Lesson 17- Sometimes, the answer will be no, and that’s okay. It’s important to accept it without getting upset.

You would think I would be far more confident to work tonight, more prepared at the very least for the unusual people who come to this bar. But somehow that is not the case. Maybe it’s because last night it didn’t matter if I did well. Any sales were better than none at all, but now I’m expected to actually do well. Plus, Laura, who actually knows how to do this job decently is watching me which adds a whole new kind of pressure to do a decent job. Also even now I know that Laura is a powerful witch and she can totally keep us safe if anything happens, I’m weirdly nervous about everything. Maybe it’s because I’ve had more time to process what happened to me last night, but every time the door opens I have to fight the urge to flinch in case that monster comes after me again. Last night Torin sat at the end of the bar all night. Usually I would say having the guy who is technically my boss around and keeping an eye on me would be intimidating, but I found it kind of comforting. I sort of wish he would come back but he’s nowhere to be seen. Laura takes care of the first few customers, mostly to show me more about using the register I think. A couple of guys put in a request for food and Laura pops her head through the door behind the bar and yells for two servings. I don’t know WHAT Kyle is serving, but apparently people take what they get here. It’s not a place for picky eaters. Although from what I’ve seen Kyle is an epic cook and I doubt he makes anything that doesn’t taste delicious. While Laura takes care of that, I smile brightly at the next guy to approach the bar. At least I THINK he’s a guy, he or she might be female. This person has a very androgynous look with sandy blonde hair pulled back in a loose ponytail. This person also has giant feathery wings and claws, but they also have a very catlike vibe to them. I’m not totally sure what it is, the shape of the eyes maybe? Or just the way they walk. Either way, it’s an interesting combination.
“Hi, can I get you anything?” I ask. The customer tilts their head in another very catlike motion.
“Beer please.” They respond. I nod and get the drink ready. I’m about to tell the cost when the person suddenly asks.
“Can I tell you a riddle?” I blink in surprise.
“Why?” I ask, a little confused.
“I like riddles.” The customer shrugs.
“Oh, well… Sure. Go ahead, I can’t promise to be any good at solving it though.” I warn. The customer’s eyes light up at my acceptance.
“Wonderful. Okay, here it is. What is always coming but never arrives?” I swear this customer is practically bouncing in place. I perk up, I’ve actually heard this one before so I know the answer.
“I know this one, the answer is tomorrow.” I say proudly. There’s a strange rumbling sound. Is this customer… Purring?
“Yes, exactly. Your turn, tell me one now!” They demand. I hesitate, I don’t really know many riddles. Most of the ones I do know are aimed more at children. Still, there’s no harm in telling one if it makes them so happy.
“Alright then. Uhhh, It belongs to you, but your friends use it more. What is it?” The customer’s answer comes the moment I finish speaking.
“Your name! Yes, yes. Very good. Would you like to hear another?” Is the eager response. I look around and I can see a couple people waiting for drinks.
“I should really get back to work, sorry. I have your drink here though. Maybe you could tell me another one later?” I suggest. The answering smile is blinding.
“Wonderful. My name is Anat.” They introduce themselves.
“It’s nice to meet you, you can call me Rina.” I say politely, handing over the drink. With a deep nod, Anat pulls a fifty dollar bill from their pocket and places it directly in my hand. Hmm, Anat has claws.
“I’ll just get your change-” I start but Anat cuts me off with a wave.
“No need.” Anat says breezily before turning and walking off. Hmm, Anat also has a tail apparently. The strange customer immediately approaches another group and asks to tell them a riddle. As a group, they groan. I suspect this might be a common occurrence here. But surely Anat didn’t mean to tip me so much? All I did was answer a riddle. I dutifully place the money in the register. Laura explained earlier that her magic book thing will automatically add up any tips we get and we can collect them at the end of the night, that way we don’t have to leave them out anywhere.

The bar starts to get busy and I’m too focused on making drinks to worry much about how unusual anyone is for a bit. There are a few women who come in that are super dressed up and are clearly looking to have a good night. They order shots which I have no problem making. Not long later the same vampires from last night wander in and order the same drinks. Laura makes them this time and once again they complain that they don’t like the taste while ordering another round. I’m starting to think they just like to complain. I’m just wiping up a slight spill from on the bar when a hand lands on top of mine and a rush of heat runs through me causing me to shiver.
“Hello there new girl.” I look up to see a man that I can only describe as mouthwatering, smiling at me. He strokes the back of my hand with a finger and I shiver again. I think my knees might even buckle a little. Not quite sure what to do with all these strange feelings, I yank my hand away, cradling it against my chest.
“Ooh, jumpy aren’t you?” He teases and I swear I get butterflies in my stomach. The weird feelings stopped as soon as I pulled away from him, but I still remember them, and this is by far the hottest guy to ever speak to me. He is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome. Not deterred by my retreat, the guy leans his elbow on the bar and rests his head on his chin, leaning in and giving me his full attention.
“My name is Elijah. Can you tell me your name or shall I just call you beautiful instead?” His tone is charming but something about the super cliche line makes me laugh. I can’t help myself and it seems to break the spell this guy has over me. My head clears and while I still kinda want to jump the guy because he is stupidly hot, I at least think I’m capable of speaking again.
“You may call me Carina or Rina.” I answer plainly, refusing to let him rile me up anymore than he already has. Elijah reaches out a hand and traces my cheek lightly. I take it back, I am VERY riled up right now. I sort of want to swoon.
“Want to buy me a drink, miss ravishing Rina?” He asks in a low, sultry tone. Huh? I want to say yes, which is strange. In a burst of movement, I flick his hand away from my face and take a half step back so I’m out of his reach.
“I don’t know what it is you’re doing but I would appreciate it if you would stop. Are you going to buy a drink or not?” I demand. With a little distance between us I find I’m a little annoyed. Who gave him permission to touch me? He needs to keep his hands to himself! Elijah laughs.
“Oh I never buy my own drinks.” He glances around the room with a slightly predatory gaze.
“If you’re looking to party there is a group of women down the back who might be interested.” I suggest helpfully. Not because I particularly care about him hitting on people, but mostly because I want him to stop hitting on me. Elijah raises an eyebrow and he seems amused.
“Thanks lovely. I’ll check them out.” He saunters towards the group and the women immediately begin swooning and giggling. Moments later one of them comes up and orders another round of drinks, plus one for Elijah. He catches my gaze as I look over and winks at me. I roll my eyes and shrug.
“You dealt with him well.” A deep voice makes me jump.
Brewing Trouble
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