Si Vis Amari Ama

{1}

My time to clock out was nearing and never have I ever been happier. Today consisted of getting hit on by many guys that ranged from nerds to couch potatoes. The ones in between, I didn't mind. I let myself by with getting some numbers.

Wiping down the dirty, wet counter from the wet beverages and left over food, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Niani.

Her name seems a little foreign right? A semi-hispanic redhead with the name Niani—you'd have guessed it sort of suited her. Well, she claimed she was named after a village located in Guinea, Africa. Her parents used to live there for a couple years before coming to the U.S. apparently.

"What's up?" I said nonchalantly, turning back to finish up my job.

"I'm gonna be gone tomorrow and I know this is very late notice, but I was wondering if you could, you know..."

I stopped what I was doing and turned to face her again. I knew what she was asking. I knew and I wasn't sure I was up for it this time. I really wanted another day where I focused on me, on my needs for a day.

"No" I say sternly.

"What? Why not?" She frowns.

Because the fuck? I said no that's why?

But I keep these voices in my head silent. One more word of negativity from me to a co-worker or customer, I'm out.

"You can ask Kev. He literally does nothing with his life outside of work." I state a bit irritated.

"Uh," she pauses for a awkward moment, "Okay." She lightly whispers and leaves (I hope) on her way to bug Kevin now.

God, is all I can think. Just because I offered to take her shift last time didn't mean I was up to do it again. I just took it because I didn't want to face Mandy—my annoying-yet-somewhat-bearable roommate—that whole day. She was on her period at the time and literally almost talked my head off about her relationship problems. Like I give one fuck.

Niani's schedule varies from time to time. She mainly takes the day times, but if she's desperate for it, she'll work the whole day or just the night shift.

Night shifts is where you hit the jackpot. That's when all the biker gangs or parties for docs fill the vacancy of this bar. Tits out, tips pour. You get amazing tips I'll tell you that much.

I go back to finishing up the sticky counters and soon head to the back to dump the dirty dishes. This is always my favorite time of the night. Getting to go home. And sometimes, being lucky enough to bring some extra warmth to my sheet.

I stay a bit irritated still at the lingering customers. A couple old bikers and Niani still servicing them new drinks.

I check the clock behind me.

2:30 am

Technically we never close, but since I'm trusted soon to be manager—which I do not want happening because I want a job where I'm praised more for my personality and body—I get to close up shop at two. Typically they happen when days are slow, but when I'm in charge, it happens when I can't stand the place anymore.

Not that anyone ever cares, but I also end up taking leftover beer cases or vodka that are meant to go to our owners' parties he throws almost every week.

The job does have its perks. Can't complain.

I walk over to the table and muster up the best, fakest smile.

"Hi, will you gentlemen be needing anything else?" In my head, I'm dragging them out to finally leave the place.

"How about a side of you and your friend? Is that up for grabs?"