Haven

Chapter 4

Bill

I sat up in my bed, sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. My head ached, more from thinking about the day ahead than all the alcohol I consumed the night before. I reached for the bottle of water and pill bottle on my bedside table. I popped a painkiller in my mouth and swallowed it with the water. Another sigh.

"Good morning," I heard a sleepy female voice say behind me. I felt movement then hands snaked their way up my back and rested on my shoulders.

"Morning," I responded then immediately got up, earning a whine.

I turned around and looked at the girl. She held the sheets over her chest, face was flushed, hair was a mess and lips were curled into a pout. She was hot, not going to lie. I couldn't remember her name though.

"I have work to get to. You can use one of the guest bathrooms. I want you out of here within the hour," I said once I gave up on trying to figure out her name.

Shock then anger altered her face. She tossed the sheets off her and got up from the bed. I watched her, with amusement, as she angrily picked up her clothes then put them on. She walked over to me, fuming. It was adorable.

"You're an asshole," she said.

I know.

I put on a big smile, "thank you for your service. You may go now,"

Her hands bawled to fists before she let out a growl then stormed out of the room. I chuckled then made my way to my bathroom.

**

"Usual," I said as I took a seat at the bar.

Joey, the bartender, nodded then got started on fixing me a glass.

I dug into my pocket for a cigarette and lighter, tucked it between my lips and lit it. After a good hit, a glass of cold whisky appeared in front of me. I gulped down the drink.

The day was so far playing out like any other. I went to the hotel and was immediately welcomed by problems I needed to solve. It was exhausting but I never complained. I was building something of my own; finally, not just being defined by my father's accomplishments, not having the stress of carrying on Samuel Eden's legacy, and doing what I want, the way I want to do it. Venturing on my own cost me but it was worth it.

"Another?" Joey asked. I nodded. He brought the bottle and poured me some more.

"Long day?"

I chuckled, "yeah".

He placed the bottle next to me. I drank again then refilled. I took a deep drag, released.

For a while now, my life has been an endless loop consisting of work, coming to the bar to find sanctuary in cold whisky and cigarettes during lunch time, then back to working till I drop. It was a sad cycle but again, I was not complaining. The cycle meant order, stability. And I appreciated that.

"Thought business is finally booming," said Joey.

Bartenders are friends with everyone but I've been coming here for so long that Joey and I actually became friends.

It was the middle of the afternoon, the bar wasn't busy so Joey could talk.

"It is. But we are expanding, building a spa. I'm looking at hiring new staff, training them, getting inventory, the constructions. It's more work on top of my already existing pile of work,"

"Yeah, you need the whiskey." I laughed before nodding and taking another swig.

I felt my phone vibrate in my front pocket. I groaned then took it out.Another groan once I saw who was calling.

I answered, "yes?"

"Mr Eden," I heard Marty's shaking voice say.

Joey went to attend to a customer who just walked in.

"We have an issue,"

I sighed, straightened up and started looking for my wallet.

"I'm listening,"

"The contractors have stopped work because the materials have still not arrived,"

"They are already way behind schedule," I muttered to myself.

"Did you contact the delivery service? To find out why the materials are taking long?"

"Uh...no sir,"

Of course.

I rolled my eyes. "Get the number. I'm on my way,"

I placed some money on the counter. "Later, Joey" I said before exiting. I got into my car and drove back to the hotel.