With All My Senses

finding steady footing

return / noun

an act of coming or going back to a place or activity

The door behind me closes with a low rustle, and I gaze at the man behind the counter that gives me both a funny and an amused expression as he looks up from his newspaper, the light of the dim lamps reflecting in his 90's old-school glasses; square, see-through at the bottom and with a dark frame on top. I give him a small smile. My ex-boss was actually a very handsome man, in that warm, rough, lumberjack kind of way. Which I never really mentioned, not wanting to boast his already quite a colorful ego. But that had more to with him thinking he was usually right about most subjects that he spoke of, while people were trying to prove him wrong - which usually lasted in long hour conversations by the side of his bar. I watch as his lips purse, a definite sign that he was trying not to laugh out with a pleasing, heavy bass that often filled the entire room with vibrations.

Elle, you look... decent. What happened and why did they abduct you?

I gaze at him for a moment, eyes narrowing.

Believe me, you do not want to get into an argument with me today.

Alright, what can I do for you then?

I need a job.

Ah yes, the thing that we talked about the last time around.

True, and I'm here to tell you I wasn't joking, buzzed on my third coke of the night, and people shamelessly performing karaoke.

And you were absolutely serious about it? Three shifts a week for starters before you feel better, and more on your feet?

Yes.

I say simply and sit comfortably on the high stool in front of the bar. Taking off the ridiculous jacket and scarf, turning up the sleeves of my pretty sweater and undoing my hair, shaking my head while I do so.

Better?

Phil asks and eyes me amused. 

Much, thank you. So, how about that job?

We will make some arrangements for it. But for now, how do you feel about making an easy $50?

It's time for my stare to turn amused.

Hmm, it depends. But keep going.

Carl is out this afternoon, running errands, taking care of the supplies and so on. And to be honest, I need some help with the kitchen and cleaning up, since Estelle won't be coming in until the evening, and Katy is there all alone. I'm behind the bar and managing it fine, but I'm sure the girl would do good with some help. So if you have 2 hours to spare right now, that would really work for me.

My head tilts to the side as I look at him for a moment, processing the information, a dark smile suddenly lighting up my features.

Phil, you know me. I have no problem rolling up my sleeves and working for my money on the spot. But let's face it, times are changing and everything costs more... so, if you will make it $75 for those couple of hours, you will have yourself a deal.

He gazes at me slowly from behind his glasses, then nods.

Fine, at least I know that you won't break anything that I will have to replace later, again.

He will get there. We all had to start somehow. Besides, it's going out of his paycheck. He will just have to learn it the hard way when he checks his credit card status.