Crossed Lines

Mina

The Den was finally quiet, save for the clinking of glasses as we loaded the dishwasher and the low hum of the cleaning machines. The last few customers had staggered out a little after midnight, and now it was just me, Ryan, and Sofia finishing up the close.

Ryan was mopping near the kitchen, his earbuds in, while Sofia stacked the cleaned glassware with her usual efficiency. My feet ached, and my ponytail felt like it was pulling on my skull, but the satisfaction of seeing the bar empty and spotless always made it worth it.

"Long shift," Sofia said, breaking the silence.

I nodded, wiping down the bar one last time. "Tell me about it. Trivia nights always bring out the wild ones."

She smirked. "Wild, or just weird?"

"Both," I said, thinking about the guy who tried to argue over the price of a beer special clearly listed on the chalkboard.

As if on cue, the front door swung open, the little bell jangling. I froze, mid-wipe, hoping he's not a crazy type of person.

"Sorry, we're closed!" Ryan shouted from the back without looking up.

But the guy walking in didn't seem to care. It was one of the frat boys who'd been sitting near the stage earlier. He had that confident, half-smirking swagger that made my stomach churn.

"Hey," he said, zeroing in on me like we were old friends. "Mina, right?"

Great. He remembered my name. "Yeah. What's up?" I asked, keeping my tone polite but firm.

He leaned on the counter, clearly not getting the we're closed memo. "I just wanted to say you did a great job tonight. Kept the drinks flowing, handled all the chaos like a pro. Seriously impressive." Impressive for doing my job?

"Thanks," I said flatly, grabbing the rag again to give myself something to do.

"Listen," he said, straightening up a little. "I was thinking... you should let me take you out sometime. You know, as a thank-you for keeping our table stocked."

Sofia, stacking glasses behind me, paused just long enough to exchange a knowing glance with me. She didn't say anything, but I can see it in her eyes. Preparing to step in just incase.

I sighed internally, plastering on a neutral smile. "That's really nice of you, but I'm actually not looking to date anyone right now."

He frowned, like he couldn't process the idea of someone saying no to him. "Fuck." he muttered or tried to. 

"Come on. Just one date. What's the harm in grabbing a drink or something? I promise I'm not like those other guys."

I clenched my jaw, trying to stay calm. "I appreciate it, but I'm good. Have a nice night."

Frat Boy still didn't move, looking like he might try another angle, but Ryan appeared from the back, mop in hand with Sofia in tow, and gave him a hard look.

"Hey, man. You heard her. We're closed."

That seemed to do the trick. The guy held up his hands in mock surrender, muttering something about how I was missing out before finally heading for the door.

"Thanks, Ryan," I said once the door clicked shut.

"No problem," he said, leaning the mop against the counter. "Some guys just don't get it, huh?"

"No kidding," I muttered, tossing the rag into the sink.

"Think he'll be back next trivia night?" Sofia has a worried expression as she slides the last of the glasses in place.