"It's better than being a coward." Damn, she's not pulling any punches tonight.
"Okay." My voice dripping with defeat. They will not let this go until I do something about it. Might as well get it over with. "But not right now."
"Soon." The crowd at the bar has grown, and it's going to take all of us to get it back under control.
With all hands on deck, everyone has a drink in their hands within ten minutes. There's a small lull, and one of the new waitstaff comes to the bar to give us an order. I can't remember her name, and I feel kind of shitty about it. But what can I do? Even though the hiring process is tighter, some people aren't cut out for customer service.
Eric intercepts her and grins. "Looks like the woman you've been lusting over needs a drink." He nods his head in her direction. Why does he have to make me sound like a lovesick teen? I've been in relationships before. They require more time than I have. But I'll do it if only to prove to them it'll be a failure.
She's leaning back against the wall, a book in her hand, without a care in the world. Her whole mood is different than when she's with her friends. More serene and less chaotic.
"What about her waitress?"
"She's on board. It's not like you'll be taking her every drink. Just. This. One."
"Fine." I grab a mug and set it under the tap. It's a good thing I know what she prefers to drink. I grab a lime out of the bin and slip it on the lip of the mug. "Here goes nothing," I mutter.
Angie gives me a thumbs up as I make my way to the end of the bar. My hand holding the beer mug shakes and I take a deep breath. My steps are slow and measured. Am I taking my time? Yes. I don't want to look like an idiot.
The people seated at the bar watch me. Unfortunately, they know what I'm about to do. Some of them are nodding their approval while others are doing their best to hold in their laughter. Great. I'm a joke to these people.
Caroline isn't paying attention to me. Her sole focus on the story in her hands. Less than ten steps. That's all I need to get to her table. A part of me wants to turn around. Forget this whole thing and act like my coworkers aren't assholes for pushing me into this.
The chatter in the bar fades to nothing. Surely, they aren't all watching me? Or maybe I'm imagining the quiet. In my own head more often than I should be. Especially at a time like this.
One foot in front of the other. Am I sweating? Probably. I'll blame it on so many people being in here. It's not my nerves at all.
Five steps. Four. Three. Two.
Someone darts between her table and me. My foot hits their shoe and I go forward. The beer tipping forward in slow motion. Oh shit. This is not the impression I wanted to make.
The person stops and I hear words, but I can't make them out. All I see is the beer flying toward the woman I've become infatuated with.
Caroline looks up, lets go of her book, and scoots out of the way. Every action seems to take minutes, though I know it's only seconds. Beer sloshes all over her book, and I feel like a moron.
3
Caroline
"I’m so sorry."The words are on repeat. Carlos has a rag in his hand, trying to mop up the mess he’s made. The edges of my book are soaking wet. Guess I'll have to pay the damage fees for that now.
"It's fine." The words are harsher than I intend.
So far, it's been one thing after another today. Nathan was supposed to pick up David and canceled at the last minute. I don't think anyone realizes how hard it is to come up with excuses for your ex-husband to keep your child from hurting. It's not David's fault his father is selfish.
Luckily, baby brother stepped up and offered to babysit for me. I'm honestly shocked he did it, but grateful all the same.
Carlos is still cleaning up the mess, and I feel like I should help. I mean, he did it. At the same time, I shouldn't stand over him brooding like a brat.
He's mopping up the mess. "I've never done that before. This guy stepped in front of me and I tripped."
"No, really. It's fine." I grab a few napkins off the table and dab at the wet spots on the chair. I'm still annoyed, but it's not like he did it on purpose.
“I’ll buy you a new book.” He lifts it up to inspect the damage. “Well, I’ll pay the library fee for it. I’m sure they’ll have to replace it now.”
He’s flustered and it’s a look I’ve never seen on him before. He’s usually gruff and serious. His cheeks might even be blushing. It’s hard to tell against his tan skin. A part of me wants to laugh at the whole circumstance, but this is my one night out and nothing is going my way.
“It’s really not a big deal.” Though, now I’m curious why he’s the one who brought my drink. I’ve seen him serve customers before, but never when the bar is this packed. That’s what the rest of the employees are for. “What happened to the person who was waiting on me?”