I nod my head.
28
T. SPEAR
“Oh, and Mrs. Jones stopped in earlier this week.”
“Seriously! Does she talk to everyone in this town?”
“Yes, Grayson, she does.”
I let out a sigh “I’m assuming she told you about the alley cat?”
“Yup. You know I don’t like the idea of having pets upstairs.”
“I know. He isn’t up there all the time. Maybe a few hours a day, to eat and take a nap.”
“I’ll let it slide but keep him out of the main bar area.”
“Will do.”
“If you could mop the floors, too, that would be great.”
“No problem.”
“Thanks, Gray. I’m going to head out since you’re here.”
“Have a great night, Gennie.”
“You too.”
I finish the dishes, floors and my normal rounds done. Then the oven beeps. Scaring the crap out of me. Old oven? Maybe.
Cowboy ghost? I believe it.
“You bored man?” I go to the back and push the button to turn the oven off. I don’t even know how it could beep. It’s not preheating or anything.
I unlock the front doors. “Let the weekend, begin.”
WHEN YOU'RE READY
29
Not even a half hour later, the regulars show up. Lenard and his buddies. I already have their glasses lined up and ready to fill.
“Here ya go gentlemen.” I say and set the glasses in front of them.
“You aint lookin so good there boy,” Lenard says with a scowl on his face.
“Long week. No worries though.”
“If you say so.” Lenard takes a swig of his drink and goes back to talking with his buddies. I wonder if these men have been friends their whole lives.
I turn on some music and mute the TV’s. Some days, the news gets overwhelming and there’s nothing good on any other channel. I stop in my tracks when I really hear what is playing.
No shirt, No Shoes, No Problem by Kenny Chesney. Great, now the radio is mocking me. Must be nice Kenny.
An hour later Chris, Troy and Curtis walk in, still in their collared shirts and khaki shorts from golfing earlier.