The Aftertaste

Chapter Six

The bar is full tonight and I'm a little surprised. I decided to stop in for a drink and maybe work on some wedding planning. The dinner with Mrs. Otella went well, she didn't like my double wedding shoot but definitely respects it. Now, I need to drink. The bartender smiles at me, making his way around the counter.
"What would you like beautiful?"
His eyes are brown and beautiful. I almost snort at his endearment. He's way too young for me. Handsome but very much young.
"Bloody Mary, strong. Please."
In seconds, he's sliding a glass across to me, celery and straw tucked inside. I place my work around me and start deciding on poses. He lingers, leaning on the counter. Protective sleeves cover my valuables because last time there was a fight and I left with ruined work. Never again.
"Planning a new wedding?"
His smell is intoxicating as he leans in closer.
"I am.."
"You should start working on ours."
He's smirking and this time I snort.
"How would your parents feel about you dating an older woman?"
He shrugs, "They are dead. I'm thirty four and can make my own decisions."
Guilt stabs me in the heart instantly. He said they were dead as if it's a vacation and they'll be back. My mouth hangs open at all the information. This baby faces is thirty four and his parents are dead. Sheesh.
"I'm sorry."
He laughs and leaves me to my work. I'm such a horrible person.

My phone reads 11:56pm and I start to pack up my things. Organization is key to planning double weddings.
"Hey, hey, where you running off to?"
A man had slid in the seat beside me, a beer in hand. I ignore him, these alcoholics are a bother. Usually they go away after awhile.
"I said where are you going?"
His hand is gripping my wrist and I'm frozen. My taser is in my right pocket and he has my right hand.
"Let me go."
I snatch away and he returns the grip.
"Don't you know to answer when I'm talking to you, bitch."
I slap him, blood boiling and my finger tips sting. The bar is still rowdy but now people are looking. His grip tightens and he tries to pull me.
"Let her go, Adam. She isn't interested."
The bartender. I make eye contact with him and he nods at me. I want to tell him to save me or at least make this prick let go. The guy, Adam, tugs again, his nails digging in my skin.
"Mind your fucking business AJ, go back to work."
The bartender looks from me to his grip on my arm and suddenly the grip is loose. Adam is at my feet, holding his nose and screaming. Dear God, he punched the shit out of him. AJ slides all my things in my bag and grabs my hand. I want to object but he already has me out the bar and into the night air.
"You okay?" He breathes, clearly pumped up.
"Fine, thank you..so much."
"It's no problem. I'll wait for you to pull out of here. Get home safe and here, call me when you make it."
I grab the card from his outstretched hand and he places a kiss on the bruising around my wrist.
What in the hell just happened.