Page 11 of The Weight of Your Wishes

My brows quirk upward. Why is he so timid again? Sharing a bathroom isn’t that big of a deal. I sigh and sit down in the dark leather armchair I put in here.

“Okay, we need to talk.” My skin prickles with nerves, but it needs to be done. He scratches his neck, ambling over to his bed to sit. “I know that it’s been a long time since we spoke; we’re basically strangers now. But there was a time when things were different, and I’m hoping you haven’t forgotten that.”

He keeps his eyes on his hands as he toys with his fingers. “I haven’t,” he says.

It seems like he suddenly wants me to do all the talking when just five minutes ago, he wouldn’t stop. I rip my hair tie from my hair and run my hand through it. It grounds me. “So, you know I’m not here to make your life hell, right? My only goal here is to clear your head of whatever you’ve got going on back at school and show you a different kind of life—a simpler one. One with structure that I think you need.”

His eyes flit up, meeting mine only briefly before focusing back on his hands. I suppose we’re both a bit nervous about this.

“Yeah, you’re right. I guess I’m just anxious about being in a new place,” he shrugs. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something is off. It’s like he’s leaving something out, but I’d rather not push too much. This conversation is already way beyond my comfort zone. “I’m not trying to be rude or anything, I know you didn’t ask to be on adult babysitting duty for the summer. I’ll make it as easy as possible for you.”

My hackles rise a bit. “It’s not babysitting duty, Hendrix. And if you ever truly want to leave, I’d understand. It wouldn’t be surprising at all.” I stand up and make for the door but turn around at the last second. “I’m going to check on some things at the bar. I’ll be back before dinner.”

The kid has only been with me for a day, and already, I can tell he’d rather be anywhere else. A sharp pain lances deep in my chest.

It’s always the same thing; doesn’t matter who it is.

I don’t know why I thought this time might be different.

* * *

Our downtown area encompasses one short block. The buildings are all crammed up one on top of the other. As I walk past a couple to get to my bar, the dust-caked windows of vacant storefronts glare back at me. They’re empty inside except for a few things that got left behind—a drop cloth here, a dust broom there. The only ones in use are the gift shop where tourists can buy stuffed alligators and the modest post office which is closed more than it’s open.

My bar is similar to the rest of the buildings from the outside, just a crumbling veneer that was once a crucial part of a thriving town. Now, it’s the place where everyone goes to escape their problems by diving into the abyss of alcohol. I don’t blame them either.

I try the door, and it gives. Sky’s here already, of course, considering they live in the small apartment upstairs. Usually, folks keep their doors locked until they’re officially open, but here, there’s no need. The air is stale with years of cigarette smoke, and Sky has Velvet Revolver playing on the speakers. Glass bottles clink around in the storage room, and then they emerge with a crate of them. With a startled jump, Sky pants, “Jesus, boss, didn’t think you’d be here so early. I thought you were out of town?”

Ignoring Sky’s probing eyes, I grab a bottle of beer and use the edge of the bar to remove the cap. Before I can give myself shit for it, I upend the bottle and chug it down ‘til it’s nearly empty. Sky’s worried tone breaks through the instant lightness swirling in my head. “Was it really that bad? Seeing the ex, I mean.”

A scoff leaves my throat. “No, you know it’s not like that. Try: seeing my pseudo nephew who doesn’t want shit to do with me anymore but is now stuck with me for the summer.”

Their eyebrows leap, and it’d be comical if I was in any other mood. Sky’s prepping a lime, but still meets my gaze. They open their mouth to say something, but I interrupt instinctively. “Pay attention to what you’re doing, Sky.”

I get a dramatic eye roll in response. “Okay,dad.”

“You and Hendrix will get along swimmingly.” I rub the ever-permanent wrinkles above my brow.

“Well, don’t sound so worried about it, old man. Also, what do you mean by that?” They keep their eyes fixed on the limes and knife in their grasp this time, thank fuck.

I gulp down the rest of the beer and steel myself. “He’s going to work here for the summer.”

The knife slams down on the cutting board with a loud thud, and Sky spins around, pinning me with daggers. See, Sky really prefers to work alone—always has. I’ve never had any luck with employing other bartenders because, well, it never works out. Sky has little to no patience. Not to mention, most people in this town aren’t accustomed to people like Sky. A couple of years ago, when Sky told me they’re nonbinary, I had absolutely no idea what that meant, but from what I’ve gathered over their time here, Sky doesn’t feel a hundred percent either gender. I mince words too often to try to understand better. The last thing I want to do is say something unintentionally hurtful, so I respect their wishes and leave it at that.

“Is he a homophobic or transphobic asshole?”

I contemplate cracking open another beer.

“Don’t think so. I mean, he’s openly bisexual. Shit, am I allowed to say that?” I groan. Jesus, I’m fucking up already.

An almost pitiful smile tilts Sky’s lips. “I’m sure it’s okay, Grant. Not that I planned to, but I won’t mention it if it’s any consolation. But, apart from all that, he better be ready to work, and the fact that he’s being forced into this means he probably won’t be.” Now it’s their turn to rub their forehead.

“Maybe he’ll surprise us. He has to pay off a… thing. So, he needs to work regardless.” I sigh, heavy and exhausted, shoulders sagging as I lean back against the bar.

“Well, when does he start?” Sky loads the limes into a clear cambro and wipes the wooden surface down.

“I suppose we’ll start him Monday. Shouldn’t be too difficult; we won’t be very busy.”

They hum in agreement and exit the bar to flip on the neon “Open” sign in the window.

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