Thank you all for your kind words. Your comments are the encouragement I need to continue this story. I want to offer a special shout-out to Mrsgnomie for her kindness, editorial skills, and much-appreciated advice. Without her, this story would have been a long-winded train wreck.
The world leaves my shoulders as I step through the door. Paul is at the bar, serving two guys I don't recognize. He pulls the tap on the Newcastle and smiles as I walk to 'my spot'. He slides the ale in front of me. After a moment of consideration, he reaches behind the bar and grabs the Knob Creek.
"You look like you need this."
I smile and take a healthy swallow. It burns in the best way. I set the empty glass down and slide it back. "Thank you
Work has been a complete bitch lately. My job is the supervision of about 15 stores spread throughout the southeastern Wyoming/northern Colorado area. I'm on the road a lot, but usually a day at a time. These past few weeks have been a lot. Three days in Casper, a stop at my apartment for fresh clothes, and then on my way to Laramie for two days. Another stop at home and then down to Ft Collins for nearly a week. Not to mention the other stores I visit. Consequently, it's my first time back here in almost a month
Paul sidles over to me, "There's been a guy stopping in every couple of days asking if you've been by."
I gave Paul an expectant look.
"I didn't get his name but I recognize him. He's the guy with his wife that you were drinking with about a month ago?"
"Oh, Tommy? He was here?" I hid my blush with a long pull of ale.
"Yeah, he looked pretty interested in finding you. You must've made a good impression on him," he said, giving me a small smile, and a wink.
I was a bit surprised by Paul's comment. He was usually so quiet, unintrusive. He smiled at me and went back to his other customers. I sat and enjoyed my bourbon and ale, basking in the early afternoon peace. Paul kept glancing at me out of the corner of his eye but I didn't pay much attention to it. I had gotten my dose of ogling him when I first started coming here.
Tall, at 6 foot, lean, strong, you could see his biceps and well-defined shoulders in his tight, white button-up. His mixed-race coloring was exotic and he was a joy to watch. But he gave off no vibe, at all. He never seemed to take interest in anyone other than as a customer or coworker. So, my fleeting fantasies flitted away after the first week I'd come here.
Paul asked the other guys at the bar if they needed anything and then came to me. "I'm taking a quick break, you need anything?"
