Bad Habit

Chapter Three

❝I think that anybody that smiles automatically looks better.❞
– Diane Lane

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            O3. Colton

"WHY CAN'T I just work an extra shift next Wednesday, Joey?"

"You know very well why, Colton," he sighed, scratching his bald head.

It was Friday, just a few hours before the club opened. As usual, I liked to arrive early and clean up the bar before the place started filling up with people. However, this time, I was greeted by a stressed Joey, who told me I'd have to come tomorrow as well–a day I'm not supposed to.

"No, I don't. C'mon, Joey! Isn't there anyone else you can call? I have some... stuff to do tomorrow."

He huffed, crossing his arms and shifting his weight from one leg to another. "There isn't anyone. Beckett's mom is in the hospital and he had to fly home last night to visit her."

I groaned. "Beckett isn't the only bartender we have. What about those new guys you hired last month?"

"They're not as good as you," he offered me a half-hearted smile. "Besides, you know how I feel about leaving them on their own to take care of the club. You're the most reliable one, kid."

"Just because they're still clumsy doesn't mean they'll destroy the whole place," I chuckled. "I'll be here, Joey. But just because I know you'll pay me extra... right?"

"Of course I will. Thank you, Grey. I have to go now, but you can start opening, it's nearly time."

"I will. Bye, Joey!" I waved as he talked to some other workers and left.

With a tired sigh, I grabbed my phone and went outside through the back door. You know when it's getting dark and there's that deep blue starting to emerge, but the clouds are pink-ish and there are orange and yellow shades lurking on the horizon? That was my favorite part of the sunset, its end, when the daylight is nearly gone. There's just something so breathtaking about the sky–that kind of sky–that made me happier just by staring at it for a bit.

Happiness, however, doesn't last forever.

My phone vibrated in my hand, snapping me out of that daze. Checking the caller, I rolled my eyes and answered.

"Hell-"

"Look, before you say anything, I won't be able to go tomorrow," I said, annoyance lacing my words.

"What do you mean, 'you can't come tomorrow?' You promised me, Colton. Otherwise, I'll have to wait another week."

"Do you think I planned this? My boss is making me work extra and he needs me. I can't let Joey down."

"I need you too, Colton. Please, just..."

"You need my ride, that's all you need," I hissed.

"If my problem was a ride, you know damn well I'd take a cab. Look, what if I go there tomorrow and talk to your boss? Maybe he'll let you off the hook."

"You come here and I'll never answer a single call again. Try to talk to Julian and tell him we won't be able to go tomorrow, that's it."

"How am I supposed to talk to Julian? No, please, don't let me down... don't let him down, he'll be so mad, so sad, I-"

"I honestly couldn't care less. I'm trying to do you a favor, but it won't always be possible. We'll talk next week."

"Colton... he's yo-"