It was just after 8 pm which meant the gym would be closing soon and they would all be in. The same gym her Granddad trained in. Although it had been years since he last set foot in it.

When she came to town a week previous and sent out applications for a job, she hadn't considered why the same day she handed in her CV to the local pub she was hired.

In hindsight that was her indicator that they had problems. Still, though, it was a job and she desperately needed to pay her bills and Saturday nights the mic was all hers for a full hour. If it went well, Gerry the owner said they would increase her set.

The door opened and in walked two tall men. They were the trainers she quickly learned. Both were in their fifties but in great shape and could easily pass for younger. Usually with their presence things were civil. It was unfortunate they never stayed for long.

'The usual, Ger.' They shouted at her manager before taking a seat in the booth at the back. That meant two ice-cold beers from the tap. Ger nodded at her to bring them down. It was obvious to her that he was afraid of both men. And she could visibly see why. Alone, they both were well built. If she was to guess a single swing of one arm would snap her thin 5ft5in frame in two.

She poured the two glasses carefully. Ger was observing her although it was clear he was trying to be subtle. Fortunately for her, she'd grown up in a bar and was no stranger to dealing with complicated men.

Shoulders back, she walked down to the table before placing the drinks in front of them. The slightly older man winked at her before returning to the conversation. Walking back to the bar two younger guys had come in. They carried duffle bags and were clearly worn out from the training.

Fast on her heels, she was behind the bar before they put their bags down. This time around she was going to avoid a congregation at the bar. If there was going to be any arguing, it wouldn't be in front of her. It was too soon to start asserting herself, but fast work would be required to move them.

Saturday night I can sing...

'What can I get you guys?' She asked cooly. Both men were in their twenties and had a thinner frame than the older men at the back. Although their boyish faces were filling out. If she was to guess they were 25 or 26. The slightly younger guy had a bruise on his left eye and a cut on his lip. There was an old scar right beside the cut. When she looked at the second guy's knuckles it became obvious where they had come from.

'Two beers, please.' Bruised knuckles looked at her proudly with a half-smile.

Let's hope they done all their fighting at the club.

'I'll bring them down.'

Knuckles placed the cash on the counter before walking down to a table after scar in the middle of the floor. The door opened again and two more guys walked in. These two both looked like they'd been through a rough day. Covered in deeper bruises although visibly unbothered by it. And then behind them, another guy walked in. He appeared to be unscathed.

His hood was up but she could see his face. He had a beard and hooded dark green eyes.

I know him from somewhere...

Unlike the others before he ordered a drink, he went to the back to the older guys neatly slipping into the booth with confidence. He had his body spread out enough to take up just as much space as either of them despite his slenderer frame and height. Their voices were low and they all looked serious. Whoever he was, he was important.

He caught her eye before she realised she was staring. Spilling the drink she was pouring a guy waiting laughed.

'You'd stay away from fighters if you know what's good for you, love.'

*

It didn't take long for her to serve now ten men in the bar although it slightly concerned her that already the two badly bruised guys were now standing in front of her again. She searched his face for something to remember him by. His eye lashes were usually dark like he was wearing mascara.

'Another round darling.' She smiled but was tempted to tell them to take it easy. It was still too soon.

'Be right down.'

Lashes didn't take the hint and stood waiting.

'Busy day?'

A talker...

'I just started but yeah I think it was a busy day.' She smiled pulling a glass out and pouring it at an angle. Praying it would pour out fast.

'I haven't seen you around town before this. You new?'

Things don't change in small towns.

'Keen eye.' She smiled. 'I've just moved back actually from the north, but my Grandfather lives locally. You might know him McFir.' His eyes shifted. A look she recognized... why she left town in the first place.

'Oh. You're McFir's Granddaughter.' He looked suspicious for a second. 'Well, I'm sure he's glad to have you home then.'

She placed the drinks in front of him and he put the money on the table before walking back to his table.

'Clear up any empty glasses before they end up on the floor,' Ger instructed in a whisper to her. Taking a walk down the bar, she found some glasses on a table with four.

'Can I take these?'

'Sure thing, love.' She bent over to pick up a glass when she felt a hand on her leg.

'Hey!' She jumped back and he stood up. Towering over her small frame he made her feel about the size of a mouse.

'Everything okay here, love?'

She'd been in this business long enough to know to set some boundaries but with this lot, she was beginning to think they were going to be blurred.

'You touched my leg.'

'Sorry. Must have rubbed off it when you were picking up the glasses.' He gave her a sleazy smile. Before stepping closer pushing out his chest. A lump formed in her throat but she couldn't be seen taking any crap from these men. She clenched her fist prepared to take a swing if it became necessary. One thing her Granddad did teach her that was right.

'It came from behind my leg.' She cut and stood taller. 'And if you want to continue having your drinks served by me then it won't happen again.' She warned. Her hands were shaking with adrenaline, so she tucked them behind her back.

No weaknesses.

The pub went quiet. Sleazy turned and looked at all the eyes watching him before he stepped back. His face went red from his neck up.

'Sorry Mam, misunderstanding... It won't happen again.'

'Let's hope not.' She picked up the glasses and walked back to the bar.

Tomorrow night it will be worth it.