Sorry again for the delay!
It was early October and the balmy warm of summer had been replaced by a clear chill that began to descend across the city. The weeks started to pass rapidly as the school year began to stretch out. Nick had found himself spending more and more time at the bar; he was taking on greater responsibility now that a permanent manager was still yet to be found. There had been a succession of candidates trialled recently, but none had lasted very long.
Jessica was working long hours too; leaving before 7 in the morning and not usually returning until after 6. It made spending time together a little difficult but they had both promised each other it was only a temporary situation. Nick had decided to apply for the full time position as manager at Clyde's; it made sense since he was practically doing the job anyway and he'd realized he needed to start getting a bit more serious about life. Of course, none of this was due to Jess's handsome and successful new co-worker David. Not at all. Well, at least that's what he told himself…
Jess had been mentoring David for over a month now and she raved to Nick about how well he was doing. "Seriously Nick, he's a natural!" she exclaimed as she nursed a warm cup of tea between her hands.
"That's great Jess," he replied as he went to sit next to her on the sofa and flicked on the TV.
"Nick…" Jess began. He sighed and took a deep breath. Whenever Jess talked about David it made him feel a little sick and his body would automatically stiffen as the tension within him rose. He knew she hated it when he responded in this way; he still smarted from when she had called him childish the first time they had worked late at the loft. Since then, he'd tried so hard to swallow his true dislike and mistrust of her co-worker and show Jess he could be mature about these things.
"Jess, I think it's great that you are able to mentor someone. You are a natural teacher and I'm so proud of you. It's just a little hard that you spend so much time with another guy," he admitted. She smiled a little and shuffled towards him, closing the gap between their bodies.
"Aww, is my boyfriend feeling a little jealous…" she chided.
"A little," he said, catching her eye, "I feel like he sees more of you than I do right now."
"True as that may be, does he get to do this?" She placed her cup on the table then twisted on the sofa to climb into his lap, interlacing her fingers behind his neck. Looking down at him, she studied his face, quickly taking in his strong jaw and expressive eyes; then she pulled him into a deep, satisfying kiss before leaning back to look at him again.
"Well, I really hope not, or your definition of friendship is way different from mine…" he replied breathlessly.
"Ah, I only save that kind of thing for my very special friends. Very special," she said, nodding as she spoke.
"Is that so?" he marvelled, shifting her a little closer to him. She giggled.
"Now, don't forget it's the faculty dinner tomorrow so I won't be home before your shift but I'm going to bring some people over to the bar afterwards, okay?"
"Yes ma'am!" he nodded, giving her a mini salute as he did so.
"And remember, I need you looking good, I want to make all the other teachers jealous of my smokin' hot boyfriend," she said with a smile.
"Duly noted-I will shower, wear deodorant and may even bust out the iron…"
"Whoa, don't go to crazy," Jess laughed. "Come on mister, it's getting late, take me to bed before I change my mind." He didn't wait for her to say anything else and scooped her up in his arms, holding her close and carrying her out of the room.
The bar was busy as the after work Friday night crowd began to flow in, keeping Nick and the other two staff busy with orders of cocktails and pitchers of beer. For once, Nick was actually starting to enjoy his work. Tonight he was taking charge, coordinating the staff and organizing the flow of service. He had discovered he actually had a knack for managing people; something that surprised him more than anyone else. Shouting instructions across the bar to Big Bob and the servers, he had been a little startled when he felt a small, cool hand slip over his as it lay on the wooden surface. He turned around to see the smiling face of Jess greet him. She grinned as he leaned across and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, "Hey gorgeous," he said.
"Hello handsome," she replied in a low voice, looking him over. His hair was a little more groomed than usual and he wore a black button down shirt over a white tee which enhanced the tan color of his skin. She bit her lip, feeling a little twirly. As she fluffed her hair with her hand, a moment passed between them; thoughts of what she wanted to do to him later filling her head.
"Uh, Jess, we found a table," came the voice of another man from behind her. Nick looked to see who the voice belonged to; it was David. Quickly flashing his eyes closed, he steeled himself before placing a fixed smile on his face.
"That's great, Nick, you remember David, right?" she said, looking between the two of them.
"Yeah," Nick answered reaching his hand across the bar and shaking David's offered one, "Good to see you man."
"Likewise," David reciprocated, "Jess, I'll see you at the table? We're near the back." She nodded in response before turning once more to Nick.
"Okay, I'd better go join them but promise you'll come over first chance you get?" she requested leaning over closer to him.
"Of course," he promised, pulling her into a lingering, sweet kiss before she hopped off the bar and turned and skipped away.
Yeah, he would be over to see them very soon. He planned on keeping a very close eye on things this evening. Very close.
Clyde's was so busy that evening that Nick had only managed to visit Jess at her table for about five minutes to be introduced to her co-workers, who by that point in the evening were all pretty merry. He'd smiled and laughed at their jokey innuendo, all the time irked by the closeness at which David had chosen to place himself to Jess, any closer and he will be on her lap, he thought. Their brief chat was ended when Big Bob called him back to the bar.
"Hey guys, I've gotta get back behind the bar, I'll see you later," he told the group, giving a small wave and smiling at Jess.
"I'll come with you," David said, holding up his empty beer bottle, "Need to refresh!" He hopped up from his seat and followed Nick back to the bar, where the new server, Emma, was waiting with an order.
"Just gotta fill this order and I'll be right with you," he told David who nodded in response.
"Sure man," he replied and he sat quietly watching Nick prepare a round of drinks which Emma then placed onto a large, round tray before moving off into the crowd. As she left, David spun round to watch her, letting out a low whistle as he did so. "Damn," he said finally, turning back to face Nick, "Now that, is a fine piece of ass!" Nick was momentarily surprised by David's words.
"W-what?" he asked.
"You're little waitress friend, with the tiny skirt. I'd like to sink my teeth into that. Mmm-hmmm." Nick wasn't quite sure he was hearing correctly, was this the same suave, charming guy he had met before now talking like his head was in the gutter?
"Yeah, Emma is a nice girl," Nick continued diplomatically.
"I hope she's not too nice, if you know what I mean," David replied with a wink. Nick let out a self-conscious laugh as he slid a cool bottle of beer over to David, "Cheers man," he finished before he headed back to the table.
A while later, Nick still had an uneasy feeling. He didn't like David, clearly, but the way he had spoken about Emma made him feel uncomfortable and sure that there was more to this than Nick being jealous. He was deep in thought when Jess appeared in front of him, immediately leaning across to him and placing a soft kiss on his mouth. "I miss you," she said, in a tipsy voice.
"I miss you too Jess, sorry I can't spend more time with your friends," he apologized. Jess let out a tiny hiccup, which Nick found adorable.
"Well you sir," she said pointing to his chest, "Can make it up to me later."
"Indeed I will, but I think you need to lay off the wine or I'll feel like I am taking advantage."
"I have no problem with that," she assured him with a giggle. Nick took a breath and decided to broach the topic that had been plaguing him.
"Hey Jess, I, er, need to tell you something," he began, "Earlier, when David came over, he was being a little, well, crude, when he was talking about Emma."
"The new waitress?" she asked and Nick nodded. "Oh Nick, I'm sure you're over reacting. David is like one of the most decent and proper guys I've ever met. You probably just misunderstood."
"I don't know…" he started to reply. She gave him a wide eyed pleading look and he decided to end the conversation. "Yeah, you're probably right. Forget I said anything. And here, is something to sober my lady up a little," he placed a glass of Sprite with a little umbrella in it in front of Jess. She beamed at him and placed the black straw between her lips before winking at him and walking away.
"Urgh," cried Emma, slamming the plastic tray down upon the bar, causing Nick to look up in alarm.
"What's up?" he asked.
"Oh, just some jerk trying to grope me. Man, I hate drunk guys!" she replied, placing her arms on the bar.
"Who was it, do you want me to get Bob to throw him out?" he offered.
"Oh, it's just that guy in the suit," she gestured to the table where Jess was sitting: David was the only man in a suit in that area. He once again felt his body stiffen, that jerk, he thought, feeling his fists start to ball together. "Just forget it, but I'd rather not serve in that area for now."
"Yeah, of course, I'll get Miranda to swap with you. Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said shaking her head, "Hazard of the job," she finished before starting to give him the next order.
It was a little later when Nick finally managed to make it over to Jess for his break. The table was quieter now, some people had left and David and a few others had gone outside for a cigarette leaving just Jess and a couple of young female teachers who were deep in conversation with each other. As he slid into the booth next to her, with a glass of ginger ale in his hand, she welcomed him by wrapping her arms around his neck, "Finally," she sighed, pulling him into her.
"Yeah, crazy night, first chance I've had for a break," he mumbled as he placed soft kisses on top of her head.
"Well, you are all mine for the next 30 minutes!" she promised. They sat and chatted, Jess told him about her day and he explained how his first full managing shift was going. He was enjoying it and he told her he was definitely going for the full time job. "That's great! I'm sure you'll get it," she beamed. The conversation continued until Nick felt the burning desire to reveal what Emma had told him about David.
"Jess, can I tell you something," he asked, "About David?" She gave a heavy sigh as she looked across at him.
"Nick, are we going to keep having the same conversation again and again?" she demanded.
"No, this is important, earlier I was talking to Emma and-"
"Look, I know you are a little jealous and insecure around him but you know I love you right? You have nothing to worry about," she insisted, placing her hand on his arm and engaging him in an honest gaze. He felt torn, he wanted her to know what David was really like but at the same time, he didn't want Jess to think he was immature and jealous.
"Okay, you're right, new topic," he smiled and pushed that thought to the back of his mind.
The bell for last orders had been rung and the remaining stragglers were starting to leave the bar. Jess and her friends were the last table remaining – her, David and the two younger girls who were giggling and wobbling as they tried to stand.
"Nick, you want me to wait for you?" she asked as she approached the bar. He shook his head. "Nah Jess, I'll be at least another half hour to close up. You head home and I'll see you there."
"Okay babe, love you," she said giving him a little wave and blew him a kiss. He watched as the group exited as he set about closing down the cash registers.
Outside it was a little chilly as they waited for the cab David had called-they were going to share as getting a taxi at that time of night was always hard. The two junior teachers were soon picked up by one of their boyfriends and had bid them a tipsy and hug filled goodbye.
"See ya later girls," Jess chuckled as the car pulled away, "I think someone is going to have quite the headache in the morning." A sudden chill passed through her as the cool evening air began to penetrate her wine armor, "Brrr," she shivered.
"Y'alright?" David slurred. He was looking a little drunk and leaning against the wall of Clyde's.
"Yeah, just a little cold," she explained as she hugged her cardigan covered arms.
"You wanna borrow my jacket?" he offered, gesturing to his coat.
"No, no," she shook her head, "I'm fine." He pushed away from the wall and stepped closer to her.
"C'mon, take my coat," he insisted, getting a bit too close for comfort.
"I said I'm fine David, really," she leant back a little as she talked; she could smell the aroma of stale beer on his breath. Suddenly, she saw his facial expression change into a small scowl and without warning he grabbed her wrist. "Hey," she cried, wincing a little at his tight grip.
"Oookay Jess, it's time to cut the crap," she stared at him, stunned at his change in mood, "All you have done is flirt with me for the past month and I think it's about time we stopped these games."
"What?" she exclaimed, "How dare you? I'm with Nick!"
"Huh," he snorted, "That loser? Please. You need a man who is going places, not some dropout bartender. C'mon give me a kiss," he puckered up his lips and moved to try and kiss Jess. She twisted and turned, blocking him and in response his hand tightened on her wrist.
"Ow, you're hurting me, let me go!" she demanded. But instead, he took hold of her other hand and pulled her body closer to him. Finally instinct took over her body and swiftly she brought her knee up into a heavy blow to his crotch. He yelled in response, letting go of her, his hands moving to protect himself. "Jerk!" she shouted as she ran back to the entrance.
She arrived at the door just as Big Bob and the waitresses were leaving, "Where's Nick?" she asked breathlessly.
"In the office," Bob answered, "You okay Jess?" he asked.
"Sure," she nodded with a little smile before racing past him to the office. When she arrived at the glass and wood door she burst through it without knocking, causing a startled Nick to swing round in his chair.
"What the-" he paused when he saw it was Jess, "Hey, I thought you were getting a cab." Jess entered the room and slumped down in the sofa beside the desk.
"You were right Nick," she stated simply.
"I was?" he asked, a little confused.
"David, he is a jerk. He just tried to kiss me," she explained. Nick felt a ball of fury quickly grow inside of him.
"That son of a- where is he?" he demanded, rising from his seated position as he did so.
"It's-it's fine. I kneed him in the balls, I think he got the message," she laughed a little as she rubbed the light red marks that now adorned her wrists. Nick moved to sit beside her on the sofa and turned to face her.
"Did he hurt you?" he asked.
"Just grabbed me a little, I'll be fine," she promised. As his fury began to subside, Nick's sense of responsibility began to replace it. If only he had told her what Emma had said.
"Look, this is my fault, I'm so sorry."
"How is it your fault?" she asked quizzically. He moved closer to her and began to examine her wrists.
"Earlier tonight he groped Emma. I tried to tell you but I chickened out. I didn't want you to think I was being immature and jealous," he admitted, before bringing her wrist to his lips and placing small, tender kisses on the marks upon them.
"This isn't your fault. Actually, I should apologize. You obviously picked up on something I didn't see with him. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you," she apologized.
"I could kill him," he said, shaking his head, "I should have known…"
"But I probably wouldn't have listened," she interjected, "I'm very stubborn." He wrapped his arm around her.
"Yeah y'are. And you always see the best in people, which is something I love about you," he lay his head on top of hers and felt her body relax into him.
"Well, I'll always be optimistic but I guess there is room for a little caution. I'll speak to the principal on Monday, get him a new mentor. I really couldn't stand the idea of being in the same room as him anytime soon," she shuddered as the thought passed through her.
"Good," he said, "Because if he laid another finger on you I would probably do something stupid."
"You wanna protect me Miller?" she asked coyly.
"Of course, all I want to do is take care of you," he said quietly. They were silent a little as they both calmed down and let the drama of the evening begin to drain out of their systems.
"Would you hold me?" she asked and he obliged, wrapping his arms around her.
Nick lay back on the sofa, Jess curled up on top of him, their bodies covered with a thin wool blanket. "I love you," Jess said, kissing his chest as she spoke.
"I love you too," he replied, wrapping his arms around her, "You make me feel like the luckiest guy in the world. Like I could do anything."
"Well you can do anything, don't you believe that?" she asked, looking up at him with wondering eyes. A moment of realisation passed over him. She believed in him, she really did.
"I guess I am just starting to," he admitted, "You know I'd do anything for you, right?"
"I do know," she sighed as she grasped him tightly, never wanting to let go.
Don't forget - I appreciate comments and reviews!
Edit: Ending changed slightly. My intention is never to upset or offend anyone so I apologise if I did.