Orderly || 18+

♥ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴇɪɢʜᴛ♥

The bar is packed—just the way Marx likes it. The kind of night where the drinks flow freely, and the worries of the workweek dissolve into the background noise of clinking glasses and the occasional cheer from a pool game. After working another week of doubles, I really need this.

I spot Emersyn right away, sitting at our usual table near the back, her smile lighting up the room as she waves me over. Three of her boyfriends, Fowler, Locke, and Cruz, are scattered around her, all of them looking relaxed and at ease in the chaotic atmosphere of the bar. Marx, her other boyfriend, is behind the counter, his tall, broad frame easily visible as he pours drinks and chats with the regulars. Even from here, I can see the easy confidence in his movements, the way he commands the space with a calm authority that makes everything feel like it's under control.

Emersyn pulls me into a hug as soon as I reach the table. "I'm so glad you made it."

I return the hug, smiling as I take in the sight of her. "Wouldn't miss it for the world. How's everything going?"

"Busy, as usual. But it's the good kind of busy. Marx hired a new bartender, actually. He's starting tonight."

"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow, glancing toward the bar. "Who's the lucky guy?"

Emersyn points subtly with her chin, and my gaze follows the direction of her nod. That's when I see him—Elias. The guy that wrecked his motorcycle a couple of weeks back. He's behind the bar, mixing a drink with a practiced ease, his rusty colored hair catching the light as he moves. He's wearing a black t-shirt that clings to his muscular frame, and the sight of him working the bar with such confidence sends a small jolt of surprise through me.

I hadn't expected to see him here, of all places.

"Well, well," I murmur, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Looks like he's feeling better."

"You know him?"

"He was in the hospital not that long ago. Wrecked his bike. Really messed up his wrist."

I hesitate for a moment, but curiosity gets the better of me. I make my way through the crowd, weaving between groups of people until I reach the bar. Elias spots me before I can say anything, his eyes lighting up with recognition.

"Valarie? Fancy seeing you here. Do you come to this bar often?"

I lean against the counter, smiling up at him. "Actually, my best friend's boyfriend owns the place. So yeah, I'm here pretty often."

He chuckles, his gaze sweeping over the bar. "Small world. I've only been working here a few days, but I've got to say, Marx is a pretty chill boss. I like it here."

"Yeah, Marx is great," I agree, feeling a small pang of pride for Emersyn. "What are you doing here? Starting a new career?"

Elias nods, his expression thoughtful. "I'm working extra shifts this summer to save up some money. Gotta fix my motorcycle after that wreck. Marx was looking for some temporary help with the summer rush, and it seemed like a good opportunity."