7 The Bar

My first workweek is over. I made it to Friday and, to my own surprise, I’ve been a very efficient employee, I’ve made almost no mistakes and I’ve really enjoyed myself; even on slow days I’ve had a good time because Miranda kept me company thru the phone. 

I haven’t seen Stefan all week. I don’t know if he’s been around the house or not, or maybe I’ve come too late and missed him. Whatever the reason, I think it’s for the best, I should be as far away from him as I can, even if I’m constantly wishing I’d bump into him when I’m home. 

Miranda suggests we go out tonight to celebrate. There’s a bar that opened a few weeks ago and it’s supposed to be THE place to be. The idea of taking shots and flirting with strangers sounds great, I need some fun. 

The place is cram-full. We stand next to the bar and Miranda tries to use her charms to get the attention of the busy bartender. She can’t even get us a beer! It’s not that she’s not pretty, but the place is so full it’s impossible to stand out. This is not as fun as I thought it would be, the music is kind of lame and I’m thirsty, the only positive thing is that I don’t know anyone and no one seems to be throwing hate towards me. 

“He must be blind or something because he hasn’t even glanced at me and this is a really slutty top.” She complains. 

“Yeah, it’s probably that. We can always go somewhere else.” I say.

“Going so soon?”

As soon as I hear Stefan’s voice I feel electricity running thru my body. It’s a feeling I’ve been looking forward all week. I turn around to face him. As usual, he is standing way too close to me. 

“Yes, probably to a place where we can get something to drink.” Whines Miranda. 

“You can come with me to my table, I have my own waiter, he’ll get you whatever you want.” Stefan invites us.

“You got a table and a personal waiter? That’s so unfair! We stood in line outside like forever and now we are being ignored by the bartender. What did you do to get a table? You must have paid a lot...” Miranda is really upset that someone else is receiving a better treatment than her. 

I look at her out of the corner of my eye with disapproval. 

“Do you want to come or not?!” Stefan asks impatient with her whining. 

“Yes!” Miranda shouts with enthusiasm. 

“No!” I say immediately. “We are ok here.” 

Miranda glares at me not understanding why I’m refusing to go with Stefan.

“Oli, come on!” She mutters. 

“Are you playing hard to get, doll?” Stefan asks with a smirk. 

“Are you following me?” I ask back. 

“Is this your bar? How was I supposed to know you’ll be here?” He scoffs.

I’m upset. I’m upset by how much I like him, I’m upset I find his arrogance charming and, above all, I’m upset that, no matter how much I want it, I can’t be with him.

“Please go.” I say frustrated. 

“Do you seriously prefer to stay here in the crowd than coming with me to the VIP section?” He asks astounded.

“Yes, I do.” I answer.

Miranda pokes me in the ribs, also astonished with my attitude. 

“Oli, what’s the matter?” She asks.

“We don’t even know who he’s with?” I tell her. 

“With the owner of the bar. He’s a cool guy, you’ll like him.” Stefan says. “You know, any other girl in this bar would say yes right away. I’m not used to begging.”

“Then invite someone else and leave us alone!” I exclaim rudely. 

“Hey! Here you are. I was looking for you, man.” A bearded man with brown hair pats Stefan on the back. “Oh, I see what kept you busy... Hello, ladies.” He says with a charming smile as soon as he sees us. 

He must be the owner. He’s not as tall as Stefan and has a few extra pounds, but he has a nice smile and I see Miranda’s eyes shining. 

“Hi! I’m Miranda, who are you?” Miranda greets in her flirty voice. 

I’ve lost her. 

They start talking with each other, which leaves me the options of talking to Stefan and probably falling victim to his charm or get out of this place right now.

“I have to go to the restroom.” I lie, leaving the three of them behind. 

I feel a bit of remorse for leaving my friend alone, but Miranda will be fine, she’s a big girl. 

I walk outside and the cold air hits me, I left my jacket in the van, I cross my arms to keep me warm. I look to the sides, but I can’t find Ivan. It’s my fault, I told him we’ll be staying late, he’s probably parked somewhere far. I can’t call him because my phone is still hidden in my drawer and I can’t go in and ask Miranda for hers cause then she’ll know I'm leaving. I sigh frustrated, not knowing what to do. 

There's a group of guys smoking next to me on the sidewalk. One of them keeps staring at me, but I ignore him. He’s probably wasted. 

“Hey!” He shouts at me in a drunken voice. I pretend I don’t hear him. “Hey, you!” He repeats louder. 

His friends all turn to see me.

“It’s you, isn’t it?” He asks unable to stand straight. “The girl whose dad beat up her boyfriend... aren’t you?” 

“He wasn’t my boyfriend.” I answer and start walking away from them. 

“Hey! Don't go! Is your dad here? Is he going to attack us too?” He starts wobbling towards me. I hear his friends laughing. 

I step up the pace, my feet are killing me in these heels, but I ignore the pain. The drunken guy starts walking faster too. Now we are far from the bar and the street is dark. I should have gone back inside instead of walking away. Now it’s too late. I turn around in a corner hoping to lose him, but, again, it’s a mistake, I find myself in a death end alley. I’m breathing heavily, he’s getting closer and I’ve nowhere to go. 

“Leave me alone!” I yell trying not to show my fear. 

But he keeps walking towards me. 

“Come on, I just want to talk... and maybe teach you a lesson, b*tch.” 

He pushes me against the wall and puts his arms to the sides so I can’t run away. He reeks of alcohol and cigarette. 

“Let me go.” I demand with trembling voice. 

I push him, but he doesn’t move an inch. He gets closer to me and tries to put his hands around my waist. I fight him, but he’s stronger than I. Every muscle of my body is contracted. His stench makes me nauseous. I push him back once more, but he’s like a wall. I feel my throat closing, panic is taking over me. At that moment, I look over his shoulder and see Stefan running towards us. He grabs the drunken guy and throws him to the ground. Stefan leans over him and punches him twice in the face. The drunken guy’s nose starts bleeding, he lays on the pavement not knowing what just hit him.

I still have my back pressed against the wall. I’m shaking and my eyes start filling up with tears. Stefan rushes to my side.

“Are you ok? Did he hurt you?” He asks concerned. 

I’m too appalled to speak so I just shake my head no. I wipe the tears that are running down my cheeks. Stefan takes his jacket off and places it over my shoulders. I’m freezing in this stupid tiny red dress. Stefan runs his hand up and down my back softly. The fear is starting to ease and I suddenly feel exhausted. 

“Let me take you home.” He says and presses my back lightly to indicate me to walk with him. Then he passes his arm around my shoulder so we walk tight together.

As we step out of the alley, I hear the drunken guy grumbling in pain. I’m glad. We walk back to the bar and Stefan signals the valet to bring his car. 

“Wait... I have to find Ivan to let him know I’m leaving...” I mumble. I’m so tired I feel numb.

“Don’t worry, I’ll text him.” Stefan says and I nod. 

The valet arrives in the blue BMW M8 Coupé. Stefan opens the passenger door for me. Stefan gets in the driver seat and starts the car. We drive away pretty fast, I’m sure we are going over the speed limit, but I honestly don’t have the energy to worry about that right now. 

“Why the heck were you alone in that alley? You said you were going to the restroom!” Stefan exclaims fuming. 

I shrug. How can I explain to Stefan that I was running away from how attracted I feel to him? That I’m afraid that if we spend too much time together I might jump on him and tear off his clothes...

“I needed fresh air.” I lie. 

“Next time you are in need of fresh air, let me know so I can come with you. Ok?” 

He takes one hand off the wheel and places it over my left thigh. My dress is so short his hand is in direct contact with my skin. I hold my breath. One part of me thinks this is way too inappropriate, but the other part wishes his hand would go up a little bit more. I look out the window to distract myself from the sudden heat I'm feeling in all my body. 

“How did you do it?” I ask trying to distract myself from the steamy thoughts running thru my mind. 

“He was wasted, it was kind of easy.” Stefan replies with his eyes fixed on the road ahead of us. 

“No, I mean, how did you convince my dad that me taking the job was a good idea? I was so sure he’d have a million objections and then you talked to him and in five minutes my dad was totally onboard. What did you tell him?” 

Stefan smirks. “I can be a very persuasive man.” 

“No kidding! My dad is the most stubborn man in the world! You must be very gifted.” 

“Yes, I am.” He says smugly. “Besides, it was something you wanted, I was not giving up easily.” 

We finally arrive home. Stefan gets out and opens the door for me, then he walks me to the front porch. I’m going to take his jacket off, but he stops me. 

“No, keep it.” Stefan says. 

“But It’s cold and you still have to go back to your place, I’m already home.” I protest. 

“I don’t care, keep it. This way you won’t have an excuse to avoid me tomorrow.” 

I smile and look away. 

“Thank you for... helping me” I thank him in a shy whisper. 

“Anytime, doll.”