"But I'm being honest about you becoming my therapist, truly. If you could help me this much in just two hours, imagine what weeks could do. I'll be completely cured by the end of the year," Richard stated, in his usual persuasive tone. "I promise you a handsome pay, one bigger than any amount you have ever been paid here,"
"Hmm, I highly doubt that, Richard. But I will consider your offer," she replied with a smile and sat down, after a long time of standing while working and speaking with Richard.
She glanced around the large bar, spotting only a few customers left. "Finally, I can leave after a long day's work," she sighed in relief
Richard, seeing that only a handful of people were left in the bar, finally realised that he had lost track of time. But he also felt that there was something he was forgetting, but he shrugged it off and prepared to make his move.
"Hey, I'm sorry about you not getting much customer at your stand since I arrived. I feel kind of responsible, I hope it doesn't affect your pay," Richard muttered with an apologetic expression
The bartender chuckled. "Hey, It's not your fault. Infact, I'm glad we weren't disturbed throughout our conversation. And besides, all the money from every stand ends up in one place, and we all get paid the same amount. So don't worry about me," she explained
"Oh, okay," Richard muttered. "Um, since you're done for the day, how about I give you a ride h..."
"Richard!" A voice suddenly called out from behind him, interrupting his speech.
Richard gritted his teeth and cursed inwardly, he clenched his fist and turned to face whoever it was that had interrupted his plan. He was going to make that person regret ever having existed at all.
But as Richard saw who it was, his rage waned. He sighed and slapped his forehead in realisation, suddenly remembering what it was that he forgot. Ronald.
"Hey, cuz. Where have you been?" he asked, smiling akwardly
But Ronald just remained silent, he was to vexed to speak. And to top it all, Richard still had the audacity to ask about Ronald's whereabouts. He had been flirting in a bar while Ronald had been looking everywhere for him, and yet he dared to ask where he was.
"We're leaving, now," Ronald managed to mutter, crossing his arms and frowning deeply.
"Um, sure. I'll be with you shortly, just give me a sec," Richard muttered, turning back to face the bartender. "I'm really sorry about this, but I have to go. My cousin is staring at me like he could eat me alive at any moment, if I don't follow him,"
"It's fine, Richard. You should leave, don't worry about me," she said. "I'm actually going to be here till the last customer leaves, anyway. And I've got a ride of my own so, it's okay,"
Richard nodded with a smile. "Alright then, I'll see you around, erm..." he paused as yet, another realisation dawned on him.
"Fuck! I never asked what her name was. How could I have been so stupid," he thought, knowing the consequences of such a thing. But unsurprisingly, the bartender didn't take it to heart
"I was wondering when you were going to ask me," she chuckled. "But I'll let you let you off the hook, this time,"
Richard smiled and stared at her in awe, she had actually been aware of it for long. But she didn't say a word, even when he had told her his own name. Shit!
"Sorry to interrupt your little romcom, but I really need you to come with me, Richard," Ronald said from behind him, he had run out of patience. "Or else, I'll bring my mum here for a nice... Drink," he warned
Richard frowned, he hated being threatened. Even if it were from family, he still wouldn't accept to just be threatened. But he didn't react because, he knew he was at fault and if his aunt got involved, things would take a turn for the worse. But it was mainly because, his 'Friend' was there, and he was trying to impress her.
"Fine, I'm coming, Ron. Let's not do or say things that we might later come to regret," he replied with a sharp gaze
Ronald furrowed his brows, took a glance at the bartender before turning to leave. "You have two minutes," he muttered, and walked out the bar.
Richard sighed and turned to face the bartender, who was smiling widely. If only she knew how much danger her neck was in. "I'm truly sorry about him, don't be mad," he apologized
"Seriously, it's fine. I'm not going to get into trouble or anything, so it's cool. Now I understand what you meant by 'One hell of a family'," she chuckled
"Alright, if you say so," Richard muttered. "Then I should probably get going then,"
"Yes, you should. I'll hate to see a fight happen between cousins, because of me," she replied
He nodded and took out his wallet, but the bartender stopped him before he could pay. "Don't worry about that, it's on the house," she said with a wink
Richard chuckled, but he was still worried. "Are you sure about this? I don't want you to..."
"Get into trouble? It's fine, Richard. Go," she cut him off, chuckling
Richard smiled. "Bye," he muttered and began walking towards the exit of the bar. But before he could walk out, he suddenly paused in his tracks and turned back. "And I almost forgot to get your name, again," he chuckled
The bartender smiled. "I know, it was fun watching you make the same mistake all over again," she said
Richard sighed. "So, what's your name?" he asked
"My birth name is Lyberia," the bartender muttered. "But you can call me, Miley."