The Inferno

I slept off after the sex with Steve. By the time I woke up, he had left and I understood, knowing we’d both gotten what we wanted, the sex. I stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling. I was trying to convince myself that what happened with Steve was just like a one-night stand, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to it. The way he looked at me, the way he touched me... it all felt so intimate, so personal. I couldn't help but wonder if he felt the same way, or if I was just reading too much into it.

He was the first guy I’d been with after Michael, and I didn't regret it, after all I wasn’t not ready for another relationship after what happened with Michael. I just hoped things wouldn’t be awkward when he came around, and I had no idea what this meant for us. All I knew was that I was attracted to him and the sex was really good.

As I got ready for work, I couldn't help but think about Steve and what happened between us. I worried about how Hazel would react if she found out. I tried to push the thoughts aside, telling myself that it was none of her business, but the guilt lingered. Throwing on a white shirt and black skinny jeans. I pulled my hair in a high ponytail to keep it out of my way and applied some makeup.

I sighed, trying to clear my head. I didn't have time to think about Steve right now. I had a job to get to, and I couldn't be late on my first day. I took a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and headed out the door.

I saw Hazel seated on the couch, engrossed in her phone. I had been so lost in thoughts that I didn't hear when she came in. Hazel lifted her head to look at me. “Hi, Mabel,” she asked sweetly. “Are you going somewhere?”

“Hi, Hazel. Yeah. I got a job at a bar the last time I came here. So I'm headed to work,” I replied, my heart pounding nervously. She looked as if she was contemplating something, her eyes darting back and forth.

“Hmm. I see,” she said, her voice laced with a hint of concern.

“What's the name of the bar?” Her tone became more inquisitive.

“The Inferno,” I wondered why she seemed so interested.

Her face suddenly lit up, her eyes sparkling with recognition. “I know that bar. That's one of the biggest and best bars around here. It's a few blocks away from here. I hang out there with my girls on some evenings,” she said, her smile widening as she spoke.

“Oh, that's cool,” I knew I'd probably serve her one day. It would be nice to run into someone I knew there, I thought.

“I guess we'll be seeing each other sometimes,” she laughed, her words echoing my own thoughts.

“Yeah,” My smile grew wider as I headed to the kitchen for a glass of water, she followed behind.

"I'm sorry for not telling you my cousin would come to the apartment," her voice filled with genuine concern.

“Oh, that's fine. Why would you even apologize? I mean, I didn't even call to tell you I was coming to the apartment today,” I replied, my surprise evident in my voice. “So there's nothing to be sorry about. I would have given you a heads up yesterday. So I'm the one meant to apologize. I'm sorry about that,” I rambled quickly, my words tumbling out in a rush.

She chuckled as she waved her hands dismissively, as if brushing away my apology. “What are you talking about? You called me two days ago. You informed me. It slipped my mind to tell you my cousin would be visiting today. It must have surprised you to see him at the door. I was late too. So I'm the one that's meant to apologize.”

With a confused look on my face, I said, “I called you? I informed you of my arrival today? I did all that?”

“Yeah, you did. You don't remember?”

I pretended to have a look of realization on my face, like I suddenly remembered what she was talking about. “Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I do. I guess I forgot about it,” I chuckled awkwardly, darting my eyes away.

“Next time I'll make sure to inform you if any visitors come over. You won't have to worry about my cousin giving you trouble. He doesn't come that often,” she said with a reassuring smile on her face.

“Trouble? He wasn't giving me trouble.” I replied, blushing and trying to hide my embarrassment. She didn't need to know I fucked her cousin, just after meeting him.

“You don't need to pretend in front of me. I know my cousin, he’s family. He probably teased you a lot, and I know he's a huge flirt,” she chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

I blushed harder, my cheeks burning with embarrassment knowing he did more than teasing. "I can't deny that…. I'm getting late for work. I can't be late on my first day," I smiled while changing the topic, hoping to divert her attention from my flustered state.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, I held you back," she said, her voice filled with genuine remorse.

"It's fine. It's fine. There's no need for that." I smiled to reassure her, trying to brush off her apology.

“What time do you close? You got the house key, right?” she asked me from the kitchen.

I turned around, a smile still playing on my lips. "Around 1 AM. Yes, I do. See you later." As I walked out the door, I glanced back at her. She waved at me, a small smile playing on her lips. As she disappeared into the kitchen.

I took a deep breath and mentally prepared myself for my first day of work at The Inferno. I had been looking forward to this moment for weeks, and I was excited and nervous at the same time to finally start serving drinks and meeting new people. I made my way to the bar, which was just a few blocks away from Hazel's apartment. The evening air was cool and crisp, and the sounds of the city at night surrounded me, the hum of cars, the chatter of pedestrians, and the distant thump of music from other bars and clubs.

As I approached the bar, I could feel my nerves starting to kick in. What if I messed up? What if I couldn't keep up with the demanding pace of the bar? I pushed the thoughts aside and reminded myself that I had been trained for this. I had practiced making drinks and handling cash, and I was confident in my abilities.

I pushed open the heavy wooden doors and stepped into the dimly lit bar, the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses enveloping me like a warm hug. The air was thick with the smell of beer and sweat, and the neon lights of the bar signs cast a colorful glow over the crowded room. I was already running late, and the anxiety was starting to get to me.

As I entered the bar, I was greeted at the bar counter by a tall, muscular man with auburn hair and piercing blue eyes. He flashed a charming smile, and I felt a flutter in my chest. "Hey, you must be the new girl," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Luke, the head bartender. Welcome to The Inferno."

I took his hand, feeling a spark of electricity as our palms touched. "I'm Mabel, nice to meet you, Luke. I'm so sorry I'm late. I didn't mean to keep you waiting.”