Calculus of the Heart

Chapter 14

The bar is already bustling with life by the time I clock in for my shift. The familiar hum of conversation, clinking glasses, and the occasional shout from the back room welcomes me as I make my way behind the counter. It's a lively Friday night, and I know it's going to be a busy one.

It's been weeks since Ms. Reynolds started giving me the cold shoulder, and I'm really starting to miss our usual banter and flirting. I'm not sure what's going on. I've tried asking a few weeks back, but that didn't work out well. Maybe I should try and ask her again, but I feel like I might be crossing a line if I do. So instead, I've been ignoring it and pretending everything is normal.

I tie my apron around my waist, smoothing it over my skirt—just short enough to be on the edge of the dress code but not so much that it draws complaints from my boss. With a quick nod to Mike, the bartender on the other end of the bar, I dive into my duties, taking orders and mixing drinks with practiced ease.

As the evening progresses, the crowd thickens, and the energy in the bar rises. I find myself falling into the familiar rhythm of pouring beers and chatting with the patrons. The regulars wave as they come in, and I nod and smile, exchanging pleasantries as I prepare their usual orders.

A little while into my shift, Joe walks in, weaving his way through the crowd with a slightly unsteady gait. He's a fixture in this place, known for his genial nature and penchant for a little too much whiskey.

"Hey, Ella!" Joe greets me with a wide grin as he slides onto his usual stool at the bar.

"Hey, Joe," I reply with a smile. "The usual?"

"You know me too well," he chuckles, settling in as I pour him a glass of his preferred whiskey.

I slide the drink across the bar to him, watching as he takes a sip, his eyes closing briefly in satisfaction. Joe is one of those people who always has a story to tell, and tonight, he looks like he's in the mood to talk.

"How's life treating you, Joe?" I ask, leaning against the bar as I catch a rare moment of lull in the crowd.

Joe shrugs, his expression turning a little more serious. "Ah, you know how it is. Some days are better than others. But enough about me, what about you? How's school going?"

"Busy," I reply with a sigh. "It's been a bit of a week, honestly."

"Oh? Do tell," Joe encourages, his curiosity piqued.

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how much to share. But then I remember that Joe has always been a good listener, someone who never judges. Besides, talking to him might help me make sense of everything that's been going on.

"Well, you know my math teacher, Ms. Reynolds?" I begin, and Joe nods in recognition. "She's been giving me the cold shoulder for weeks now. It's like, suddenly, I'm persona non grata in her class."

Joe raises an eyebrow, sipping his drink thoughtfully. "That doesn't sound like her. What happened?"

I sigh, leaning against the bar as I try to piece it together. "Honestly, I'm not sure. I mean, we've always had this kind of... something going on. You know, a little back-and-forth banter. But ever since I thought I saw her at the club a few weeks ago, things have been weird."

"The club?" Joe echoes, his interest piqued.

"Yeah, I went out dancing with some friends, and I could have sworn I saw her there. It was the same night I kissed someone... someone else," I admit, feeling a slight blush creeping into my cheeks.

Things didn't work out with Maya and me. As much as we were hitting it off, it was more friendly than romantic. And besides, my mind is on someone else entirely.