Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55171 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 276(@200wpm)___ 221(@250wpm)___ 184(@300wpm)
10
GRIFFIN
People always say to watch for the big guys, they’ll hit you harder. They have no idea what they’re fucking talking about. It’s always the tall, leaner ones. The energy is like they’ve got enough damn drugs in their system to go round after round, not feeling a lick of pain. It took Nav, Jeremy, and me to subdue the four knuckleheads. There was no containing it away from the cops either. Another customer called, and while I’d have rather thrown their drunk asses out or in a hired car, really, nothing could be done.
“You good?” I ask Nav and Jeremy. The lights to the bar are on, and we’re closing down early. There’s no need to try and salvage another hour after the shit we all just went through.
“Yeah, man,” Nav replies with a shiner developing around his eye. “Chicks dig banged-up guys.” I look around the bar, not seeing a chick hanging around. Maybe he’s off to another bar since we’re closed.
“Get your shit done and go find one who will look at your ugly mug,” Jeremy responds.
“If you have the cash registers closed down, I’ll put the deposit in the office, and then I’m out for the night.” Nav gets back to off-loading the coolers, pulling the drain plugs, and re-stocking the unused beer for Monday.
“They’re done. The waitresses have already cashed out, too.” I follow Jeremy to the main cash register he runs on the nights Barbie doesn’t work here. Those two are the ones I can leave with the bar and know it’s not going to catch on fire only to burn to the ground.
“Thanks,” I say. Jeremy hands me the money bag.
“No problem. I’ll lock up, make sure the trash is taken out, and then see you next week.”
“It’ll be Barbie and you next week. I’ve got a boat race to be at, so I’ll be gone Thursday until Sunday,” I tell him the same thing I did Barbie. Usually, the two of them will talk, figure out who wants what days and nights, and then go from there.
“Alright, I’ll text her tomorrow, and we’ll let you know the days we choose,” Jeremy states.
“Sounds like a plan. I’m out of here.” I nod, rap my knuckles on the counter, and then make my way back to Stormy. I’ve been gone a lot longer than I thought I would. A brawl will do that. The paperwork and the four guys being taken to the drunk tank tonight made it impossible to be fast. I take a look around the dance floor along the way, noticing that it’ll need to be waxed in the next couple of weeks. Another thing to add to my list once I return from the boat race. Making a quick mental note, I walk down the hallway leading me to my office, where Stormy should be on the other side. I told her not to open the door for anyone except me, and I’m sure she didn’t. The key code would make it impossible, except for Barbie, who isn’t here, and Jeremy, who knows Stormy’s in my office, so he wouldn’t even bother. My main concern was someone clumsy enough to make their way back here, up the stairs, and to bang on the only door, which is my office. It was enough to make me worry.
“Stormy.” I knock on the door before putting the code in so she knows it’s me coming in. I don’t get a response as I twist the knob, open the door, and come to a stop.
“And she sleeps.” My baby girl likes to burrow, it seems. There, in my shirt, arms tucked beneath her head and trying to melt into the back of the couch, Stormy sleeps peacefully. I close the door behind me, see that she ate the dinner I picked her up. The television is playing softly in the background, and I definitely need to add a blanket for her. My steps are quick to her. I place my hip to the cushion, my hand hovering above her cheek, wondering if waking her would be a good idea or if I should let her rest a bit longer.
“Stormy, baby, wake up for me.” I make the decision she’ll be more comfortable in my bed. No, we’ll be more comfortable in my bed because while the couch and her sleeping on top of me is an appealing situation, there isn’t a lot of room. The last thing I need is for her to roll over and land on the floor.
“Griff.” Her eyes are still closed as she sinks into my hand that’s cupping her cheek.
“Baby girl, I need you to wake up so we can head home.” I’m wondering if she even realizes I’m here and touching her.
“Huh?” Her eyes open, and she blinks the sleep away. “What happened to your jaw? Oh my God, Griff, your lip is split.” The once sleeping beauty is wide awake, sitting straight up and grabbing for my hand.