The Barmaid's Contract

19.

I must have power napped in the car, or as Avery said, drunkenly passed out. But he woke me when we got back to the estate. It took me a minute to recognise the place. I saw my town car in the driveway, registering that Cally and Bash were here too.

I staggered out off the car to the front stairs and inside, pushing away any human contact as I tried walking. I didn't need his help, or anyone's. I got as far as a lounge room and collapsed on the sofa, falling back asleep again.

For the first time in a long time, I felt light and unburdened. Like I was floating. I didn't feel so tensed up. That I didn't have to look out for myself, keep my guard up, making sure I had enough money for food and rent plus bills. I felt the sensation of relief and I fell upon it like landing on a fluffy cloud.

****

I stretched out lazily like a cat as I gathered my senses. I was on my bed. Sitting up, I looked around the room. It was daylight but I was unknown of the time. I looked around for my phone, but after no sign to it, I managed to get up completely and leave the room. The hall lights were on, probably indicating dawn or dusk as I went to the kitchen and got myself a glass of water.

That was where I found my bag. I pulled out my phone and checked the time. 5:58pm. I was famished. I couldn't find another soul to be heard of as I dug through the fridge for food.

Pulling out a leftover roast pork and some salad, I turned some music on my phone and slipped it in to my pocket, letting it play lowly as I made myself a sandwich, taking it back to my room.

Taking the phone out off my pocket, I slipped off my jeans and shirt, taking large bites of the sandwich between my actions, turning the music to full.

As far as I'm concerned, this is my room right now, I have full control over it and if I want to blast the music and dance to it, I will. I only have my freedom fully gone on Saturday.

I went to the attached bathroom after I finished my sandwich and let the hot water run over me. I tried my best not to wet my hair, but at this point of time, I didn't care. I inhaled the steam of the hot water.

The effects of the double shots of bourbon I had earlier were still in my system as I felt my head spin. Deciding to get out before I slipped, I dried myself and put on a fresh pair of underwear and a singlet.

With my phone still blasting with music in the bedroom, I walked back to it, slightly dancing and swinging my hips as I sung along to it.

"...dancing in the dark....between my arms....barefoot on the grass..."

My hair was a bit damp as I had the towel covering my eyesight as I tried drying it, fluffing my hair up.

"When you said you looked a mess,..."

"Quite a voice you got there."

The voice interrupted me, scaring me as I jumped and partly letting out a high pitched screech.

Dropping the towel, my eyes went to the person responsible for startling me.

"Avery!" I gasped as I picked up the towel.

"I assumed you would have slept through the night."

I shrugged, standing still, the towel in my hands in front of me. "Had to feed myself."

"That was quite a performance you put on earlier."

I looked at him, slightly confused. "What performance?"

Avery smiled. "Cally recorded the whole thing." He closed the bedroom door, but stayed on my side of it.

"Oh no. Did I do comedy or sing?" I asked in horror. "I don't tend to do that in front of strangers."

"Insult people?"

"You were an exception." I went to my phone and turned the music down.

"I actually enjoyed not being on the other end of your beating stick." Avery told me as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

"There you go. Now you don't feel so left out." I suddenly remembered I was in my underwear and it wouldn't have bothered me if I was in boyshorts, but I wasn't. I was wearing a bikini cut shape knickers. I lifted the towel to cover what I could without it being highly noticed.

Avery smiled upon my remark as his eyes flickered to my actions.

"What do you want? To check up on me? To see if I'm still alive or drunk myself to my grave?" I asked him, feeling quite naked under his gaze.

"I did come to check on you, but I heard the music. I have to admit, you have no shame." Avery told me.

My eyes widened a bit as my eyebrows went up. "Why would I?" I felt the towel slip from my grasp. "Why live your life, weary of your actions? I don't care what other people think, as long as I'm living, loving what I do. Who cares if people think me shameless? I don't." I stepped over to Avery, a fresh song started, a favourite of mine. "Does it matter if your every move is being scrutinised? That's not living. Sometimes, you have to dance like no one is watching and if they are and disapprove, then we know who has more fun."

I started dancing again, the music taking over as I took Avery's hands. "You have to loosen up. Especially if you want me married to you."

Avery was stiff as I tried moving his arms, his face as sober as ever.

"Dance with me. Or do you rather the beating stick?" I teased as I swayed my hips.

I wasn't sure if it was the bourbon still or pity for the reasons why I tried to be nice to Avery. Maybe because we were about to be joined in Holy Matrimony, but the gods above watched me try. If I have to spend three years with him, well, so be it.

"What are you doing?" Avery asked as I tried to get him to move.

"I'm trying to get a brick wall to dance!" I answered, but all Avery did was step back. I stopped moving myself and stared at him. "I'm trying to be nice, but obviously, your processor of a brain can't register that. You wanted to get married so you can run this stupid company and it's the only way I know how to get it off my shoulders. If we are to spend the next three years together, then I think we need to compromise."

Avery's face tightened as I watched him think. "You're right. We need to compromise." Was all he said.

I raised my eyebrow, waiting for him to say more.

"You don't want to get married, do you?"

I looked at him, partially stunned. "Not really, no. But I don't want the company. Dominic is dead in the ground, popping up daisies and yet he is still ruling my life, even though I was 15 when I last saw him."

"But you are also doing this for that shack."

I nodded. "I am."

Sighing, Avery went and sat on the edge of my bed. "Tell me why that place is so important to you."

I blinked profusely. I guess compromising comes in all forms. Now I'm a hypocrite because I didn't want to tell him.

"It's home."