~~~
It was winter and the bar was full of young people who were partying. Flashing lights and strobes played across the dance floor in random patterns, and the counters were littered with used wine glasses and shots that were used in drinking contests. The floor near the entrance was wet with melted snow that was brought in with the shoes and boots of everyone who came in. It was a Saturday night; of course it would be busy with college students and young adults that were looking for something fun to do. But somehow it didn’t make sense. Well, to her.
Mai was staring into nothing and everything. Her job was to mix and serve drinks, but she wasn’t focusing on her job at all. It was natural to her, even if she was in a trance. To anyone else, she looked normal. Service with a smile and laughter at all the right times. But she wasn’t really there. Her mind was elsewhere, but no one could tell because everything looked so normal.
Mai was staring into nothing and everything. Her job was to mix and serve drinks, but she wasn’t focusing on her job at all. It was natural to her, even if she was in a trance. To anyone else, she looked normal. Service with a smile and laughter at all the right times. But she wasn’t really there. Her mind was elsewhere, but no one could tell because everything looked so normal.
“Hey babe, wanna serve me up some lovin’?” A random drunk at the counter asked.
But Mai didn’t hear him.
She was sick of people coming on to her like she was some prostitute. She figured it was her appearance, but that was only a façade. It was really irritating, so she drowned it all out. She had even drowned out him.
And she still didn’t know whether that was a mistake or not. She didn’t know what was right anymore. Not without him. He made everything make sense, and made everything okay. He had accepted her, even reluctantly. But she had pushed him away in fright.
Being weak, pouring out all her emotions to someone. It had made her vulnerable. She didn’t like being vulnerable. She didn’t want to put herself out there emotionally, and she definitely didn’t want to trust someone with all her insecurities.
But now, she didn’t know what to do. So she did her job.
“Your martini, miss.” Mai said, her voice sounding dead to herself, as she handed a sugar-rimmed glass to one of the customers.
It had been two weeks since then. Two weeks ago today that is. And it felt horrible knowing that she could’ve trusted him. But she didn’t want to be the one being betrayed. Not that she would ever have betrayed him. Thinking back, Mai thought she might’ve done just that by leaving him. She felt absolutely terrible about it.
But that’s what you get for being a coward. Mai thought, not quite angry but instead just really disappointed in herself.
“Hey, Mai! We’ve got an order for water down here.” Her boss called.
She walked around to the other side of the neon-lighted counter. “Who could be ordering water at a bar?” She asked him.
“You think I know? He’s over by the fountain drinks.” Her boss pointed over the way.
Mai looked over his shoulder, and froze, swearing under her breath. “Why’s he here?” She muttered. “Out of all the days he could’ve shown up in the next year, he had to choose now?”
Mai straightened out her skirt and stood a bit taller. She was breaking up inside but she sure wasn’t going to show it. Pulling her purple vest a bit more over her chest, she walked over as calm as she could be.
“And what can I get you?” She asked politely.
“Didn’t I say water? I don’t want to get drunk when I’m trying to talk to you.” He said, his deep voice feeling so familiar to her.
Silently, she poured him a glass of water, like he’d asked, and gave it to him stiffly. “There you go, now I have work to do, I don’t like distractions like the small talk you’re so keen on having.” She said.
“Your boss said you have a break in about five minutes.”
“I’m not going to spend my break talking to you.” Mai said “And anyways, you probably have something to attend to, being a famous businessman and all, Nathan.”
“I made it so I have absolutely nothing to do this evening.” Nathan said. “I’m all yours, if you’ll take it.”
“Are you sure about that?” Mai asked, as his Blackberry started vibrating on the counter.
Nathan didn’t give it but a glance, and ignored the call. “Yes, I am.” He said, piercing her with his clear blue eyes.
Nathan didn’t give it but a glance, and ignored the call. “Yes, I am.” He said, piercing her with his clear blue eyes.
Mai gave in to his hard stare. “Fine, but I’m not happy about this.” She said.
Nathan smirked. “You really are in denial.” He said quietly.
Mai decided not to ask what he said, as whatever it was, she really didn’t want to hear it. “I’ll meet you outside when I’m on my break. Wait out there. I hope you freeze your ass off.” She said coldly to him.
Nathan gave her another smirk before getting up and striding towards the door, and out into the snow.
Mai kept checking the clock. It was almost eleven, almost time for her break. She was dreading the seconds. Two more minutes… One more minute…
Time enough.
