I empty the jar, and we split it evenly. Both taking $150. Either customers were feeling very generous, or they were all really drunk because I have never pulled in $300 in one night.
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T. SPEAR
“Not too shabby. $150 buys me like three tanks of gas,” she says and waves the bills around.
“You are planning on leaving sometime soon?”
“Not yet. But if we keep pulling in tips like this, I won’t have to stay as long as I had planned.”
My stomach drops and I get a heavy feeling on my chest. I let out a huff and nod my head.
“That would be great for you.” I walk around to the back of the bar and set the jar back. I knew she wasn’t going to be here forever, so I’m not sure why I’m letting myself feel anything for her. She stands and follows me. She puts her hand on my back between my shoulder blades. Her touch sending tingles down my spine.
“Grayson? You, okay?” her voice is quiet I screw my face into something happier and turn to face her, putting on my best performance.
“Yeah. It was a busy night. I’m exhausted.”
She squints at me like she’s trying to see if I am lying. “Yeah.
me too.”
“You want a ride?”
“No, I think I am going to walk tonight. It’s so peaceful during these witching hours. I enjoy taking it all in.”
She turns on her heels to grab her stuff from the back. I follow her to the front door, “See ya tomorrow.” she says and waves to me as she walks out from under the awning.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
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“See ya.” I shut the doors and lock up before I head upstairs.
Once I get Sharkbait some food and my head hits the pillow, I am out.
Chapter Fourteen
Grayson
THE REST OF THE weekend went by fast. Saturday night had a bunch of bikers come in. They were all caught up in Riley’s charm, which resulted in another amazing night of tips.
Sunday was steady, but nothing crazy. Our regulars, a few couples, and the owners.
Before we left for the night on Sunday I double checked with Riley about fishing on Wednesday. She had bunched her nose up, worms, but said she couldn’t wait.
The next two days I help my dad put new fencing up around the back of their property line.
“You coming to the family reunion in a couple weeks, right?”
my dad asks me
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
We have a family reunion every few years. This year it will be at my parents’ house, which I appreciate because I won’t have to travel.
“Actually dad, I was going to someone if they would join me.”