Two Ghosts [h.s]

34

Entering the bar I make it just in time before the rain comes down again. I make it inside dry and walk over to the bar.

Harleigh was right this place is completely empty. There's a couple of people seated and playing pool but other than that it's deserted.

Plopping myself down on a bar stool Harleigh walks out from the back and smiles at me. "You walked?" He raises his eyebrows.

"Fresh air never killed anyone." Snickering he pulls out a pack of donuts and places them on the counter. My eyes instantly light up.

"You know, this is why we're friends."

I pick up a chocolate glazed donut and bite into the sweetness and moan. "Yum."

Shaking his head he only picks up a powdered donut and stuffs his face.

"Where's Phil?" I haven't seen that big guy since he lectured me about Harry, I miss him. He's like a father to me.

"I'm not sure he's been out. So what ya do today?" He says as his mouth covers in white power and I stifle a laugh.

"Hung out with the same people I was with last night."

"Yeah, I was meaning to ask if your relationship with them was new." Walking behind the counter he retrieves a glass and fills it with water for the two of us.

"Like last week I think. It was pretty quick but he's a close friend." Friend my ass but whatever. I'm not about to tell him he's my friend who sleeps in the same bed as me and we kiss each other.

"Bout time you climb out of your shell." He speaks and I start to twirl the ring on my thumb below the counter.

"Well, today I was just catching up on some reading. It was my first book in a while and I forgot how much I like it."

"Well good for you I'm glad. Putting yourself out there." I squirm in my seat and stare daggers through him.

"You sound like a parental figure."

Shaking his hands of the powder he smiles, "With you, I feel ancient." Rolling my eyes he places a rather large box on the counter from below. "You mind?"

"I thought I wasn't working." I take a sip of the cold water.

"You aren't but I have to go take care of a few things. Just put it in the back and I'll be right back." I stand on my two feet and pull the heavy box towards me.

"I better get a raise."

"Oh wait." he runs to the end of the bar where I stand and places a huge binder on top of the heavy load which causes my knees to buckle a tiny bit. "Thanks, mate." he smiles taking off.

Standing straight I walk to the end of the hall turning left through the red space. White lights starts to flicker and I can see a little better.

Opening the storage room an automatic light turns on and I shove the crate of alcohol and binders on the first shelf I see. Walking out of the room the door shuts behind me and I stand alone in this empty hallway.

Turning left I stop in my tracks to look behind me. The small door I've wondered about for months stands right in front of me. I know I should just back away and walk out to the bar but I'm interested. Lucie said she thinks it's abandoned now so what's the harm? I'll open the door for a second to ease my wandering thoughts and then I'll go meet with Harleigh.

Nodding my shoulders forward I peer around the small space before turning around. The closer I get the slower my feet walk to get to the destination. I'm not sure why my stomach hits the floor. It's not a big deal, it's probably just some room.