Page 48 of The Perfect Melody

Guilt nags at my conscience, but I think saying anything else will only make things worse. “OK. I’ll see you afterwards. Have fun up there.” I leave the office before I can put my size tens any further into my mouth.

Have fun up there? Damn, I know it’s been a while, but I didn’t realise I’m so out of practice I can’t navigate an almost-kiss with any semblance of tact. Taking another deep breath before heading back into the bustling bar, I square my shoulders and hold my head high. It’s fine. Nothing happened, and it’s for the best.

Cassie and I can go back to treating each other with the wary respect one might show a wild animal. Maybe we’ll even become friends and laugh about this later. Fine, the laughter part is probably pushing it, but after last night, I really do think we could be friends. God knows it seems like she could do with someone in her corner.

Pushing back a few strands of hair that have fallen forward, I pull myself together. What’s done is done, and I have a bar to run.

* * *

Cassie

Going from performing then getting right back to waiting tables was jarring and yet oddly comforting at the same time. My second set lasted an hour, bringing us to midnight. I stashed my guitar in Austin’s office, refusing to let myself dwell on what almost happened in there before Mei walked in. Then I downed a glass of water behind the bar, and I’ve been serving drinks and clearing tables for the past hour. The kitchen closed at the same time I finished my set, but the kitchen team stayed behind to celebrate the success of the new and improved Bowman’s first official night.

Austin locks the front door behind the final stragglers just after one. He’s normally stricter about closing time, but it seems everyone who came tonight wanted to tell him what a good job he’s done. To my surprise, a lot of those people also told me how much they enjoyed my performance, most even going as far as saying they hoped I’d play at Bowman’s again. Despite how much I enjoyed my time on stage tonight, I’m not so sure that’s a good idea. Just because I got away with it doesn’t mean performing wasn’t a massive risk. The smart thing to do now is to keep my head down.

Between the stage lights and running around fulfilling orders, I ended up warm enough that I needed to throw my hair up into a high ponytail that’s now pulling at my scalp. I can’t wait to get back to the B&B so I can shower and let my hair down, both figuratively and literally.

It doesn’t take long for us to have the bar looking spotless. The glasses have gone through the dishwasher and returned to their crates. Chairs are stacked atop the tables, and the wooden floor has been swept then mopped. I’m just stepping back inside after throwing away the rubbish out the back, more than ready to grab my stuff from the staff room and go, when Mei appears at my side.

“What do you want to drink?”

“What?”

“We’re all staying for a drink to celebrate, and the kitchen team surprised us with snacks.” She waves a hand towards the tables closest to the kitchen that two of said kitchen team are pushing together.

“Oh, that’s… actually really nice.”

“Don’t sound so surprised. The boss likes to reward everyone with an after-shift drink and food when we work a holiday—I figured he’d do something like this tonight.” She eagerly eyes the food the kitchen team is setting out. “Usually the food’s pizza though. This looks even better. Come on.” She grabs my hand, dragging me over to sit with everyone else.

“Cassie, what do you want?” Molly calls out from behind the bar, looking annoyed that she had to ask.

Panic over having to order something when I wasn’t expecting it seizes my chest and my eyes dart from side to side like the answer will appear in thin air. I can’t have alcohol. It doesn’t mix well with my tablets—I tried once and ended up a complete wreck after half a mojito. Besides, even if I could drink, I’m so tired I’d probably nod off at the table if I did, or do something stupid, like try to kiss my boss. Oh wait, I already did that stone-cold sober. Fizzy drinks are out. Even without my mother’s voice reminding me I don’t need the calories, I don’t like having so much sugar late at night. If I thought it wouldn’t earn me funny looks, I’d stick to the tap water I’ve been drinking all evening, but I’m painfully aware that wouldn’t be socially acceptable when everyone else is celebrating. Maybe juice? Still full of sugar, but at least it’s better for me.

Molly sighs impatiently.God, why is this so difficult? I know I’m tired and tonight’s been emotional but choosing a drink shouldn’t make me want to cry. It’s pathetic. When I left Nashville, I thought getting to choose everything for myself would feel good, but after so long of having everything aroundme so tightly controlled, making all the decisions everyone else does daily without thinking has been surprisingly exhausting. When I’ve been out exploring the town, I’ve had time to prepare myself mentally beforehand, knowing I’ll need to choose where to go and when, and what to have for dinner. I’ve even reached the point where it’s become fun. However, I’ve still got a long way to go, and being ambushed by a request for my drink order isnotfun.

“Orange juice, please.” Molly rolls her eyes but bends down and grabs a carton from one of the fridges beneath the bar.

“Hey, we all wanted to tell you what a great job you did tonight,” Reggie says, gesturing at the small group around him. Francis nods in agreement, one arm looped around his husband’s waist.

“You were awesome.” I recognise the redhead as the barista from Beans & Bakes. Gem’s here too, and the tall guy who returned my purse that day, who I’ve since learned is Jeremy, the owner of the gastropub.

“Thank you.”

“You should join us all for coffee on Monday morning, right girls?” Mei asks, looking toward the other women for approval. Sounds of agreement bubble up from the group. “Great, it’s settled. I’ll text you the details.”

“OK, thanks.” Did I… just make friends? Or at least potential friends?

Mei leans close so only I can hear her say, “You can tell me all about whatever it was I interrupted in the office earlier. Sorry about that. Again.”

“It’s fine. And there’s not really anything to tell.”

She shrugs. “If you say so.” The tone of her voice makes it clear she doesn’t believe me in the slightest. Oh well. That’s a problem for Monday.

We all take our seats. Austin’s close friends were obviously invited to stay for the after-hours celebration too. Mei, somehow sensing I’ve hit my limit for the night, makes up a plate of food for me as well as the one she fills for herself. I manage a grateful smile, then stare down at the delicious-smelling food, zoning out of the chatter happening around me.

Austin and Molly hand out everyone’s drinks, then join the rest of us at the table. Of course one of the last empty seats left is opposite mine. Never thought I’d see the day I hoped Molly would sit with me, but that’s what I do right up to the moment Austin’s denim-clad knee brushes mine beneath the table.

“Sorry.” He scoots his chair back a little.