The game started around 1:30. The Seahawks were playing the Cowboys in Dallas and customers started rolling into Hal’s just after opening to find a spot. Thank goodness Zach had invested in several large flat screens. I knew those TVs were the reason Hal’s was still dealing with peeling paint in the ladies’ restroom and HVAC issues in the office, but as dozens of folks swarmed into the bar, all dressed in Seattle jerseys, I began to see Zach’s vision.
Toward the end of the game, Teddy came in. He gave Zach a huge congratulatory kiss across the bar and greeted me as I rinsed glasses in a moment between customers.
“Hey, doll. What do you think of all this? Pretty great, right?”
“Well, it seems like a hit, so that’s good. Other than it’s crazy how less than twenty-four hours ago this was a Halloween party and I hadn’t even heard of this idea.”
“Yeah, he’s been sitting on it for a while, ever since finalizing the purchase. He came home early this morning and was basically like, ‘I’m going for it.’ Stayed up all night making posts on Facebook and Twitter in Seahawks groups and whatnot.”
A cheer among the patrons marked the end of the game as Seattle secured a thirteen to twelve victory.
“What a relief for Zach to have a firm plan for Hal’s. Especially now that you two have something so exciting to look forward to.” I winked at Teddy, thinking of the news they’d shared with me a few days ago.
Watching Zach’s dreams come to fruition was surprisingly emotional. He was the closest thing I had to family, and our friendship would always be a priority in my life. Now that I was standing taller on my own, it was nice to flip our dynamic. I loved being his support system for a change.
I paused a few hours later in my post-game cleaning to congratulate him. “Hey genius—I’ll admit this was a good idea, but you’re definitely gonna need more help.”
“Yeah. I’ll hire someone this week. You liked that woman, Cyd, right? For now, we’ll stick with being closed Mondays and Tuesdays, unless the Hawks are onMonday Night Football.”
“Wow. Okay, then. I guess you’re really doing this. Are you going to paint the bar that hideous neon green color?”
Zach shrugged and came up behind me, wrapping my arms in a hug and speaking earnestly into my hair, “Thanks so much for today, doll, and last night, even with the costume fail. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“You know I’d do anything for you, babe.” I turned in his embrace to tell him directly, “Even though I’m moving on from bartending—minus the occasional hellacious Halloween party—working here these past few years really helped me regain my sense of self. I’ll never forget it. I’m so glad it’s going well for you at Hal’s. And with Teddy. You deserve all of this…happiness.”
“You deserve to be happy too, doll.”
I sighed, pulling away.
“Seriously, Sadie. I know you’ve gotten busier with school these days. Working, running, therapy. But you deserve love in your life, too. I saw the way you-know-who looked at you this morning. It was total fire. And it’s tough to look sexy in skeleton makeup and a unitard. But your man was doing it.”
“He’s not my man.”
“Don’t kid yourself, doll. That’s exactly what he wants to be. And I think he’ll understand if you tell him what happened.”
“Don’t jinx it, okay, Zach? We’re supposed to talk tonight and then we’ll see.”
“Alright. But you can’t stop me from rooting for you two.”
“I’d expect nothing less than your nosy ass all up in my business…but, Zach?”
“Yeah?”
“Can you explain to me one thing?”
“What’s that?”
“Why the hell is Blitz so pissed off?”
I was deadon my feet by eight o’clock, and Zach told me to knock off early since our crowd had thinned out. Gary came in with paperback in hand and took his usual seat at the bar, glaring at nearby football fans. I pulled him a pint of his usual as my last act of service before texting Renn.
Nine o’clock rolled around and I hadn’t received a text back. A low knot formed in my stomach when 9:30 passed, still with no word, and then ten o’clock arrived with more silence. I worried Renn had changed his mind. Maybe he’d decided I didn’t warrant forgiveness, or even a conversation.
The instinct to throw my hands up and head home to Fig Newtons and Diet Dr. Pepper was strong. But this time, I wanted to do better. I’d rather hurt my pride than hurt Renn.
10:14 p.m.
ME:Hey Renn, I thought we were meeting up after my shift? I’m still here at the bar.