DESPERADO | Serpents of Western Rock Book #1

T W E L V E: Roses Are Red, Bruises Are Blue

Ｊｏｓｉｅ:

"Now you know how to work the register, just learn the tables, cocktails are pretty simple around here, and don't fuck with the bikers' business." Candy twisted her long red hair around her fingers every time she spoke. She showed me around a lot and taught me a few tricks. I didn't think I would be doing much but running around with shots, but the club President, Dallas, told me in my orientation he wanted me doing everything.
This was good. My mind would be occupied and I had a purpose finally. My only issue was having to see Viper so often. It wasn't even because he was killed a man, but because he tossed me away like nothing.
Candy left me with a towel, cleaning down tables and learning drinks from Charles. He was very kind, and didn't bother to bring up my first encounter with him—drunk and on the brink of losing it to drugs. But then leaving me learn on my own, left me vulnerable because a few guys in the MC all sat in a large booth on a platform in the corner. The bar wasn't open yet for the day, so I didn't even have costumers to hide behind.
"New girl!" Shouted a gruff voice, snapping fingers in the air from the booth.
I put the towel on my shoulder and brushed my hands across my jeans. The 20 feet I had to walk to the table was the longest 20 feet I ever had to walk. I couldn't stop picturing that kiss. And when I did, flashes of his hands on the trigger of his gun interrupted me. I didn't want to make eye contact with Viper, but I felt him grilling me. "Yes?" I asked politely.
His patch read Skinner. "Make yourself useful and get me a beer." His crooked smile sent chills down my back. Nobody else at the table laughed but him.
"Be nice," murmured a tall bulky guy with a band t-shirt on under his cut.
"Sure," I boasted. "What can I get you?"
"Just get us a few IPAs," he demanded. He was already talking to me as if I was a slave.
"A light beer for us two," jumped that younger biker that had caught Viper and I in the bathroom at Rocco's.
Shit I didn't have a pen. Okay, so there was...1, 2, 3...There was 8 of them. 2 of them wanted light beers, the 6 others want IPA.
"Bourbon neat. Top shelf." I looked up, my eyes big, my chest tight. That came from Viper. He caught my eyes and looked just as tense.
I pulled my look away finally, now gripping the towel that I thought was still on my shoulder. "Okay, 2 lights, 5 IPAs, and a bourbon. Tall beers?"
"Yes, Jesus," groaned that Skinner guy exaggeratedly. "How long does it take you to figure out an order?"
Shit, it was my first day, guy. "First real job," I said with a smug smile, "bare with me," my backbone showing.
The balding man laughed. "And how old are you?"

I crossed my arms. Raising an eyebrow, I answered simply, "24."
Another laugh. "And you've never had a job before? Pathetic."
My cheeks flushed red, I could feel them. I just nodded before strutting off to the bar. I couldn't possibly explain to them why I've never had a real job before.
It took my awhile to pour the drinks. It was a lot harder than I thought, trying to avoid all the foam and waste all that beer.
Candy pointed me to the top shelf bourbon and I found myself gripping the bottle just staring at it. "What does 'neat' mean?" I asked her quietly.
She tossed her hair behind her frail shoulder, her freckles being creased into lines from her smile. "You're adorable, girl. Just poor it up like a shot. No ice, no nonsense."
I took a deep breath and counted off the way she taught to pour a correct amount. I placed the drinks on a tray and started to position myself with it.
"Wait," Candy stopped me, touching my elbow gently. "Be a little more friendly with that bourbon. Club has been going through some shit. I don't know what, but Viper might need to have a double there."
I nodded. "Why Viper?"
She leaned against the bar, back facing their booth. "When you've been around the club long enough, you start to pick up on things." Candy had worked at a strip club that the MC used to manage. She said she ended up as a club whore for some time. I always wondered if she slept with him... "Viper is usually very easy going, but that guy has been riddled with some shit the passed few days. He's basically unapproachable unless you're the club. Scary even."
I peaked over at the guys, completely engulfed in a heavy conversation. Viper stared into blank space, but nodded here and there to show he was listening.
I poured a little more of the dark liquor and pulled the tray up to shoulder level. "Well, wish me luck, then."
She smiled, leaning off of the bar. "You won't need it, Viper's got the hots for you for sure."