Page 35 of Absinthe Minded

“I’m good here with Jessie. I love people watching.”

“Ten minutes tops.” Gabe winked and disappeared around the corner.

I startled when a man waved a ten-dollar bill in front of my face. “Oh. I don’t work here.”

“I need a vodka cranberry,” he said louder.

I waved at Jessie but couldn’t get her attention. While I didn’t know how to run the register, or how much the drinks cost, I could pour a proper vodka cranberry. I hopped off the stool and pulled the brand name vodka from the top shelf.

The customer nodded.

The liquor bottle in one hand, the dispenser in the other, I poured a long ounce into the glass of ice and topped it off with juice. The technique gave the illusion of equal parts juice and alcohol. I finished with a lime wedge and set the drink on the bar.

“Damn, girl. Good pour.” Jessie smiled and took the cash from the bar.

“Thanks. Gabe taught me eons ago. Bar tips helped pay for my last two years of college.”

“Well, brands are eight bucks, top shelves are ten. Beers are five in the bottle and four from the tap. Everything’s cash. Call me if you can’t find something.” Jessie winked and took another order.

I shrugged and turned to the next customer. Gabe had paid my bills. Helping out tonight seemed fair.

A few moments later, the rush ended, and Jessie nudged my shoulder. “We’re looking for another bartender. It’s that time of year. If you want a job, talk to Gabe.”

I grinned as she pulled a bottle of whiskey from beneath the counter.This would be a great way to get info for my article.“I’ll talk to him about it.”

As if afraid I’d change my mind, Jessie nodded toward the back. “If you’re serious, ask him now. I could use some help later this week.”

“Sure. Why not?” I turned on my heel and hurried down the hall to find Gabe but slowed at the sound of voices.

“It’s all there. There’s no need to count it.” Gabe’s tone made the hairs on my arms stand on end. He didn’t sound pleased.

“You’re too smart to short me, Marchionni. I’ll see you next month.”

I had no idea what I’d overhead, but I knew it couldn’t be good. I ducked into what looked like an employee breakroom and fiddled with the coffee maker.

“Maggie?”

I turned to find Gabe and a uniformed New Orleans police officer staring. My heart thudded against my sternum.Had he paid off a cop?“There you are. Could you show me how to use this? It’s not like the one at home.”

“I’ll leave you to it.” The cop grinned and continued down the hall.

Gabe moved beside me and lowered his voice. “How much of that did you overhear?”

I swallowed hard. “More than I should have.”

“I slip him a little something to avoid problems.”

I reached for the counter and realized my hands were shaking. “Are you finished with tomorrow’s orders?”

“Almost.” He embraced me. “You’re trembling. Mags, it looked far dirtier than it is.”

I plastered on a smile and ducked out of his arms. “I’ll help Jessie until you’re finished.”

Gabe sighed and motioned to the door.

I slid behind the bar and tried to convince myself I’d overreacted. Heck, how many times had I commented on the crooked politicians in the city?

“Two Coronas, no lime,” a familiar voice called from behind me.

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