“On it.”
I rushed over and quickly started cleaning off one table after the next, trying my best to make a good first impression. Apparently, Gladys was impressed with my initiative, and after a couple of days, she hired me full-time. It didn’t take long for me to make enough money to get a place of my own and even buy a little furniture. It was just a small, one-bedroom apartment downtown, but it was mine—and mine alone. For the first time in my life, I didn’t have to worry about Kate or my parents. I could just live for myself, and I couldn’t have been happier.
I owed a great deal of that happiness to Gladys and Country. From day one, Gladys had taken me under her wing and taught me everything there was to know about running a bar—from keeping inventory to managing the books. She was always looking out for me and gave me advice even when I didn’t ask for it. Country did the same. He was just a little more subtle about it. Whenever he came by to check in on Gladys, he’d be sure to ask how I was doing and would jump at the chance to give his two cents whenever possible. Just like he’d done tonight.
I was wiping down the tables before closing when Country came sauntering in the front doors with some blonde bombshell in a tight miniskirt and halter top. She was practically glued to his side as he walked over to the front counter and sat down. Country took a quick glance around the room, checking out the remaining customers. When he spotted me coming in his direction, he gave me a quick chin-up and said, “Thought you were heading out early tonight.”
“What made you think that?” I asked, knowing full well he’d made it clear he didn’t like me leaving alone so late at night. He’d had the same concerns about Gladys, but her place was just upstairs. Country’s eyes grew fierce when I said, “Just because you tell me to do something doesn’t mean I’m gonna do it. Besides, I can’t leave Gladys here alone.”
“Before you start fussing, I’m about to close.” Gladys went over to Ford—one of our regulars who’d had one too many, and said, “Time for you to call it a night.”
“Come on, Gladie,” he slurred, barely able to keep his eyes open. “Just one more.”
“Not gonna happen.” She picked up his empty beer bottle and tossed it in the trash. “I’m calling you a cab.”
We all knew Ford was a good guy who’d had a rough go of it lately. He was in his early seventies and had just lost his wife. He hated the idea of going home to an empty house, so he started to spend more and more time at Crockett’s. And like tonight, he often became argumentative whenever it came time to close. “What you need to do is get me another beer.”
“You best watch your fucking mouth,” Country roared as he stood and started charging towards Ford.
“I’ve got it, Country.” I held up my hand, stopping Country in his tracks. “I’ve got this.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Ignoring his curt tone, I rushed over to Ford and placed my hand on his back, patting him softly. “Come on, Ford. It’s been a long night. You know it’s time to call it quits.”
“Yeah, I know.” His shoulder slouched as he let out a solemn sigh. “Just hard to go back there, ya know?”
“I know, but it will get better. You just have to give it time.”
He lifted his head, and a soft smile crossed his face as he told me, “You know, you remind me so much of Trisha. You have the same pretty smile and bright eyes.”
Ford had told me that many times since his wife’s death. I’d seen pictures of Trisha, and while I saw no resemblance between us, I found it sweet Ford thought enough of me to compare me to the love of his life. “Thank you, Ford. That’s really sweet of you to say.”
“You know she was one of the finest teachers you’d ever meet. Everyone loved her.” He thought for a moment, then fussed, “You need to go back to school and get your degree. A pretty girl like you doesn’t need to be working in a place like this.”
I helped him off his stool and started guiding him towards the door as I told him, “I enjoy it here. You guys are like my family.”
“Bunch of old drunks is all we are.”
“No. You’re much more than that to me.” I helped him out the door and over to the bench where he could wait for his cab. I gave his arm a light squeeze as I smiled and said, “Now, hang tight. Your ride will be here soon.”