Calculus of the Heart

Chapter 7

I wake up to the sound of Max barking at the passing cars outside. Stretching, I grab my phone from the nightstand and check the time. It's almost ten, which means I've got a few hours before my Sunday shift at the bar. The thought of spending another afternoon serving drinks isn't exactly thrilling, but the promise of a night out with Jess afterward makes it bearable.

I unlock my phone to find a message from Jess.

Jess
Hey! Are we still on for tonight? I could use some jazz in my life!

I smile and quickly type back.

Ella
Definitely! I'll meet you at the bar after my shift ends around 8. Should be fun!

Jess
Perfect. See you there! Maybe we'll meet some cute guys. Or girls, of course;)

Ella
Maybe!

With plans for the night solidified, I roll out of bed and make myself breakfast. Max circles my feet, hoping for a bite, but I remind him that bacon isn't exactly dog food. He sulks but settles down with his kibble.

I spend the rest of the morning relaxing, finishing up some homework, and taking Max for a walk around the neighborhood. The September sun is still warm but not too oppressive, and it feels good to clear my head before the busy day ahead.

I arrive at the bar just before my shift starts at 2 PM. The place is already alive with a few early patrons, including Joe. Joe is in his late fifties, always seated at the corner stool, nursing his usual pint of beer. He's a bit rough around the edges, but his kindness and humor have made us unlikely friends.

"Afternoon, Ella," Joe greets me with a wide, slightly tipsy grin. "Ready for the jazz crowd tonight?"

"Of course, Joe. You sticking around for the music?" I ask, tying on my apron.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he says, raising his glass in a mock toast.

The afternoon passes in a blur of orders, conversations, and clinking glasses. Joe keeps me entertained with his stories about his glory days playing in a rock band, which I'm pretty sure are half true and half exaggerated. The crowd starts to pick up around five, and by seven, the place is buzzing with excitement. The jazz band arrives and begins setting up, adding a lively vibe to the atmosphere.

As I pour drinks and chat with the patrons, I spot Jess walking in just after eight, looking fabulous in a sleek black dress that contrasts beautifully with her deep skin tone. Her black curly hair frames her face, bouncing with each step she takes. She waves at me and makes her way to the bar.

"Hey, stranger," she says with a grin. "You ready for some fun?"

"Always," I reply, handing a beer to a waiting customer. "Just let me finish up here, and we'll head to the dance floor."

She nods and orders a drink while I wrap up my shift. I quickly change out of my work clothes into something more suitable for a night out—a blue blouse and jeans that are both comfortable and stylish.

The jazz band kicks off their first set with a lively tune, and the crowd responds with enthusiasm. Jess and I find a spot near the stage, enjoying the music and letting the rhythm guide us as we sway and move to the beat.

It's not long before a guy in his mid-twenties with slicked-back hair approaches me. He's got a confident grin, but there's something about him that immediately rubs me the wrong way. Still, I try to be polite as he steps into my personal space.

"Hey there, I'm Alex," he says, leaning in a bit too close. "Care to dance?"

I take a step back, maintaining a friendly smile. "Thanks, but I'm just here to enjoy the music with my friend."