Shattered

I got out of the shower and dressed in dark skinny jeans and a navy blue blouse. I quickly blow dried my blonde hair, leaving it wavy and messy, which I think is cute that way.

I slipped on Black heels, that weren't too high, but in my imagination, something a bartender would wear. I had no idea how to dress for this sort of job. I checked my phone. It read 4:28. I guess I should head out if I want to be there early and make a good first impression.

" Good luck. Harry is kindof a handful!" Marilyn yelled from her room as I walked down the hall. Of course he is.

" Thanks." I sighed, even though I was already halfway down the stairs and she probably didn't hear me.

As I drove to the address Harry wrote down last night, I watched the clouds begin to turn pink and purple, signaling it to get a bit darker, but the sun wasn't lowering yet.

I watched trees fly by and other buildings until I pulled up to the one that said 'Chumps' in big bright letters on the top. Yup, this is the place.

The building itself was long and narrow. Not big but an expected bar size. Probably pool tables, regular tables, sortof a lounge. I walked up to the doors, to see they're locked. No one is here yet.

I'm such a goody goody. Here I am, on my first day before anyone else. I put my hand on my forehead before running my hand through my hair.

" Why are you here so early?" I heard the raspy voice with attitude. I turned and saw Harry walking up with what I assumed were the bar keys.

" Well I wanted to make a good first impression."

He snorted while Unlocking the doors.

" Trust me, there's no one here for you to impress this time sweetheart."

He walked in, leaving the door slamming in my face. I rolled my eyes before opening it myself and walking in after him. He was taking chairs off the tables and setting them on the ground.

I took this time now to see what he's wearing. His chocolate curls were pulled back in a beanie and he had on a tank top, showing off all the tattoos down his arms to his palms.

" Are you going to help take chairs down or just stare at me?" He retorted. My eyes widened and my face flushed as I began taking down chairs that he hadnt got to yet.

" So what do you know about alcoholic beverages?" He said in the most monotone voice ever. Once the chairs were all down he rounded the bar and stood behind the counter, prepping it for customers.

" Nothing really."

Harry sighed.

" Great." He said sarcastically.

" Look, I'm sorry. I'm only 17."

" I don't care." He snapped.

" You're a jerk." I sat on a barstool.

" Today... Is just not my day." He huffed.

" No day is ever your day. I barely know you but I know you well enough that this is probably your regular mood." I slapped my hand out on the counter.

" I gave you this fucking job, and I sure as hell won't care to fire your annoying ass."

Ouch.

" You are an assh-"

We were Inturrupted by the ringing of a bell. I spun around in my chair to see a group of guys walk in laughing.

" Come here." Harry snapped. I rolled my eyes and hopped off the barstool and made my way around to behind the bar with him.

The four of them sat down infront of us.

" What can I get you all." Harry said. I stood next to Harry.

" Four Beers." The blonde said. Harry pulled out four glasses and brought them to the beer keg thing.

" Shouldn't we card them? They look like 19 year old frat boys." I hissed. Harry rolled his eyes, handing me a glass to do myself to get it done quicker.

" We don't card people here"

I gasped.

" We could get in trouble for that!"

I watched him as he shrugged.

" Are they going to go tattle on me? Fuck no, they know better. I'd beat their asses. I know most of the people that come in here and drink underage. " he filled up the third glass.

I rolled my eyes. it seems like I'm doing a lot of that today.

We turned around and slid them their drinks.

" Hey Styles?" One of them asked as Harry was walking away. I guess they all actually do know him. Harry came back and leaned on the counter.

" Who's the new, beautiful girl you have working behind the bar with you?" He said, looking at me. Harry laughed.

" Her? That's Marilyn's little sister Sydney." He said it like I'm a joke. They started laughing.

" Well Sydney is fineeeeee" one of them held out the 'fine' while staring me down. I soon felt uncomfortable and gave him a slight smile.

" C'mon Syd, if you want good tips you'll have to flirt." Harry waved me over and winked.

Syd? He just called me Syd? Only my friends and family called me Syd. Harry sure as hell didn't deserve to call me that. Then the wink, what was that?

I pushed the thought away and approached them, taking a deep breath. I could do this. Act like a whore for once.

" So Sydney, did you just start working here today?" He asked. I smiled.

" Yup." Popping the 'p'. I leaned onto the counter." What're your guy's names?" I slightly tilted my head, curious.

The blonde one that's been talking to me spoke up.

" I'm Cody, that's Owen, James, and Adam." He went down the line.

" Well it's nice to meet you guys."

" My pleasure." He gave me an award a winning smile.
•••••
As the night went on more and more people came and the night got darker. Harry actually ended up teaching me a lot. Of course, I could tell he didn't want to, but he did.

As the night grew, the atmosphere turned into sounds of drinks clinking, pool balls hitting one another, light chit chat, and Cigar and cigarette smoke in the air.

It was like a pub too.

Me and Harry stood behind the counter bored watching guests interact around the room. I broke the silence.

" How are you and Marilyn?"

Harry lit a cigarette in his mouth. How proffessional.

" None of your damn business." He said, inhaling it. Ugh, how disgusting. But for some reason, he looked good as hell doing it.

" Jeez sorry, won't ask again."

" My problem with you is that you ask too many questions." He snapped. I stepped away.

" You have a problem with me? Why did you even agree to hire me then?"

His voice was getting louder.

" Because..."

" Harry, give the poor girl a break." We were Inturrupted by a very deep voice. One with an old southern accent.

I looked over to see an old man sitting at the bar with a white mustache, smoking a cigar..

Harry groaned.

" Paul, don't tell me what to d-"

" Harry save it."

With that, I watched the old man get off the barstool and walk out.

" What was that all about? Who is he? " I asked. Harry blew out smoke from his cigeratte.

" Like I said before, none of your damn business. Stop with the fucking questions."

Notes