Pubs At Half Past Five

Chapter 1: Bridgett Abbey

NPOV

Waking up from his long night's rest, Pete woke up to two women laid beside him at either side. The alarm was originally what had woken him, as he had to get ready for work and teach children History and P.E. Groaning, he wiped his face from any sleep and looked to both women. They were fit enough, Pete thought. "Shit..." he hissed when he felt the hammering in his head. He had been drinking all night, to which he hardly remembered the women coming back home with him. Both women passed out.

Rolling out of bed, he told them both to get their things and to piss off. Slipping into some clothes, he helped them leave and took a quick shower. When the stress and fogginess of last night cleared from his head, he moved to take a drink of his water and took some aspirin. Changing into his usual clothing, he left to get to school on time and paid for an English breakfast before getting there. Eating it whilst in his classroom, there were only a few more minutes before the class would start and his phone rang. Shit, who could it be? Pete thought as he dug for it and answered his friend.

Early morning, Kate Taylor had been living on the outskirts of West Ham and was searching for a new place to work. One she was guaranteed to have a long lasting job, so she scoped out the areas of football fans and noticed how men took a liking to a specific pub. To The Bridgett Abbey pub. So, she thought that after finishing and printing her CV, she'd find the perfect place to work as that specific pub. "I'm sorry darlin', but the bar is closed," Terry said as Kate wandered into the pub unnanounced.

Kate was the usual girl to pull stupid jokes that had a hint of sarcasm. But, everyone she knew seemed to like her sense of humour. "Who said I was here for a beer?" Kate asked the man who owned the bar and was currently wiping down tables to prepare for his usual customers. "Unless you're offering me a free beer of course," she teased with a small, charming smile.

Terry noticed that this girl was confident, strong and had a powerful sensation to her. When she stepped in, he wasn't sure if she was lost, or simply here for a visit. Yet, everyone Terry knew, knew they didn't open until 17:15. "Well, what are you doing here then?" he asked her curiously, stopping to place the cleaning cloth onto the table and make his way towards her.

Kate had bright and electric green eyes, her hair brown and short. Although, as Terry stared at her, he'd glance her up and down and saw she was curvacious but thin, a fantasy that would leave all the boys thirsty. "I want a job," she said to him, opening up her purse, she handed him a piece of paper. "Here's my CV," Kate informed him with a pointed look at Terry.

Cautiously, Terry had his doubts as to if this woman was real. If she was really looking for a job, or a reporter of some type. Taking the paper from her, he skimmed his eyes along the paper and noticed it was all truth. "Fuckin' hell," he cursed when she handed him certificates to show she truly was a barmaid and knew how to serve cocktails at top notch. "You've been to America and worked there at top bars?" he asked her stunned. "What's you're name darlin'?" he questioned her curiously, unsure if she had already mentioned her name.

Offering him her hand to shake and a smile, her eyes were glued to him. "I'm Kate," she answered him in a kind and pleased by his reaction tone. Truthfully, Kate hoped he'd be pleased with her CV, as she was eager to have a job at this specific pub, seeing as she needed the money to maintain herself. "Have I got the job then?" she asked him, very hopeful as her tone raised slightly from the excitement.

Reaching for her hand cautiously, he eyed her curiously and wondered if this was all a trick. That maybe Pete and the boys would run through and laugh at him, telling him that this woman was really a paid model or actress. "Terry," he told her his name as he took her hand and shook it. "You can start tonight," he agreed giving her CV another once over and a nod of his head. "Besides, all the boys do is drink some pints and possibly even spill some of it," he joked.

Most of the time, the boys spilled more of the drink than drank it. When they'd start singing their song, they'd get very emotional and start swaying in masses of men linked together. Somehow, Terry couldn't picture a young girl like Kate working in a place like his beloved pub. "Why would a girl like you want to work in a place like this?" he questioned her, knowing he may be prying into her business, but he was too curious to keep quiet.

Keeping her gaze on her new boss, she sighed and decided to stick to something her father always taught her. His words rang into her head like an undying moto. Honesty is the best policy. "Honestly?" she asked him curiously, an eyebrow raising and her expression bored, except for the one raised eyebrow. "I need the money and it seems like a busy enough place to make some," she shrugged and stuck to the truth.

For Kate, there was no reason in keeping secrets over something like work. They all needed money and she'd be willing to work hard to earn some. Terry noticed her from somewhere, there were times she'd wander past the door and peer into the bar, noticing how men filled every corner and sometimes, even women would enter the full bar. "Observant," Terry commented, liking the girl for this simple fact. Except, he remembered that it was a common trait when it came to Journalists. "Just be careful to not go yapping about what our customers say to each other," he pointed a finger to her.

Instantly, Kate knew this was a warning she needed to heed. Nodding, Kate understood that some things could not be questioned, that maybe things may happen and she couldn't speak of it to anyone. "I'll swear a code of confidentiallity," Kate agreed with a nod of her head. "Cross my heart," she said as she made an 'X' across her heart. "Just know, I'm the type of employee who will never plead for anything," she told him before she took her purse and tucked it under her arm.

Terry instantly liked her, but he stayed cautious of her and was unsure if she was really who she played out to be. "Good," he chuckled. "You'll do perfectly fine here then," he assured her kindly and saw her lips curl in a small smile. "Get ready, wear simple clothing and get back here for five," he ordered of her. "Help you get used to the place before the lads get in," he called to her as she turned around and went to leave the pub, so she could get ready and return to the pub to do her day's worth of work. As she left, Terry instantly knew that the girl was something special.

Pete and the boys had decided to all meet outside the bar after work, but when he got there, he hugged them and entered after saying their greetings. The boys had even teased Pete for leaving with two women clung to his arms, but he brushed it off and laughed about it. It was half past five when the boys decided to enter the pub. Stepping in, they thought it was all going to be a normal day, the bar was filled with regulars and friendly faces. Yet, they were surprised to see a new face behind the bar, alongside their usual friend Terry. "Holy shit," Dave mumbled. "Who's the girl behind the bar?" he asked as they all stopped at the door, all except Bovver.

Bov kept moving ahead and lit up a cigarette. Not caring for the girl, he wasn't the type of guy to like new people. The rest of the stared at the barmaid stunned. Pete's breath was caught in his throat, just from the sight of her. Brown short hair, bright green eyes and a rack he could see that was big enough to fit into his firm, rough hands. "I don't know, but she's fit as fuck," Swill mumbled as they all stared at the charming, young woman who was pouring the men beers.

The majority of men surrounded the bar, all to get a look at the new, fit barmaid. Stunned by the beauty before him, Pete hadn't noticed he stopped blinking until he began to feel his eyes get dry. Blinking, he regathered himself and remembered he had to be the tough guy he was. "Let's go say hello to the new girl," he encouraged the others with a gentle shove of his arm against Dave's.

Wandering through the mass of tables, men and familiar friends, they'd greet Pete respectfully and gave him a space at the bar. "Oi, oi," he greeted the barmaid with a cheeky, confident grin on his face. The rest of the boys wandered over, took some of the now free stools and leaned against the bar. Glancing up, Kate was surprised to see the amount of young looking men staring at her.

But, the one that made her breath hitch and heart hammer, wasn't any of the men who were being listed. "This is Ned, Dave, Swill, Ike and Keith," the one Kate had her eyes glued to spoke, confidently and pointing to each man. Shaking their hands, each man noticed how soft her skin was compared to theirs. Pete was the one Kate was watching, his eyes were a bright hazel, his smile cheeky and his face was freshly shaved and his hair shorter than she thought was possible.

Pete thought she was stunning, but Kate had to remind herself that she wasn't meant to stay professional when serving customers. She had her own motives to keep her distance, but knew there was no harm in charming the clients for extra tips. "The one over there, he's Bovver, he don't take too kindly to strangers," Pete said to Kate with a small smirk. "So, don't feel intimidated by him, he'll get used to you," he winked towards her, a small smirk pulled at the corner of his lips as he tried to get into her thoughts.

He may have been confident, but he felt he didn't need to act like a shy little school boy. That he needed to grow a pair and make his stand as a man. Kate side glanced the man Pete had pointed out to be Bovver, she offered him a small smile, but he ignored her and looked away from her, focused on his smoke and nothing else. "And who might you be?" Kate asked as her electic green eyes glanced up to meet his hazel ones.

"Shit...a yank," Swill cursed as he noted her slight twang of an American accent. It was faint, but there were some words she'd pronounce at times that sounded more American than her usual British accent. It was all because of her past, seeing as she'd lived in America for a while but then moved to England to live the rest of her life.

The word seemed to offend her slightly, as she had never been originally known as a yank, as they'd called her. She knew it wasn't their fault they didn't know her, so she couldn't judge them as she didn't know anything about them either. "Not exactly," Kate argued back gently. "Get to know me, and you may know the reason why," she tilted her head and challenged the group of young men that leaned against the bar.

Pete shoved Swill when he mentioned her to be an American, as though it was meant to be a bad thing. Only, it seemed to interest Pete more than he lead on to believe. Giving Swill a glare, Swill raised his hands and shrugged a little. "Oh, I'm sure some of these pricks are gonna try to get to know you," Pete spoke with a smirk when his head to turn to stare Kate in the eyes. "But, it will probably only be to get into your knickers love," he warned her. "I'm Pete. Dunham," he split his name as he offered her his hand to shake and a smile curved his lips. "What about you love?"

Kate didn't want to seem cold, but there was a strange draw in towards the young man. The men all seemed nice enough, but she wanted to keep it all professional, not only for her own good, but for theirs. "Kate," she answered. "Taylor," she informed them and shook her hand with Pete's. Pete noticed how soft her skin was, along with how dark it was compared to his and made their eyes flash at the touch, then towards one another's gazes. Shit. They both thought at the same time, a tingle ran through each spine as their breaths were caught.

The boys all observed Pete and Kate's exchange silently. "You're new here," Keith said as he looked to Kate and eyed her up and down. Liking the look of her, the majority of men believed that she was genuine, while Bovver thought there was something she was hiding.

"Thank you for reminding me," Kate threw back sarcastically, coldly and as though it was a quick slap to his cheek.

Keith looked at her shocked, but the others all laughed at Kate's refreshing sass. It was something they all needed, being surrounded by men or sluts all the time, made Kate seem like a breath of fresh air. "She's got a tongue on her," Dave pointed at Kate as he clapped Keith's back playfully. "I like it," he laughed.

Pete liked having Kate around, she seemed genuine, smart and fun. A girl he'd never encountered before and honestly, he wanted to get to know her better. Even though he just met her, he was interested in figuring her out. "Shut it," she ordered as she glanced at Dave. "What would you boys like?" she asked with a kind tone and leaned over the bar, glancing to each boy with a small giggle.

She was only harsh for fun, playing around and showing them that she too could be like a boy. Yet, they all knew she was acting like a boy with tits. "Pints," Pete told her instinctively, it was no question that the regular order would be made. "For the seven of us love," he smirked at her, pleased to see her around. Truthfully, Kate felt good being around them, as they didn't intimidate her as the other men would. The others would stare at her like she was a piece of meat, these guys made her feel welcomed in the vicious playful demanor they acted in. "First pint's on me boys," Pete told the boys as offerd a few notes to Kate.

When Kate took the money from Pete, he winked at her and turned back to the boys. Quicker than the average tender, she served up perfect pints to the boys and slid it over to them. Each of them waiting for the beers to be in a perfect row. "Here you go boys," Kate said as she finished the last pint and handed it to Pete. "Enjoy," she encouraged with a wide smile, the boys thanked her and wandered over to their table.

The boys had laughed and talked about everything and nothing. Kate would fix up some pints, hand it out and clear up tables. Sometimes, customers would ask her for some salted peanuts and she'd happily give it them, knowing it would make them more thirsty, meaning they'd get some more drinks and pay her. Although, she enjoyed most of the men's banter and conversations she'd have with them. Pete had gone onto his 6th round with the boys and moved to get the seventh. "So...Kate," Pete spoke in a cool tone, trying to act like the charming young man he could be sometimes.

Being the Major of the GSE, he had to be confident, especially when it came to challenges and taking a stand to impress a girl. Truthfully, he wanted to make Kate feel welcomed, but he also wanted to get to know her better, without being rejected or embaressed in front of those who respected him because of his reputation. "Pete," Kate replied, taking the note he had given her and preparing the next round of pints for the boys.

Pete was honestly attracted to her, with her electric green eyes and brown short hair, her figure was tight and curved, her smile wide and heartwarming for the men to see. It illuminated her lightly tanned skin, which was a contrast to her beautiful eyes and every feature looked like she deserved to be a model, rather than a barmaid. I ain't gonna complain. Pete thought. "What do you say 'bout having a good time with me and the lads?" he questioned with a cheeky smirk and raised eyebrow.

Listening to the suggestion, Kate was a little surprised by the words that escaped him. She felt drawn to Pete, interested in his confidence and the mystery that was behind him. He seemed kind and behind the baggy clothings, she wondered if he was as lean and strong as she was picturing. "I'm not sure," she arched an eyebrow and looked back to her hands, which worked on the handles to fix the boys their pints. "What type of time?"

Pete was pleased with her curiousity, taking it as something of interest towards what they had to offer her. Somehow, Kate thought maybe they were suggesting something of perversions and would question if her suspicions were true. "Have a few drinks with us," he encouraged with a wide smile. "Try and drink us under the table," he winked at her, but Pete believed the girl wouldn't have a chance, while Kate knew that she had a strong stomach when it came to the content of alcohol she'd have.

A smile was creeping to grow along her lips, but she kept her eyes glued on her work and a small smirk on her lips. Pete saw the smirk and couldn't help but smirk back at her, truthfully he was starting to feel the drinks kick in slowly, like a slow humming buzz. "I would but we'd all have to start from zero pints to be fair and I'm currently working," she spoke with a cheeky smile curving her lips.

Charmed by it for a second, Pete knew that she was simply looking for any excuse to stay professional. Little did she know, that this pub was anything but professional. Terry would offer a drink, but he'd have one himself at most times. Especially on a football day. "Terry wouldn't mind, would ya?" Pete called loudly over the high level of noise towards Kate's new boss.

Pete was fixing a new keg under the bar, grunting and looked up from under his lashes towards Kate. She arched a perfect eyebrow at Terry, as though challenging him to make her do something she didn't want to do. She wanted to join them, but she knew if she did, she'd get into multiple types of trouble. "Don't get me into this Pete," Terry warned as he looked up at the young brother of his old Major.

Dave stumbled towards Pete, Swill and the others laughed as they watched Dave make his drunken way towards the bar. Making his way towards Kate and Pete, Dave slung his drunken arm over Pete's back and tried to clap it loudly. "Come on Kate," Dave mumbled. "Join us," he encouraged, but he could barely stay on his feet or keep his gaze glued to her.

Pete laughed, pushing him off of him, he watched as Dave wobbled and almost fell to the floor. Kate scoffed a little, holding back her laugh and pursing her lips shyly. "I'm busy boys," she told them. "Maybe next time," she said as she placed the last pint onto the bar. "Besides, I think Davey here is half way to the floor," she pointed towards the drunken mess beside Pete, making the majority of men around her laugh. "Nevermind the table," she spoke sarcastically.

Understanding her joking and teasing, Pete laughed at her wit and was more entranced by her. Dave went to pick up some pints, but Pete quickly slapped his hands out of the way and gave Dave his own drink. Shaking her head, Pete glanced back at Kate and smiled before taking as many beers as he could. "That was a good one love," he winked. "Another time then."

Bovver was in his usual space, bored and half awake. His voice a bored slur as he'd glance between the boys and kept his head lowered whilst Pete brought over the drinks, along with Dave who really was halfway to the floor. "What you doing with her?" Bovver asked as he didn't look to Pete, but looked towards the direction of Kate.

Kate returned to working, but she had moved behind the bar towards where the staff could hide for a moment. Away from the hum of music and roar of men laughing and talking. Kate had to call Ben to tell him where she was. "We're just getting to know our new barmaid," Dave slurred as Pete watched her, her phone pressed to her ear, trying to look like she was secretive but was actually very blatant.

Pete was completely mesmerised by her, but was unsure if Kate felt the same towards her. Kate was interested in the young lad, but she knew better than to get involved with him. Especially when she didn't know anything about him. "She ain't gonna want anything to do with us," Bovver told them. "Less with a group of random guys flirting with her," Bovver grumbled. "Just stop it, you're making yourselves look like twats."

The boys had felt slightly angered and insulted by what Bovver said, but they knew he was only trying to give them advice, even if it was unwanted. Pete felt his heart sink for a moment, which was something he hadn't felt in years, last time he had, he was only a young teen. "We ain't flirting with her," Pete told him coldly. "You heard Dave, we're only welcoming our new barmaid and there ain't nothing wrong with that," Pete shrugged and gestured to both Kate and Dave at the same time.

Bovver took a long gulp of his beer and a drag of his cigarette. Bored, irritated and not meeting any of their gazes, he didn't like newcomers, especially ones that took the attention away from him and the rest of his firm. "Fuck you pricks," he spat at them, irritated with how they all pined for Kate.

Silently they all sat, but when they all thought it over, they glanced up at Kate and stared. Watching her, how she poured drinks and handed them with a smile. Kate could sense someone was watching her and didn't turn her head to see who was staring, but she could sense multiple eyes on her at all times. The boys observed her and some had their mouths entertained with cigarettes or their beer. Pete was the only one to watch her without anything in his mouth, instead he focused all his attention on her and felt his eyes smile to her laughter. "I ain't gonna lie, she's fit as fuck," Swill repeated the same words he had said a few hours ago.

Kate had leaned over the bar, cleaning the counter top and making sure it was spotless. Her breasts giggling and her arse swaying with every movement. Every man had a good view of her, no matter where they sat and what angle they saw her. She was hard working and she was very professional throughout the night. "Second that," Dave agreed with him, nodding as all the boys, except Bovver kept their eyes fixated on the young barmaid.

Terry was cleaning up tables and offering some peanuts to the boys as he was wandering around the pub. Leaving Kate to tend to the majoirity of the men at the bar. "I think we can all agree boys," Terry agreed as he got in the way of the boys sight towards Kate. "She really is something special. But don't try anything stupid, she's a tough one from what she's been telling me," he warned them. Turning, all the men stared at her and watched her curiously, trying to figure her out and yet, not look like creeps as they stared at her. All of them had questions, but they couldn't help but keep them to themselves and not irritate the girl on her first day.

Stepping out the car, Ben was tired of waiting for her and she had told him what time she'd be out for. Impatient, the doors slammed opened and Ben rushed in. His blue eyes bright, hair black as coal and his skin as pale as paper. "Kate!" he called to her over all the noise. Suddenly, the whole pub silenced and no one moved or spoke.

Everyone had turned to look at the outside, but Kate froze and stiffened, her whole body tensed up at his presence. Pete and Terry were the only ones to notice her reaction. Ben was getting angered with waiting for her, seeing her surrounded by men and not with him, his fists clenched and he wandered further into the pub. "Who the fuck is this arsehole?" Swill muttered under his breath.

Quick as a flash, Kate wandered over to the back room, grabbed hold of her jacket and wrapped herself up. Pete and the rest of the men eyed Ben, curious as to who he was and what he was doing here. They were trying to figure out what type of guy he was, and by first impression none of the boys liked him. "Shit," Kate cussed as she rushed into the room. "I'm sorry," she apologised to her impatient boyfriend. "I'll be there in a second Ben," she called as she wrapped her scarf around her neck.

"Ben huh?" Dave muttered, glaring at the man who was too impatient and stood out like a sore thumb. He wore clothes that were semi-casual and kept his eyes glaring towards Kate. Something told all the boys that this bloke was the type to hurt a woman, or threaten a guy for simply looking at his girl.

Kate looked shy as she wandered over to fix her bag, trying to place everything in the bag and made her way towards her boyfriend. Everyone in the room knew Kate was going with him, but she looked more afraid than what she should be. Like she feared him, more than loved him. "I've been waiting for you for over 20 minutes now!" Ben shouted. "Come on, let's go home," he ordered. "For Christ's sake. Give me that," he spat as he pulled the bag out of her hands, zipped it up and wandered towards the door.

The way he took it from her, Kate had her hand and wrist on the bag, but it was to perch on her skin and bones. But, when Ben pulled it off of her, everyone looked at him angered. "Hey!" Kate shouted. "Don't yank like that, you nearly twisted my hand," she warned him, rubbing at her now hurt wrist. Before she left, she rushed back to Terry and smiled towards him before pulling him into a hug. "Thank you for hiring me Terry," she whispered into his ear.

"No problem darlin'," Terry replied as he hugged her back and pulled away with a small smile. Ben glared at Kate, took hold of her arm and dragged her towards the door. Instantly, the GSE got to their feet, Pete was the one who stood tallest and stood out the most. Everyone gave him room as he pushed through and made his way towards Kate.

If there was something the men didn't like, was arseholes like Ben mistreating women. Kate then shrugged out of Ben's painful grasp and turned back to the men at the pub. "Goodbye lads!" she called to them with a wave and smile. She liked everyone, even if they did stare at her too long and with hungry eyes at times. Yet, she knew they were men and that they liked seeing a young woman strutting around where men usually huddled together.

Moving a little closer to the woman that he'd grown interested and fond of, Pete glanced behind her and towards Ben. Instantly, everyone knew that Ben was her boyfriend and a shit one at that. "When will you be back Kate?" Pete asked her kindly, smiling to her sadly and giving her a small raise of his head to point towards her with his chin.

Kate felt happy around the blokes, seeing as they all cared enough about her to want to defend her against someone they didn't know, but didn't like the first impression of. Turning her gaze to Pete, she smiled softly and went to answer. Stepping in, Ben pushed Kate behind him and tried to step up to Pete. Although, Pete was taller and more muscular than Ben. Which, only made Ben look more like an arsehole to the boys. "Why the fuck do you care?" he questioned Pete with squinted eyes.

Just as Pete was about to threaten Ben coldly, Kate placed her hand over Ben's chest and pushed him beside her. Ben glared at Pete, whilst Pete simply smirked cockily and chewed on the gum in his mouth. "Ben," Kate warned and looked up to him, pulling Ben's angered gaze away from Pete and to stare down at Kate. "Thursday lads," she told them as she turned her head to smile towards all the men who were watching silently.

Shit. She'll be back in two days...Pete thought, wanting to see her face sooner again and gave her a smile. Nodding, he kept chewing his gum and would glance between Kate and the prick she had as a boyfriend. "See you lads on Thursday!" Kate waved to everyone and they all greeted her back. Leaving the Bridgett Abbey pub, she was forced into the car and was being lectured harshly by Ben. The boys followed her out, watching her get forced into the car, doors slamming louder than needed and Ben sped away. Worried for her, they all knew it was best to leave her to her shit and if anything happened, they'd all know.

Hope you liked this chapter! This is only a start and will get crazier as the chapters progress. It's an eventual Pete/OC love story. This is rated M because I will possibly be writing a lot of sex scenes and because of the language, along with the themes it will have. So, don't be afraid of my crazy writing. I would appreciate 5 reviews to get me started.

Questions I want answered in the 5 reviews:

1) Do you want me to continue?

2) What did you like?

3) Can you predict what will happen in this story?

4) Do you read any of my other work?

Until the 5 reviews, I won't be writing any more chapters for this story.

Much love,

HeroJustInTime90!