Straight As A Garden Hose

Chapter 2

"Fuck," I said as I crawled out of bed. I had to be at work in fifteen minutes. I hopped into some black short shorts that were on the floor, got a black bra from the dresser and a white work tank top and threw those on. Running out the door I pulled my boots on and grabbed my backpack. Walking to the truck, I pulled my hair into a messy bun and slid my aviators on. I could tell it was going to be a hot day, so I was thankful for the pubs AC. I crawled into the truck and as soon as I turned the keys, I rolled the windows down and music filled the air.

The drive to work took longer then it should have, because of rush hour, but I got there two minutes late, so I mentally gave myself a high five. I walked in the back door and set my bag on the bar.

"Better late then never," David said from across the room. I glanced up and saw him sitting at a table with a blonde girl. Everly. She was gorgeous. Long blonde hair and blue grey eyes, tan skin. She was wearing short denim shorts, red vans, and a white pub work tank, long enough it almost hid her shorts. I could see that she was wearing a maroon bikini top instead of a bra.

"Well, there's a first time for everything," I replied, leaning my elbows on the bar. David chuckled and got up from the table, the blonde following him.

"This is Everly Anne, Everly, this is Charlie Kind, our head bartender" he said, making the introductions. Everly and I shook hands.

"It's nice to meet you," Everly said with a smile.

"Likewise," I nodded.

"Charlie here is going to give you the tour and take you through the ropes so that you're ready for tonight. While you two do that, I need to get some errands done," he said as he made his way to the door. He stopped on his way and whispered in my ear.

"Don't scare her off please." I smirked as the door closed behind him.

"So," I said, patting the bar. She was still in front of the bar, and I behind it. "Tell me a little bit about yourself." Everly looked shy and nervous, wringing her hands together.

"Well, I'm from Oxnard California, born and raised. I love it there, but it was time to move on," she answered vaguely. I nodded.

"What made you choose San Antonio?" I asked, walking around the bar to stand beside her.

"I had never been to Texas before, but I had been told that San Antonio was very pretty," she said. I wondered why she was so closed off, but I dismissed it.

"I would have to agree with that," I said smiling warmly.  "Do you have experience in waitressing?" I asked. She nodded.

"I worked in my parents diner for about three years. I have my resume if you would like to take a look at it," she replied, starting to reach for her bag.

"No, your good, I trust David's choice of employees," I said. "Come with me and I'll show you around."

****

After I gave her a tour of the place, we sat beside each other at the bar with some waters.

"So I'm sure David told you, but in case he spaced it, we have Coyote Ugly night every Friday night, where the bartenders and a few of the waitresses will dance on the bar from eight o'clock to closing. We move all of the tables and chairs from in front of the bar, and we don't serve food or water. But I want to just let you know, you will not be pressured to dance, that is completely up to you," I told her. She nodded, an amused smile on her face.

"Ok," she said simply.

"Ok," I said awkwardly. I picked up the list of beers that we served at the pub and gave it to her.

"This is the list of beers that we serve, including which ones are on tap, which ones are canned, and which ones are in bottles. Below each beer name, it tells you whether it's an Ale or Stout, or something else, and what entrees go good with them, just in case you are asked. I'd be good if you studied this so that your prepared. And don't worry if you mess it up a little, it happens," I said. She nodded, looking over the paper.

"For any mixed drinks, just write the name of it on this pad of paper here," I pointed to the notebook on the back of the bar, "and I'll make them. Any questions?"  She thought for a minute, then shook her head.

"I think I've got it, thank you though," she said with a smile.

"Alrighty then," I replied. I looked at the clock on the wall. Ten thirty.  "We've got an hour before opening and the other employees will be here any minute, but you can stay here if you want. If you have any questions or need help with anything, just let me know," I said, getting up and walking to the back of the bar. Just then Greydon walked in.

"Hey bitch, I missed you last night at Senorita's," he said, slipping his apron over his head. Then he caught a glimpse of Everly.  "And who might this be?" he asked.

"Greydon, Everly. Everly, Greydon," I said, making introductions. Greydon smiled charmingly and kissed Everly's hand.

"Nice to meet you," Everly said, chuckling.

"The pleasure is mine," Greydon replied. I rolled my eyes.

"Don't be fooled Everly, Grey is very gay," I said, sending a smirk his way. He pretended to by offended.

"That doesn't mean I can't flirt a little with a pretty girl," he said, defending himself. "Besides, I'm actually bi, which you know all too well Luck."  I scoffed at the nickname as I wiped the bar down.

"Luck?" Everly asked. She was opening up a little, which intrigued me.

"Ya, Charlie here got the nickname Luck because she's such a charmer with the ladies and gets very lucky," Grey replied, staring at me. I snorted.

"It's not luck, it's just practice," I said. Everly took a moment to study me, and a small mischievous smile played on her lips. I hate to say it, cuz it's so fucking mushy, but my heart fluttered just a tiny bit.

"What about you Everly?" Greydon asked. I glanced up, curious.

"Oh, I'm straight," she replied. I smirked. I could change that. Grey glanced at me and wiggled his eyebrows. He knew exactly what I was thinking.