Intoxicated

O N E | A Shot, Tequila

CHAPTER ONE

The smoky liquid lit a fire in my throat as I chugged it. Placing the whiskey filled hip-flask back in my bag, I wiped the back of my hand across my lips catching the few drops which had missed my mouth. The anxious pounding in my head was replaced by blaring music as I stepped inside. With tonight's pop songs playing, I was sure it wouldn't be long before my head would be pounding again. 

It took a few seconds for my eyes to adjust from the dull glow outside to the neon lights of the dance floor. I slipped off my jacket. Placing it on the staff coat hanger, I tugged my half shirt further down my stomach in an attempt to make it touch the top of the uniform skirt which clung to my hips far tighter than I'd like.

"Show off some skin woman!" I felt Crystal's hand swat at my own causing my shirt to ride back up above my stomach. I let out an exasperated sigh pulling out my hip-flask and taking another swig of whiskey before hanging my bag on the rack next to my coat. I was gonna need a lot more than usual if Crystal was sharing my shift.

Stepping behind the bar, Crystal's eyes grazed over my uniform analysing the 'optional' part of my attire. Technically the only uniform requirement we had was the black cheerleader style skirts with the logo of the bar printed on our left hip bone. However, even though we're supposed to be allowed to wear whatever shirt and shoes we want with it so long as they're black - you still get in trouble if you cover too much up. I sighed, slapping my hands against my sides motioning for her to comment on everything that she deemed to be wrong with my clothes.

Crystal smiled although her voice was judgmental, "I can't believe you're wearing that shirt again. I mean really Jess? It's so long and it's not even low cut!" Long for Crystal was anything that went past the bra line so I just ignored her and turned away knowing she wasn't done with her scrutiny.

I grabbed a wet towel from behind the bar and started wiping the already clean benches just to distract myself from her lecture.

"Your skirt's pulled down so much and you're wearing your converse as well. Can't you at least wear heels to one shift in your life?" Crystal grabbed my arm turning me to face her, clearly unsatisfied with the lack of attention I was giving her. "Not even any eyeliner," Her disappointed gaze fell on my hair. She didn't say anything but raised her eyebrow in question.

"Leave it alone Crystal."

"Hey I'm just helping you get more tips. I know you need them," she retorted, before adding on a more friendly note, "When are you working next?"

"Tomorrow and Monday," I told her. Unloading the dishwasher, I look around the bar as I polish the glasses left inside. I can't see any other jobs to be done for once. It must have been a quiet night before I started and it'll be a long one if I'm getting lectured by Crystal the entire time.

"Well tomorrow you are wearing heels, borrow mine if you have to and you're going to do your make up at mine because I've got a date tomorrow and I don't know what to wear," Crystal smiled so brightly at me at the thought of us getting dolled up together I couldn't say no.

I grumbled a fine in response.

"You're going to get so much attention tomorrow, you'll love it," she jumped up and down in excitement.

"No Crys, I won't. Unlike you I don't enjoy working in a whore house," I snapped at her. I didn't really work in a whore house, our managers just made us dress like it to attract the customers. At least it paid more than other bars because of it. "And I can't just quit because I need to live," I added quietly on the end, mostly to myself but she heard it anyway.

"I'm sorr-" She started.

"Don't," I held up my hand and she quietened. It wasn't her fault, she didn't know most things about me, I just let her believe she does because she's my only friend so I'd like to keep her as one. I sighed, I really needed to find a new job.