The outside noise is silenced as I shut the door behind me, the tiny bell rung that was dangling at the top of the door notifying a customer's arrival but this time it was me. I looked around, a few heads turned around in my direction, some stared for long, Laughter overpowering the jukebox filled my ears. There was even an orchestra in a far end corner, something I suggested long ago. Conversations swirl in a cloud of smoke, the stagnant stench of cigarettes hides within the collaboration of mephitic odours. A sharp smell of drink wafts towards me, like black plumes bellowing from the windows of a burning house. Someone from the middle crowd hollered "IT'S OUR ZINO!!!" Another cry erupted from the back table "AY! ZINO IS BACK!!" I always radiated confidence still the shadow of nervousness fell over me before entering the bar but the uproar notifying my presence brought back my glow.
I saw a few clanging their Dimpled pint mugs. The long bar table was full as were many of the tables in the room. I slowly walked in. A couple of tables occupied with card players and the pool tables were busy. I was taking in the crowd, the place was modified. "Heya! Remember me!?" One overly muscled middle-aged man turned on his barstool and the question was directed to me. Of course I don't remember him but who cared here "Yeah dude! How's life going!?" I cheerly highfived him as I walked by him his reaction was as lively. Some tables held diners devouring food. At one time the left end corner used to be the place I fooled around half of the day with random regulars when I didn't had my shift. I stared in the direction which was now replaced with the diner table with memories replying in the back of my head, As the night goes on, I'll be more comfortable in this crowd, intoxicated by spirits and the moments all the same.. Other tables filled a variety of people enjoying drinks together. The crowd converted to overly energetic mood after my arival. Some screamed random shit for me and I bellowed laughter.
Although there were a whole bunch of people that were new, some I didn't recognized, I blended in the bash.
If I could melt into this bar I'd be the vibe, move around as easily as the smoke. I'd soak in the laughter and the smiles, but I came here with a purpose today.
What the fellow guys asked me sounded from a distant source but I managed to quench their hunger for my answers anyhow as I hoisted myself on one of the vacant padded bar seat. I was searching for the old guy, one of my dad's trusted man. The others appointed were new but few were yet the same as before. I don't remember any of their names I never learnt them seriously anyway.
I spotted the back door but only the authorized members and workers were allowed to go inside. I was the closest to my dad but even I didn't possess the identification card, he offered me once yet I refused because that time I was free to through any barrier but now he has upgraded the security systems.
"I see you want to go that side." Eyes I suspected I was familiar with arched an eyebrow his rest rest of the face was hidden behind a black smog mask matching with his black hooded sweatshirt. He almost seemed suspicious so I eyed him from head to toe studying him intensely before answer ing him not caring what he might think when he was the strange one here. He sat on the barstool next to me. Even I was dressed for the place, while he stood out. His bulging biceps had my attention but I had a feeling I have seen him somewhere maybe if I touched him I could tell. He did coughed twice but I hd to feel his skin. He gave me a familiar feeling. I held my fingers in air thinking again before finally deciding to approach his biceps. He was eyeing me warily, hell I gave a fuck. He caught my hand in mid air and leaned in closer to my ear "Getting touchy..Aren't we? Should we continue this upstairs..You are more than invited to take advantage of me." My stomach fluttered under his breath. I cleared my throat. He winked, his eyes magnetic.
Caughtya!
I snickered.
I looked around to find the big guy in the dense crowd but in vein. "You Better not end up alone in a room with me. Can be lethal." I politely warned leaning in his ear whispering in the same manner he did.
But before I could pull away he firmly gripped my neck in place from behind, as he turned his head his hot breath hit my earlobe and ever so slowly he argued in a low but raspy voice. "For Me or..You?"
My heart beat quickened, I gulped. That scared but thrilled me as well, if I wasn't running out of time I would've said "Let's find out.".
He loosened and I pulled away. Once again I was coughing looking everywhere but him. "A Martini for my beautiful." He ordered and the bartender had it in no time in front of me. I was feeling hot I was afraid if he noticed I was blushing instead so I chuged down the drink in one go hoping the drink could explain my reddened cheeks.
I internally slapped myself 'back to reality! back to reality!'
During the time while we flirted with each other or to say my attempt to scare him off ended up exciting me.. the fuss around me faded in a blur. I realized it now because I could hear the noise around us.
I didn't extended our talk any further. Just wait until he leaves. Looked down to my lap I tried diverting my thoughts.
"I have a VIP card, you know in case.." he drifted off and my head shot up, my eyes searching his. "Why do you have it? You work here?" I questioned. He didn't replied. It must be! He does works here. "Alright. Then help me." I wasn't taking a no for an answer. "I will. But. I'll be with you and you won't leave my side until you are out of that gate." That was his condition!? He arched an eyebrow, his eyes questioning. Like I had a choice "Fine." I whinned surrendering. His eyes smiled.
