Bottoms Up

A Bride walked into a Bar

"Can't you smile a bit more in the morning?" I glanced over to my overly chipper uncle as he turned on the "Open" sign outside. It blinked to life with a flash of red and blue. I looked at him with a sour face as I continued to wipe the counter to an immaculate state.

"No. You know I hate mornings." I monotonously replied. My uncle pouted childishly as he walked into the kitchen behind the bar, muttering "asshole" while he passed me. I smirked at his comment, continuing my daily organization of my work station.

As I finished up polishing the counter, I heard the welcome bell ring at the door. I tilted my head up slightly to catch a glimpse of a woman. She had bright blue eyes, mousy blond hair and a slim figure. Her skin was fair as if she had never been in the sun. Her eyes wandered around the bar curiously, slowly making her way towards me.

Her steps halted and the woman sat herself down in one of our comfy bar seats. She fiddled with her fingers in her lap, almost as if nervous to be here. And although her beauty was eye-catching, the thing that made her stood out was the intricately-laced white gown that she wore. Along with her white heels and translucent veil that covered her face. I blinked twice at her, trying to figure out why she was here, but I noticed that her hands were shaking.

I breathed out and put on a small charming smile. I leaned on the bar, bending down so she could see me.

"What can I get for you today, madam?" I asked in a cordial manner. The girl looked up with slight tears starting to form at her eyes and she forced a smile.

"Surprise me." I nodded my head politely as I whipped around, having my back face her. The squeak of the chair was the only thing heard in the bar and I could tell she was shifting under the tension.

"Can I ask you something?" I remained unfazed as my hands moved efficiently to mix her drink.

"Go ahead."

"Why am I here?" I stifled a soft laugh.

"Aren't I supposed to be the one asking you that?" I could feel the heat radiating off her face and I simply smiled.

"Why are you here? You're supposed to be somewhere else, right?" I spoke with a sort playful edge to my voice. A sigh left her lips and I peered over my shoulder for a second. She giggled lightly and nodded insecurely.

"To be honest, I don't know. I love the man, I do, but I suddenly found myself walking the streets. Then I noticed this place and thought a drink will probably do me good." I turned to face her and she glanced up from her lap. I gently placed a tall martini glass in front of her with a cheerful pink solution cooling inside.

"A blushing bride for the blushing bride." I announced and she loosely gripped the curve of the cold glass. A pleasant grin showed as she took a long sip of the drink. After a second gulp, she placed the glass down.

"Thank you, it's delicious." Confidently, I smirked and leaned myself against the bar. I examined the woman and noticed that she was longingly rubbing her engagement ring.

"I don't think you don't love him. I think you love him so much that you walked away. You walked away because you're unsure of yourself." I said and she clenched her hands into fists.

"Unsure?" She questioned in a low voice and her eyes stayed on her ring.

"Yes. Unsure, if that once you make this commitment that you will be able to make him happy. Unsure that he'll continue to love you. Unsure that once you step onto that alter that he'll say yes."

Silence fell over the small town bar. Tears had slid down those rosy cheeks and she shook with each one that came.

"But that's natural. To feel unsure I mean." I pulled out a handkerchief and tenderly put it into her hands. The makeup that had been painted on her face was now streaming in colorful rivers down her face, but she wiped them away.

"That man probably loves you greatly or he wouldn't be running all around town looking for." Her head shot up as her gaze was averted to the door.

There stood a man. Fully dressed in a tuxedo, sweat rolling down his face, worry drenched along with all that sweat. The second he laid eyes on the bride he collapsed to his knees and through his rugged breath he whispered.

"Th-Thank... go...god." The bride ran over to the groom and rub her hand on his back to comfort him.

"W-Why... are-are.... you.. here?" She struggled to ask through sobs and hiccups. He just slithered his arms around the woman's bare shoulders, placing his head in the crook of her neck.

"Isn't obvious? I was searching for you." The bride held onto to him, clutching tightly onto his back.

"I'm so-sorry... fo-for leaving. I-"

"You don't need to explain. It's alright, I'm just glad you're safe. I love you, you idiot." She smiled through tears as all her worries seemed to wash away with those three words.

"Now can we please go get married?"

. . . .

I waved happily to the two soon-to-be wife and husband. They waved back in gratitude and ran off together. I sighed heavily, but my smile never left.

Opening the bar entrance, I walked in and was greeted by my uncle, who was sitting in a bar chair. He was smiling playfully and followed after me with his dark brown orbs.

"I thought you weren't a morning person."

"Shut up."