Dante

You know how I mentioned that this apartment wasn't anything special?

Yeah I may have overstated.

This apartment looked like numerous health code violations. I'm talking discolored carpet, chipped walls, an elevator that appeared to be just for show, and a lock on my door that had definitely busted open a few times.

It was safe to say I'd never felt so unsafe before.

Finally being able to physically see the place, left me in a sour mood before work. I hadn't even had time to plan what furniture to fill the home with. It looked as if my bed alone could be this studio apartment's full capacity.

Knowing I would be paying the same amount for this dump as I did for my one bedroom two bathroom apartment in Texas, was incredibly disheartening. But alas, I did my best to remain optimistic and hopeful as I spent the day cleaning out the space. The cleanup involved taking disinfectant to every surface, and ripping off the disgusting remnants of that filthy wallpaper. By the time night rolled around, I had already worn myself out.

Unfortunately it was time for me to head back into work.

The whole reason I had chosen this place was for the convenience of it. Luckily, my apartment was literal blocks down the street from the bar. I picked out my best black pants... which I couldn't really explain because it wasn't like I was heading to a fancy restaurant... then I settled on some dress shoes, and a button down black dress shirt. By the time I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I realized I looked like I was heading to church.

"You can take the boy out the church, but I guess you can't take the church out the boy." I joked. This was exactly how my mother had dressed me on Sunday's for most of my life. It was definitely not bartending material... but I thought fuck it, it was too late to change now.

The walk to the bar was brisk. For a hole in the wall, you really couldn't miss the large ass sign that said "Tidal Wave" in bright illuminated letters. During the day this place looked dead, but at night? Holy fucking shit. I had to work hard at pushing my way through the congested line that had formed outside. I thought I would be completely swept back into the chilly streets of New York, but I felt a hand grab me at the last moment.

"Oh no ya don't" a girl called out over the noise, as she pulled me past the crowd and towards the back room. The first thing I noticed about her were the hot pink streaks in her hair. She was wearing a black tank top and tight black jeans that showed off her incredible figure. When my eyes had briefly caught hers, I couldn't miss the vibrant hazel orbs that matched her dark chocolate complexion perfectly. Once we had made it off the floor and in the "employees only" area, I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding. "Sorry 'bout all that, sugar. Tuesdays can get crazy here. It's one dollar shots all night long."

Well... that would explain things.

"I'm surprised Howard even put ya out here tonight. Did you tell him you had bartender experience or something?" She asked me.

"I-I- Yes? I don't really, but I thought that would help with me getting this job." I explained. The girl broke out into laughter.

"Oh you cute little thing. Howard probably believed you too. You didn't need to tell him alladat. That jackass would hire anything that walks, talks, and can pour a shot." She explained.

She had started to rummage through one of the lockers at the far left wall, before she handed me a partially full drawstring bag.

"Here are all the necessities to survive here. We only have mediums and smalls, but I'm sure a medium will fit you just right." She pulled out a black shirt from the locker and handed that to me too. "I'll get your badge ordered first thing tomorrow morning, but in the meantime, your name is whatever the hell you want it to be."

I couldn't help but smile. Out of all the people I had met today, I think I liked this girl the most. "Speaking of which, my actual name is Kassie. I forgot my name tag tonight so we're rolling with Bridgette to all the nonlocals, ya got it?"

"Yes ma'am." I replied. That when she paused momentarily to look at me.

"You are just the absolute cutest, you know that? Don't change, Dante. Don't let New York take that innocence."

My eyebrows furrowed at her. "How did you know I'm not from here?" I asked.

"Sugar, you're far too sweet to be a born and raised New Yorker. Now, not to rush ya kid but we've got to keep it moving here. You and I will run the bar, while Aiden and Chris cover the floor. Like I said, tonight is going to be our busiest night so try to keep a good pace, and get those customers served as quickly as possible. Just look at what I do, and follow my lead.

"Usually I'd have you change into the work shirt, but we don't have the time for all that shit tonight. Don't blame me if your good church shirt gets fucked up, though!" She called that list bit out loud from ahead of me as I followed her back into the busyness of the bar. The fact that she recognized this was my actual best church shirt, brought another smile to my lips.

The first thing I could hear was someone yelling out "Where's the damn bartender at?" From somewhere on the floor.

Kassie answered that question with a swiftness, once we got behind the bar. "Shut the hell up Pete. You're so drunk you didn't see the shot I placed in front of you?"

"What shot?" The man replied, as he looked down at the bare bar table.

He was huge for starters, I'm talking at least over 6'5. I didn't even know God made 'em like this. Complete dread flushed through my body by how confrontational Kassie was being.

"The shot I'm giving you to go on and get your shit together before I call Sammy. That shot." She spat back. The men and women gathered at the bar broke out into laughter. My body completely tensed up as I watched Pete process her words. Not even a second later, he broke out into a grin himself.

"Damn woman, you strike a hard bargain. Do you got me for a beer?" He asked.

"Damn straight, Pete. Last beer of the night though." Kassie replied in a serious and direct tone. I ogled at her as she worked.

"Yes ma'am. I'll be out your ear afterwards, you've got my word." Pete raised his hand as if he was swearing on the Bible. It was only when Kassie shot me a glare, did I realize I was still on the clock.

"Right. Sorry." I mumbled an apology. "What would you like me to do?"

"You're good, love. If the regulars ask for a beer, but they don't give specifics, give 'em this." She pointed towards bottles in a white label that said something that started with a C and sounded like a warm island. "Specifics are just right down below. If we're doing tap, make sure you got the right hose set up. Most of these fuckers won't recognize the difference once their a few shots in so it's okay to get a little sloppier towards the end of the night."

I heard a few protests from a the barstool crowd, but when Kassie glanced up to challenge any protesters, everyone went silent.

"Right. Like I said, kid. Follow my lead and you'll be good." She added.

And if I was being honest, this might have been the last piece of sound advice I got out of Kassie that night.

The rest of the evening was spent with her completely killing it on drink orders and customer service, while I helped out when I could. By the time bar close started to roll around, I was completely drenched in sweat and some possible tears. Kassie gave the remainder of the true alcoholics their last shot of the night before she told me to take a step outside. It was probably for the best because I for sure looked like I was going to faint.

And well, I guess I've already explained the rest right?

So let's fast forwards to right after I got punched in the face by a crackhead... when my knight in not-so-shining armor managed to salvage my existence.

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Hi, my lovelies.
How is it? Y'all liking it so far?
This is the book I'll be uploading pretty consistently until it's finished so hopefully y'all think the plot is solid.
As always, thank you... and love you.
Xoxo