Kagome tucked her latest tip into her apron, grabbing three different bottles before spinning one in the air. Not a drip was spilled as she poured all three into a row of shot glasses. The group of women, all clad in ribbons depicting their relationship to the bride-to-be, cheered as she finished.
"Pick your poison, ladies!" she called, grinning as the bride grabbed two. They all slammed back the alcohol, and the maid of honour blew her a kiss before dragging her best friend onto the dance floor. Kagome gathered up the rest of the bills they'd left behind, Kouga shoving her shoulder as he passed.
"See? Told ya it would be a big payout."
She chuckled. "I'm surprised you didn't take them for yourselves. They probably would've begged you to dance on the bar top."
He made a big show of looking aghast. "Moi? I would never."
"And that's why you've been written up three times for it."
He winked, clearing away a few empty glasses before slicing through a lime. "You're better at the shots, anyway. All those flair classes have upped your game."
Kagome gave him a mock curtsy. "Why thank you, Your Highness. I aim to please." She'd been dying of boredom in her business classes and needed something more exciting, so after perusing the activity boards, she'd settled on flair bartending—and loved it.
Gramps still expected her to take over the shrine when he couldn't manage the tasks anymore, but for now, she was having fun. Kouga didn't need the job or the income, but after a few nasty encounters with patrons, he'd offered his services as her bodyguard.
They both pretended Inuyasha hadn't put him up to it.
After restocking the garnish tray, Kouga clicked his tongue. "Don't look now, but your number one fan is back."
Kagome groaned, popping two beers for a couple at the other end. "I don't suppose he's brought someone with him this time?"
"Wishful thinking."
She cursed under her breath, then plastered on a smile. "Come rescue me if I'm gone longer than three minutes."
"Not five?"
She shook her head. "My patience is low tonight."