Atlantech: The Early Days Volume One

Chapter 11: Lady Luck

It appeared as though things had gotten a lot busier at The Card Shack at this hour, especially the bar, and all because of Victoria and her charming personality as she gallivanted around in a little black and silver beaded dress which showed off her nice legs, while sweet talking the men into sticking around and getting drunk with her. For now it seemed everything was going just as Maxwell planned, and he was quite pleased with her contribution while Enrique on the other hand, seemed a little envious of these patrons, and had to remind himself that she was only doing it to bring them more business. Not only that, but he was definitely making more money now himself because of her, and for that alone he was grateful.

But while he was busy serving customers, it didn't take long for him to spot an all too familiar face among the rest. It was that young guy in the leather jacket again, standing in the background looking rather annoyed that his usual seat at the end was taken. Enrique realized it too, but unfortunately there wasn't much he could do aside from asking that person to leave, even though the current drunk sitting there kept knocking over his glass every time he gestured with his hands while he spoke. It was irritating as hell, and Enrique seemed to be struggling to do all he could in preventing that drink from spilling onto the floor. We don't need another stain, he thought, narrowing his eyes at that man. Unless he wants to clean it up. But Enrique's frustration suddenly vanished once Victoria headed over to commend him for his hard work.

"You're doing great work, sweetie," she smiled sweetly as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, while Brian stood in the background, watching . "Keep this up, and you won't go unrewarded."

Enrique blushed as he began wiping down the counter after that same man had knocked over his glass again, only this time Victoria noticed it too and decided enough was enough.

"I think you've had enough to drink for one night," she mentioned as she came up behind the man and firmly placed her hands on his shoulders. "Come on now, let's get you out of here before you hurt yourself."

He staggered around as he stood up from the stool. "Are you coming home with me?" He asked nearly falling into her.

Victoria rolled her eyes as she started pushing him towards the door. "No I'm not. Now off you go, buddy. This ain't no red light district. You'll have to get your jollies somewhere else."

In the meantime, Brian was quick to take his seat back as soon as that man had left, and was already beginning to feel much better as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it.

"Back so soon again?" Enrique remarked as soon as he noticed him. "Have you nowhere else to go?"

Brian puffed on his cigarette in silence as he stared back at him.

"Well, can I assume that you want your usual glass of water then?" Enrique asked.

"I think I finally get it," Brian suddenly mentioned, catching Enrique off guard. "The reason why you stick around here? It's all too obvious now."

"Huh?" Enrique responded with confusion.

"I saw her kiss you on the cheek," Brian pointed out. "I noticed your reaction too. You like her don't you?"

Enrique sighed and lowered his head sheepishly. "It's the mixed signals I don't like. One minute she's sweet with me, then the next she's ordering me around."

Brian raised a brow. "So, what are you saying? Are you saying she's playing you?"

"Oh, no no no," Enrique shook his head. "I know she's not playing me, but I hate it when she sweet talks me you know? Like she acts like she has a thing for me and then she doesn't. You follow?"