Finding Her

CHAPTER 7

JASON

I heaved a sigh of relief as I parked behind my place of work. I looked at my watch, 7 pm. Owning a bar, especially one that was close to the beach, was extremely stressful but I enjoyed it. I opened it 2 years ago, with the help of my friends so it was still up-and-coming but it was booming at least.

If someone told me 2 years ago, that I would leave my job as a software engineer in CodeMasters and open a bar, I would have laughed hard but look at me now. I still did software development on the side, especially when I had the time to but owning a bar was amazing. Regardless of how tasking it was, I enjoyed it.

I had just returned from receiving the inventories I ordered for the bar a few weeks back. It was supposed to be delivered to me but a minor issue came up so I had to take them myself. Thankfully, I didn't order a lot this time.

I turned to look at my back seat - boxes of new alcoholic drinks, glass wares, and mixers were arranged there. I heaved a tired sigh and got out of the car, making a mental note to take them later or tomorrow.

"Good evening Boss," Patrick, the bartender greeted me as I walked into the bar with the back door. I nodded and sat on one of the stools. "How did it go?" He continued as he handed me a glass of water.

"Stressful as usual but I got them all," I downed the entire glass at a go. "Thanks." I added. He nodded in acknowledgment.

I looked around the bar. "We need more people to work here, what do you think?"

"Slow and steady boss. You are already doing your best." He said and I smiled

Thankfully, I got customers every day. So that was a win.

I watched as one of the cleaners wiped the tables with a towel. I turned to Patrick.

"Any news for me?" I asked and he nodded like he had just remembered something.

"A lady came by, looking for you. She said she was going to wait but with her demeanor, I think she left."

"Demeanor?" I asked.

"Yeah, she looked sad, or perhaps angry. She ordered a mocktail, went close to the beach, returned, ordered a full bottle of Tequila, and left about 10 minutes before you walked in."

No. It can't be.

"Could you describe her for me? I asked. Patrick looked at me, amused.

"Okay, if you say so." He started. "She is of average height, slightly dark in complexion, and might I add, really pretty." He concluded.

"Did she tell you anything before leaving?" I asked.

"Just her name, Jennifer." He replied.

Damn, she drank Tequila again. Oh well, I tried. I thought to myself.

I looked at the wall clock, it was 7:30 pm. I told Patrick to go home because it was getting late and he didn't have a place close by. The beach was private so I could stay open for the whole day because anyone could come to the beach at any time.

Patrick left, the customers that were there also left, other workers left too, and I was alone. I listened to the waves coming from the beach; for some odd reason, it resonated with me calmly. I looked outside the window and saw someone, I could tell from the outfit that it was a lady. I couldn't tell who she was because it was already dark and it was quite far. She was sitting close to shore, drinking. I couldn't tell what she was drinking but it looked like alcohol. I suddenly became intrigued.

Why is she drinking alone by the beach at this time? I wondered within myself and kept watching. I knew she finished the bottle when she dropped it beside her and laid down. I shook my head. The waves were getting stronger and they were coming closer to shore.