Different Element

Unreal

Putting another beer on the counter I move down and serve the next customer. Even though I've had a long ass day I still knew I had to work. When I moved down here and got the job from my Uncle I knew I couldn't, and wouldn't, screw him over. The way the people acted at the bar it seemed he couldn't keep a good bartender. Even with everything going on I couldn't bear to hurt or screw my Uncle over. He's amazing for even helping me out when I called him and asked if he could help me find a job.

I continue running the bar, filling drinks and making sure Alexis, Rochelle and Darcy are all getting their drinks. There isn't too much of a ruckus but it could be too that my Uncle is constantly walking the bar like a caged animal. It makes me laugh lightly thinking that because he technically is an animal. The revelations that I'm going through are still a shock to me. I know that even now I feel an ache for Dalton, to be near him or to at least have him in my sights. With him working the front door I can't see him, which explains the nonstop ache. He feels it even more than I do which is why I have Gabe hovering semi near me. I told him we couldn't stretch security but he said that he can't focus if he doesn't have his eyes on me or someone he trusts to protect me. It was very domineering of him and I loved it.

Glancing up from wiping the bar I see Gabe with his unwavering eyes on me. Flashing him a smile and sticking my tongue out his cold face transforms into a wide smile as he laughs a little. I can't hear it over the booming music but I can tell from the bobbing of his Adams apple that he's laughing. Shaking my head I focus on my task and see a few new patrons walking up to the bar. Hoping for something easy, because I am feeling kind of lazy for some reason, I toss the rag in the sink and make my way to the end of the bar.

"Can I get a sex on the beach?" The blonde requests as she announces this in a loud voice catching the men anywhere near her to stop and look. Not that her slutty outfit wasn't enough to capture some attention. Her breasts seemed to be begging for release in her disgusting little dress.

"Not a problem, what about the rest of you ladies?" I ask in my happy bartender voice. Inside I'm mentally strangling the nasty wench. Her friends don't look too terrible but I can tell they're on the prowl as well for free drinks.

"We want tequila shots." The heavily made up face makes me cringe internally but I nod and begin making their drinks.

It only takes a few moments before everything is ready but I sit the drinks down in front of the women and give them a smile. "$18 even ladies, unless this is separate."

The blonde looks affronted. "We don't have to pay, we have a friend that works here."

"And that would be who?" I ask trying to be polite.

"Dalton." She says snootily.

"Just give me one second." I hold up a finger to her and wave over Gabe. He doesn't take but a minute to be at my side. "Tell Dalton to come here, now." I say gently but I can feel the irritation pouring out of me.

"Hold on L-Val." He catches himself from calling me Luna, again. Dalton filled me in earlier while I whipped us up something to eat before work.

*Flashback*

"Dalton, are you incapable of keeping your hands to yourself?" I ask laughing as he kisses my neck and runs his hands up and down my sides.

"Fine," he steps back and pulls his warmth away from me. "We'll see how long you last love." He throws me a wink but I can see some worry behind his eyes. I was teasing when I asked him but I have questions and I can't focus on those, much less cooking, when he's touching me.

"Why does everyone start to call me something that starts with an L before correcting themselves? Like at breakfast earlier Christian called me Lu-Valerie." I ask trying to busy myself so I don't turn and pull him back to me.