The Barmaid's Contract

11.

I finally found solace in my room after Cally and my spa and shopping day. I was once again sitting in the bay window seat with the phone against my ear as I looked out off the window.

The garden below was spectacular and well maintained.

"Gav, I know what I said. But something has come up."

"I need you back ASAP." Gav stressed out.

"I've tried, trust me, I have. But there is nothing I can do."

I heard Gav sigh. "I'm in trouble, Alex, I have been in it for a while. You're my main staff that keeps things afloat."

My eyes widened. "Trouble? What kind of trouble?" I heard the music in the background. Gav has a band playing there tonight.

"Financial trouble. With you on, I'm barely keeping my head above the water, but some blokes won't be back if they learn you won't be."

Traitors, I thought to myself. "I'm so sorry. I really do want to come back. Trust me when I say, I prefer to be there."

"Can't you just get on a plane and fly in?"

I rolled my eyes. "It's easier said than done." I watched Cally walk through the gardens. She herself looked like she was on the phone as she started pacing.

"I might have to shut the place down."

I tore my eyes away from a frustrated Cally. "Shut down?"

"I've got enough to keep me going for about a month. But if you're not coming back, I can't hold of any longer."

I thought about it. Avery's bargaining chip is fading and I liked that idea, but I didn't want the place to close. It's a historical pub. It was built over a hundred years ago. It was a workers place, not something fancy and hipster with German beer and art space for the people high on dope to scribble on. I sighed. Maybe I can get some money towards him. I would hate to see the place close. I've got so many memories of my time there. Gav has been running it for nearly twenty years.

"Give me a week, Gav." I told him. "Give me a week and I'll help you."

"How?" Gav asked. He must be in his office. The music was duller.

"I'll try and get some money. I own a multi billion dollar company right now." I grinned at him. "So let me work out some numbers, and I'll get back to you in a week."

"Really?" I heard the relief in his voice. "This place is my home and I would hate to see it close."

"I know. Me too." I told Gav as I looked back out the window. "I know she is your baby."

My heart yearned for the place. It was my home too. Cally had disappeared from my eyesight.

"Give me a week to sort out some stuff." I told Gav.

"You're a lifesaver, Alex."

I smiled in to the phone. Call had appeared in the garden again, still on the phone. She looked highly annoyed from what I could see.

"I'll talk to you later, I've gotta go." I told him. "Tell them all just because I ain't there don't mean they can misbehave." I grinned as I hung up the phone and left my room.

I made my way to outside and found Cally on the phone still.

"You don't care. You're a greedy person! You never cared!" She cried out. Cally had her back to me as she stilled, listening to whoever was talking.

"I don't care if he rang you. I'm not going back! He can go screw himself. I'm too angry to deal with him. No, I'm not! A day long flight won't cool my jets. He can stay in New York. The further away, the better."