I crinkled my nose. The smell of cigarettes and B.O. was already getting to me. I observed the crowd while I continued to dry martini glasses. The bar was full of smelly guys, ages ranging from "Let's find my next piece of ass" to "I remember 'Nam' like it was yesterday". There was an occasional group of single ladies that were looking to blow off a few guys for giggles and can't forget the few stray divorce victims, alcoholics, and the gamblers that hung out at the pool tables.

I looked along the bar and saw a group of 3 guys to my right. They were rowdy, cocky, and wore too much Axe body spray. On my left, there were two guys chatting. Both of them were wearing suits. I recognized one of them. His name was Rick. He was one of our regular customers. We've chatted a few times before. He was a nice guy.

Rick was a real estate agent for an upscale neighborhood a few blocks from here. I didn't recognize his friend. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. He had a short stubbly beard that was well groomed. I could barely hear him over the crowd but I managed to pick up that he had an accent. He looked over at me and I looked away. In the corner of my eye, I saw him smile.

"I think he likes you." I looked over and I saw Tris smirking at me. "I was about to take them their drinks, maybe you should do it." She nudged me a few times and I laughed.

"No thanks." I replied. "I'll take care of the Three Douche-teers on the right." I whispered. Tris laughed.

"If you insist." She shrugged and took two beers to Rick and his friend. I didn't take her up on the offer, but I continued to steal a few glances of him here and there.

I walked over to the group and they turned towards me. One of the guys leaned onto the bar and grinned at me. He had black hair, brown eyes, and a goatee. His eyebrows looked like they were waxed...it was bothering me.

"Hey baby...How you doin'?"

I lifted my brow. This guy was drinking before he even got here. I could smell the vodka on his breath.

"Joey Tribbiani everybody." I said sarcastically.

"My name isn't Joey, it's Chris, and you are smoking hot." He said smirking. His eyes travelled up and down my body and spent a little too much time at my cleavage. "What's your name?"

"Myeyesareuphere." I replied and he chuckled. "What can I get you guys?" I asked.

"How about your phone number?"

"Sorry, I don't have a phone." I lied.

"Are you sure? I see it in your pocket." His eyes looked to my right pants pocket.

I looked down at the denim bump that was, in fact, my cell phone.

"Oh that?" I pointed to it and he nodded. He seemed pretty proud that he called my bluff. I couldn't have that. "That's my dick." I replied with a smile.

Rick must have heard my because he nearly spit his beer all over the bar. His friend laughed.

Chris' smile faded. "Three shots of tequila." He sounded annoyed.

I grabbed three shot glasses and filled them to the rim with tequila. I placed them in front of Chris and his buddies and then I started to collect empty glasses from the bar.

"You almost lost your beer Rick." I smiled and wiped the bar.

"Sorry. I was surprised to hear about your recent sex change." Rick replied. We all chuckled.

"I'm sorry you had to hear that. Sometimes they just can't take the hint." I said.

"You can't blame them for trying." Rick's friend said. I looked up at him and he smiled at me.

"Is that accent Australian?" I asked.

"Good guess." He smiled and took another drink of his beer.

I turned around and washed my hands. Then I returned to the bar.

"What is an Australian doing in Portland? Sounds like quite the adjustment." I smiled. He chuckled.

"It is. It's cold here.". I smiled and locked my gaze on his blue eyes . It gave me goosebumps.

"I'm sorry. London, this is Jacob Kane." Rick said.

"London? That's a beautiful name." Jacob said. "Please, call me Jake." He extended his hand to me and I shook it.

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you Jake. What brings you all the way out here?"

"Business." He replied.

"Jake and I have been friends for years. He's my new business partner." Rick grinned and nudged Jake.

"Wow. Congratulations and welcome." I smiled.

"Thank you very much." Jake returned the smile.

"It looks like you're about to run dry. Did you guys want another round?" I pointed to their beers.

"We'll take another round." Rick said grinning. "We are celebrating after all." I poured two more beers and placed them on the bar.

"I'll be right back. I gotta clean up a bit." I walked around the bar and started to clean off the high top tables. My heart skipped a beat when I felt a presence close behind me. I held my breath. When I turned around and saw Chris standing in front of me. I calmed my nerves and lifted my brow.

"Listen baby...we got off on the wrong foot…Let me buy you a drink..." Chris slurred. He looked like he was falling asleep. He was practically tripping over his own feet.

"I'll go ahead and get your check ready." I walked around him.

"Wait, no. Me and my buddies will take another round of shots." He said. I stopped in my tracks and turned to look at him.

"Sorry guys. I'm cutting you off."

"Cutting us off? We've only had one drink." Chris' friend said, raising his voice.

"You were drinking long before you got here. You guys can barely stand." My words were slow but stern. " You're cut off."

"Get us another drink bitch!" The guy spat.

"How about you get the hell out of my bar before they have to drag you out." I yelled. I turned to walk away and his arm grabbed me and pulled me back. His grip didn't hurt but it was firm enough to make my blood boil.

"Hey! I'm talking to you!" He yelled getting in my face. In the corner of my eye, I saw Jake and Rick get up from their chairs and start walking my way. I put my hand up to signal them to stop. I saw them hesitate.

"I'm going to warn you again. Get out, or you will be dragged out." I spat.

Chris' friend looked around the bar and noticed that all eyes were on us. A few random guys had gotten out of their chairs and were ready to take action.

"Let's get the fuck out of here." He grumbled. Chris paid the tab and they stumbled out of the bar.

I watched as they disappeared outside. Part of me wished that I could have beat the pulp out of that arrogant prick, but I was trying to be normal which proved to be difficult at times.

"Hey, are you okay?" I looked over and I saw the concern in Jake's face.

"Yeah, I'm good. It happens more often than you'd think. I'm used to it." I sighed.

"Seems like you know how to handle it." He smiled. I smiled and nodded. His eyes were fixed on my face. The softness in his eyes made my heart race. I looked away and cleared my throat.

"Well, I better get back to work." I smiled and walked around him. Jake returned to his chair but he still stole a few glances in between his conversation with Rick. I cleared all of the empty glasses and continued to wipe down the bar and the tables.

The crowd slowly decreased until only a few people remained. After some time, I saw Jake and Rick get up from their chairs, and put on their jackets. I walked over to clean up their glasses.

"Heading out?" I asked.

"We are." Rick smiled. He placed couple twenty dollar bills on the bar and pushed his chair in. Jake followed suit. I washed and dried my hands.

"Well gentlemen, I hope you have a good night." I grabbed the twenties from the bar. "Did you need any change?" I asked.

"Nope. It's all yours." Rick grinned. I pocketed six dollars and set aside the other six for Tris.

"Thanks Rick. It was nice meeting you Jake. I hope you like it here." I smiled and he returned it.

"I already do." He said looking into my eyes.

"Hey man, I'm gonna use the restroom before we head out. I'll be right back." Rick patted Jake's shoulder and walked away.

Jake stood in front of me as if he was waiting for me to say something. Flirting wasn't my strong suit but I wish it was. His blue eyes were melting me. I realized that I was gawking and quickly averted my gaze. I heard Jake chuckle at me.

"So…" He began. I looked up at him and I couldn't stop smiling. "Assuming that the bump in your pocket is a phone...could I take you out some time?" He grinned. I laughed and pulled my phone out of my pocket as proof. My eyes met his again. I didn't know what it was, but he was different. He was charming, mesmerizing, and genuine. I couldn't look away.

"I'd like that." I said softly. His grin grew. He grabbed my phone from my hands and added himself as a contact.