arrived just past ten o'clock. That was when the night truly began to heat up. Tonight, I was looking forward to it. It would keep me busy and prevent me from dwelling on my dad's new girlfriend.
As if on cue, a gaggle of miners stumbled in, freshly paid and thirsty. I got to work pouring shots.
The first two hours of my shift went by in a blur. When there was a lull, Todd went to the back to smoke, leaving me manning the bar alone. It made me wonder what he did before I got hired. I guess he knew everyone here, so customer service was easy.
It didn't come so easy for me.
One of the miners waved over to me. "Another round over here, missy!"
I gritted my teeth and plastered a fake smile on my face. I hated all their little pet names, but I needed tips.
I carried a tray through the winding gap between the tables towards the back of the room, set it down, and handed out drinks. I ignored how their eyes lingered on my body for too long.
"Enjoy!" I said with a smile and tucked the tray under my arm.
A red-faced miner with a long beard laughed and slapped my ass.
"Good God, girl, what a fine ass you got on you!" He chuckled as I stifled a groan and kept walking.
"Don't leave so fast, missy," one of the others whistled, pulling me toward his lap.
