Page 280 of 7+Us Makes Nine

I heard his laughter echoing from his office as I headed to the Lab.

SIX

Eden

Halfway through my shift at the diner I’d had a phone call to see if I could start work at the bar early today. It was Friday, and the girl I’d covered for earlier in the week was still sick.

I was due to work anyway, so an extra four hours plus tips would be a nice boost to an already good week. I’d persuaded the manager at the diner to let me leave a little early, which gave me enough time to head home and quickly dress, deciding to wear my newly purchased underwear.

I chose the red matching bra and panties, wearing a tight pencil skirt and a sleeveless blouse, a few buttons undone to show off the cleavage that my new bra gave me. A hint of red lace showed around the edge of my cleavage and shoulders. Red lipstick to match the colour of the underwear was bright on my lips. I’d quickly brushed my hair and let it hang down around my shoulders.

I’d looked myself over in my bedroom mirror before heading to the bar, pouting at myself as I studied my figure. I turned to study my back, pleased with the way the tight skirt showed off my slim waist and curves of my hips and butt. I looked both smart and a sexy at the same time.

I’d arrived around 3:30pm to find it relatively quiet, a few old locals sitting at the bar, and a couple business looking types who’d probably come for a liquid lunch and decided not to leave.

I felt all eyes on me as I walked slowly to the staff entrance. I smiled, a little nervously, as I studied the faces in the room. My gaze settled on Cindy, the girl who I’d be working with for the afternoon and evening. We’d worked together occasionally when our shifts matched and overlapped, and we got on quite well.

She whistled at me as I approached. Two old guys at the bar laughed at her, their eyes still on me.

I winked at her. “Calm down, Cindy. I’m afraid you’re not my type, babe.”

She laughed warmly. “Damn, girl. Looking fine. Let’s hope some yo

ung stud comes in here, sees you all dolled up. All you’ll have to do is smile sweetly and he’ll be all yours.”

“Well, I won’t be holding my breath. Hasn’t happened so far, has it?” I sighed as I pushed the staff entrance door open, strutting towards Cindy.

One of the guys’ drinks was almost empty.

“Same again, Mike?” I asked, smiling at him.

“Yes please, darlin. And one for yourself, too. Seeing as you look so nice.” He winked at me, draining the remnants of beer in his glass. I poured him another, leaning over a little further than was necessary as I poured the beer.

Mike was one of the locals, who was in most nights drinking now since his wife passed away a few months back. He was like a friendly old uncle, we never had any trouble out of him. He always tipped generously and usually bought one or two drinks for the girls every time he was in.

I passed Mike his beer, adding two notches to the tally on his tab as I opened myself a small bottle of beer. I sipped the beer gingerly, enjoying the cold refreshment.

We were allowed a few drinks over the course of a shift. It was needed when things were quiet but even more so when things got busy.

I chatted idly with Cindy as we took turns serving drinks to the few people in the bar. As it approached 4pm, a few more guys entered the bar. A couple more locals, along with a few I didn’t recognize. Every man who came to the bar looked at me twice, some with wide eyes as they studied my figure and glanced at my cleavage when they thought I wasn’t looking.

I smiled sweetly and engaged them in small talk as I poured the drinks. Only the trusted locals were allowed a tab, the rest having to pay in cash. The tips were building nicely already. Cindy and I would split them evenly at the end of the evening, and she was doing her part, flirting shamelessly with everyone she served.

Most of the locals knew she had a long-time boyfriend and a kid, but that didn’t stop them from flirting back. I tried not to flirt too much, I didn’t like to give drunken men the wrong idea. So far I hadn’t seen anyone worth flirting with, anyway.

I smiled as a familiar face entered the bar, waving at my old friend Lucas as he took his police hat off and approached me, surveying everyone around. Some looked back nervously at the uniformed cop.

“Hey, Lucas. Been a while, hon. You looking for someone?” I said as he stepped closer.

He grinned at me boyishly while he looked at me, the worry lines evaporating as he smiled. He instantly looked ten years younger.

“Yeah, been a while Eden. Nice to see you.” He placed his hat on the bar, sliding a stool over to perch on.

“Oh, nah, I ain’t looking for anyone, don’t worry. I’m off duty as of…” He studied his watch. “Now.”

I saw a few relieved faces turn back to their conversation and drinks.

“Meeting a friend for a few drinks. You know Jack? Jack Storm?” he asked me, eyebrows raised. He was trying desperately not to check me out, but kept failing.

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