Promises | ✔️

Chapter 3: Better Than Nothing

The next morning I woke up to loud shouting outside. I reached for my phone and saw that it was 9 am. I dragged myself out of bed and looked outside the window. A group of kids was playing outside. Today, I would go check out both jobs, and then go pick up my car afterward.

The bookstore was a little farther away from my apartment, but once I had my car, it would be easier. The walk was about 15 minutes, but the warm, summer air made it better. When I reached the store, I saw a few customers browsing through the collection on the shelves. It wasn't a huge story, but it was small and welcoming. I walked towards the counter to ask the employee about the manager.

"Hi. Where can I find the manager?" I asked the girl behind the counter who was placing stickers on books. She was dressed in all black and had dark purple hair.

She looked me up and down. "Why?"

I smiled sweetly, ignoring the attitude. "I saw that you're hiring and I'm interested."

"Well, someone actually came in today morning. I think they were hired. But the office is in the back." She pointed to the far right of the store.

"Thank you." I nodded and walked to the office. When I reached the door, I knocked. I was standing there for 2 minutes, so I knocked again.

"Sorry, sorry. Coming!" A lady yelled from inside. A few seconds later the door was opened. I was greeted by a short woman. She was wearing a large, colorful shirt; had glasses; and had her dark, ginger hair up in a bun. She kind of reminded me of Ms.Darbus from High School Musical. "Hello! Come in!"

I stepped inside the office. There was a huge window behind a desk. I saw a mini fountain sitting on the desk. There were unlit candles scattered around the room. In front of me, I saw a yoga mat.

"So, how can I help you today?" The woman said cheerfully.

"I'm actually here for the job opening," I told her, while she motioned for me to sit down at the chair in front of her desk, while she also took a seat.

"Ohhh." She frowned. "Unfortunately, someone came by this morning and was given the job. I'm sorry."

A wave of disappointment hit me. I was really looking forward to getting this job. I honestly didn't want to work at the bar. That is if I got the job. "Is there any way you could hire a second person?" I looked at her pleadingly.

"I'm afraid, I can't, honey. Business is tight, and I can't afford too many employees." She looked at me.

"Oh ok, thank you though." I slowly got up to exit.

"But here." I turned and saw her rummaging through her desk drawers for something. She pulled out a little card and gave it to me. "This is a coupon. For every 4 books you buy, you get the fifth one for free. There are about 20 spaces on that." She smiled. I took the card, knowing that I probably couldn't even afford to buy books. "And you could always come by here, and read in the store." I thanked her and walked out of the store.

As I was walking, my stomach grumbled. I realized I hadn't eaten any breakfast today morning. I saw a Dunkin and decided to go in and ordered one cup of munchkins.

After finishing, I went back outside to head to the bar. A part of me was nervous. Not if I would get the job or not, but if I did, what would I do? I mean working at a bar at night is scary for a girl like me. All the drunk, horny men. I also didn't drink much. I had drunk a few beers with friends in high school and the beginning of college, but I wasn't really a fan. But, I really needed a job.

The bar was only 5 minutes away from my apartment. I could easily walk there if I got the job. I entered the place and was instantly hit with the smell of alcohol. I saw a few men sitting at tables, eating wings and drinking, but it wasn't full since it was only 11 in the morning. As I was walking towards the counter, some men at a table looked me up and down. I just ignored them and continued. At first, I didn't see anyone, so I peered over the edge. Suddenly, someone sprung up from behind, holding two bottles. I jumped back in surprise, almost falling backward.