"Is this really what you wanted to talk to me about?" I grumble.
"Yes, and no."
"How can it be both?"
"Yes, because you need to get a life outside this bar. I'm only giving you the sage advice both you and Stella, both gave me. Go out and find happiness."
"The bar makes me happy."
"I know that, but you need to do something else outside of this place."
"Okay." There's no point arguing with her. Outside myself, she might be the most stubborn person I know. "And what was the second thing?"
She takes a deep breath. Shit, this might actually be serious. "I think we should consider moving Eric up to a managerial position."
Oh, okay. At least this bit is actually work related. "This is your big question?"
"Yep. So, what do you think?"
I don't bother sitting in a chair in front of the desk. It implies that I will be here longer than I need to be.
The din of the bar is faint behind the closed door. "I think he is a solid candidate. He gets here before he's supposed to be. He was here before me this morning, as you know. He also takes his job seriously."
"Excellent." She taps her fingers together the way the villain on one of those cartoons does. "That's exactly what I was thinking and why I wanted to talk to you about it."
"I'm not saying make him a manager right this second. But I think it's something we should look into. I know he hasn't been here long, but he's probably the best bartender we have aside from us."
"He is your opposite in every way. You're grumpy and broody and he's happy and outgoing."
"I'm not broody."
"Yes, you are. You're making the broody face right now." She tilts her head to the side. "But that may change from what some of the other employees were texting me this morning. It looked like you were downright joyful."
Jesus. Is this what I have to look forward to? All of my coworkers spying on me and reporting to her like I'm some kind of project they are working on together. There's no reason my personal life should be any of their concern, and that remark doesn't demand an answer. I know that's what she's looking for. "Can I go now?"
"I'm not holding you hostage, dummy. Last time I checked, you own a share of this bar, too. You're free to leave whenever you want. I'm sure you have more important things to do."
"Not that it's any of your business, but yes, I do."
"It better be calling Caroline."
This is why I didn't really need to tell my mom about the prospect of a girlfriend. The people around here seem to think they need to parent me. I stalk to the door and wave goodbye. If I open my mouth again, she'll just have something else to say. Whether or not it's helpful.
With the door open, music fills the space, and I head into it. Now the biggest question of the night is do I call her from the car, or wait until I get home?
9
Caroline
"Mommy?"David walks down the hallway, and I set down my glass of wine. "I'm thirsty."
He hands me the glass he keeps in his room and it's half full. "You still have water in here, honey."
"But it's not cold anymore." Of course, it isn't. He was supposed to be asleep an hour ago. We don't do hard bed times, but he knows when he goes to bed, he doesn't need to get up again unless he has to go to the restroom. The only thing I can figure is he feels whatever energy I'm putting out there, thanks to Carlos.
"Okay, I'll get you some more. Go to the restroom while you're waiting, then go to your room." It's best to get that out of the way, otherwise he'll come out of his room again. I don't have the energy for that tonight if I'm being honest with myself.
He walks back down the hallway, and I hear the bathroom door close. Getting up, I head to the kitchen and pour the warm water into the sink.