The Albatross [walker]

six.

"I just wanted you to know,
That this is me trying.
At least i'm trying."
— this is me trying by taylor swift.

/ bar none \
season 1, episode 6

The news wasn't great. When Geri told me she was planning to sell the bar, it felt like the ground was falling out from under my feet.

There was no way I could change her mind now.

I glance at the boar mounted on the wall—"Denise," a peculiar gift Emily gave Cordell for his birthday six years ago. The story behind it is murky, something to do with the Davidson family, their daughter Denise, whom I've never met. It feels odd to know that soon, this little piece of history will no longer belong to us.

"Are you sure?" I ask when we're home.

After a cold shower to clear my head, I'm still stressed. This news only adds fuel to the fire.

Geri sets the food we picked up on the table and starts unpacking. "Yeah... I've been thinking about it for a while. And is good money, like I said, we can pay that loan."

I clear my throat and sit down. "Have you told Cordell yet?"

Geri's gaze drops as she opens a food package. "No..."

She takes a deep breath, knowing it won't be easy. The bar means a lot to him; it's where their friendship grew and where he fell more in love with Emily.

I sigh. "If you want, I can be there when you tell him, but I really think it's a mistake."

My fear is losing my job. Even though I love Sidestep, I can't shake the thought of what my life will be without it.

"No, you don't have to. I'll tell him tomorrow. It was just an idea, but now some buyers are interested..."

"Then it's official." I load food onto my plate, feeling discouraged. "Sidestep won't be yours anymore."

Geri nods, pouring juice into her glass. "No, it won't."

xxx

When I arrive at the bar, Geri is talking to Cordell and Micki. Cordell doesn't even glance my way as I organize the space.

It will be a year since Emily's death, and I overhear that the kids want to go camping.

I step outside, taking a deep breath. My chest feels heavy, and I don't want to hear any more of their conversation.

Suddenly, a beam collapses, sending lights crashing down. I jump, dodging debris. Poor Denise falls off the wall, face down on the floor.

Oh no. This place is falling apart.

I exchange a glance with Cordell, but it's my sister who rushes to me. "Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"

"No, I'm fine," I cough softly, relieved nothing hit me.