Work Text
Sigh.
The sound leaves my mouth and goes unnoticed by any customers. The bouncer, however, sends me a glance. That guy can hear everything. Must suck to be him.The sound of a chair screeching across the floor grabs my attention, and a customer takes their seat. "What can I get for you today, sir?”"A Negroni, if you would.” “Right away, sir.” Mentally thanking him for choosing an easy drink, I went through the motions and soon enough the drink was served.“Here you are, sir,” I placed the drink gently in front of him.“That was quick. Well, aren't you skilled?” he complimented whilst he grabbed the drink and took a sip.“Well, the Negroni is quite the popular drink. It's easy too,” I responded with a polite smile.Before he manages to keep talking to me, I disappear behind the counter into the back to appear busy. “If you'll excuse me sir, for I've got something to attend to.”The customer’s chuckle doesn't go without my notice, and I sigh the moment I close the door behind me. That's around my 12th time sighing today. “Is it a creep?”, interrupted a sudden voice from the stool we'd sit on to contemplate our life choices. It was one of our bouncers. The same one with horribly great hearing. “And what are you doing here?” “On break. Sitting.” “..on that stool? Of all places?”“Why not?” you could almost hear the smug smile in his voice. I don't bother responding, having had enough of serving Negronis for a day. Regardless, he pipes up again. “So it isn't a creep?”“Just some old guy who wanted a Negroni,” I concluded before stepping out again. The clock had finally hit 2AM. My shift had finally ended. Right as I finish changing in the locker room, a ring comes from my phone from a number I knew oh so well. My so-called lover with whom I hadn't been getting along with for a while. With again another sigh, I picked it up.“Hey, you know I just got off my shift, right? Could you just pick me up?” I spoke, not helping the slight tiredness show in my voice. Why am I still with you?“Yeah. What's with you? You should be at least a little happy I'm calling you,” he spoke, his voice unforgiving.“Sorry. I'm just tired. It's just the 8 hour shift getting to me, haha,” I apologised to get it over with, pinching the bridge of my nose. Immediately, this seems to tick him off. “You know what? No. I'm not coming. Do you even love me?” again, his voice got louder and I lower the volume on my phone.“What? I— of course I..” For some reason, the words got stuck in my throat. Silence. It engulfs the break room yet I can’t bring myself to say the phrase. If I just say it, we’ll be back to normal. Normal, right?5Say it.4Three words. 3
Do it.
2—he hung up.
Sigh.
“Are you sure you're fine? Settling for less like that.” A familiar voice interrupts the flow of thoughts running through my mind. That same bouncer. I turn my head to look at him, keeping composure.“Don’t worry your pretty little head over it. I'm sure you've got your own problems too.” I chuckled awkwardly, trying to play it off. To say I was embarrassed to be overheard is an understatement.He chuckled, “That's good. You need a place to stay?” “No thanks. Thanks for the offer, though,” I sheepishly declined.“I see. Have a safe ride home,” he nodded, now changing out of uniform. Seems like he just finished his shift too. I nod back before leaving and gently closing the door behind me. Sighing for the umpteenth time, I call up a friend and ask to crash. Right after finding an Uber, I was on my merry way. Nice and convenient.
I'll just think about all of it tomorrow.