Duskwood After Story

New Beginnings, Part 3

I arrived at the Aurora at around 2pm. The bar was just opened and there were not many patrons there. I saw Phil behind the bar, cleaning some classes while chatting up a girl sitting in the farthest corner. I approached quietly and sat down on a stool far from where they were, trying to not disturb their conversation.

Inside, the bar was pretty spacious. The walls were a dark greenish blue hue, and they were adorned with ocean-themed decorations such as photos of ships, a steering wheel, some type of swordfish, and some pirate flags. It had a strong aroma of oak and cedar, with a hint of moss. I couldn't help but wonder whether the kegs he kept behind the bar or the flooring had anything to do with it. Music from the jukebox echoed across the whole establishment. I took my time perusing the cocktail menu. With the exception of a few basic brews, everything else served at the Aurora had a moniker that screamed "unusual" or "bizarre." As I scoffed under my breath, I realized that they were unquestionably the work of Phil.

"Bailey?" – Phil called out, interrupting my thoughts.

His feet were rapid as he emerged from behind the bar and came toward me. I swung around to face the direction of his voice. "Hi Phil!". Upon seeing him, I burst out into a big grin and waved.

I extended my hand to him expecting a shake, but Phil pulled me into a tight hug instead. "It's you, littler birdy. So glad to finally meet you!"

My hands dangling by my side, I couldn't decide whether I should embrace him back or simply let them droop. When Phil continued to hold me tightly in his arms, I clumsily placed my arms over his shoulder in return. "Good to see you too, Phil. I hope you're well."

Phil's scent was drenched with smoke and hard liquor. His cologne was so overwhelming that it could leave even the most hardened of men dizzy. He towered above me, my chin had to tilt upward for the whole duration of the hug. It was finally getting uncomfortable when he started loosening his embrace.

"I've been expecting you since yesterday. Jessy told me about your welcome party. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" – His voice quickened as he fired a barrage of questions at me.

"Sorry, I came in yesterday. I was a bit busy so I didn't have time to come see you..."

Phil's strong hands were squeezing the side of my arms. I felt his gaze wander from my lips to my eyes, then my lips again as I responded. His charm was undeniable, and if I had not had my heart already set for Jake, I would have just dropped to his feet like many other women had. This was the power of a genuinely seductive womaniser. I told myself to never let Jessy know about this thought.

"How long are you staying?" – He continued, never breaking his gaze from me.

"For now, only a week, but maybe I'll stay longer. I don't know yet."

"Alright, alright. Then you have to come here every day, 'k? Sit, sit, I'll get you something to drink. What's your poison?"

"Sorry, no poison for me right now," – I said sheepishly as I sat back down in my chair and returned his smile – "I still have some errands to run afterwards. And I'll be driving. Don't want to end up like Dan and ruin my trip, you know?"

His face darkened momentarily upon hearing about Dan. Dan came clean about testifying against Phil in the aftermath. Jessy got caught in the mid-fire again and stopped talking to Dan for a whole week. Phil was not as forgiving as his sister, and it seemed he was still resentful of the guy. He shook his head, while pulling out the stool next to me to sit down. He rested his elbow on the bar top, leaning his whole body weight in that direction and turned sideways at me.

"Alright, I understand. I won't force you, little birdy. Just seeing your face is enough."

Then we chatted for a little while. I told him about the plan on Saturday, and he promised that all my drinks that night would be his treats.

Soon, it was time to go. I got up from my seat, bidding Phil farewells. He went in for another quick hug and whispered in my ear: "Come back again soon. Until then, I'll be heartbroken, little birdy." He let go, passing me a wink and a playful smirk. I left quickly before my face had a chance to blush. I must admit, Phil had a talent in making people flustered with just his words.

***

When I got back to the cabin, it was already mid-afternoon. Jake was gluing himself at the dining table, typing away. When he saw me enter, he rose to his feet and walked over to give me a warm hug.

"Welcome back, Bailey."

I threw my arms around him, returning the hug, letting myself melt into his warm snuggle.

"Hmm... There is a different smell on you." – Jake said, getting a deep whiff at my neck.

"Oh?" – I let go of him and began to examine my own body. Then a realization hit me. "Oh, this must be Phil's cologne."

"Phil's cologne?..." – Jake asked with a perplexed look on his face.

"Yes. I went to the Aurora earlier, I told you, remember? When we met, I wanted to shake his hands but he went in for a hug instead. His cologne must have got stuck on my clothes. I didn't even notice it." – I took another sniff at one of the sleeves. "It's such a strong smell."

Jake's face darkened with complicated emotions. He stood there in complete silence while I attempted to explain this "foreign" smell all over me. I raised my eyes cautiously to meet his, trying to read what was going on in his mind. I don't think he's mad, is he?

"Can you raise both your arms up real quick for me?" – He asked, breaking the silence.

"Huh? Why?" – My head tilted to one side, not understanding his weird request.

"Just trust me."

"Uh... okay." – I proceeded to raise my arms just like he had asked.

In one quick movement, he got the hoodie out of my body and threw it on the floor. Then he took off the one he was wearing and handed it over to me.

"Here, you should wear this instead. The other one has been... dirtied"

With his hoodie in my arms, I laughed. Finally, I understood what he was trying to do.

Agonizingly, Jake picked up the one lying on the floor with only two fingers. As soon as he got it to the washing machine, he flung it in with all of his might, then started the engine. "There, crisis averted."

I put his sweatshirt on swiftly and raced up to give him a quick hug from behind, while he was menacingly glaring at the tub with crossed arms.