Running upstairs, I change into a pair of jeans Connors brought over the first day I was here. It feels funny putting them on after wearing nothing but sweatpants and tank tops the last few weeks.
Pulling on a hoodie next, I move toward the bathroom to grab a hair tie. I’ve never worried about my appearance before and I’m not about to start now. Throwing my hair up in a messy bun I go to put my shoes on.
Even though I can’t drive anywhere yet, I can at least explore my surroundings. Badger’s house is pretty far off the beaten path with no neighbors in sight. Looking at the exterior, it’s the image of an oasis, with the trees wrapped around on all sides leaving a large yard open in the center. It’s amazing to think this place even exists.
Stepping outside, I begin to trek down the lane that goes toward the road. That’s another thing about his house— you have to turn off on a barely seen dirt road which is hardly enough room for a car to get down. If you’re not paying attention, I bet you’d end up hitting a tree, that’s how narrow the damn thing is.
Enjoying the serenity of it all, I don’t realize how far I’ve gone until I reach the road. Do I wanna keep going? Maybe walk to town? Or should I go back to the house? If I keep going, I might not remember exactly how to get back to the house.
You know what? Screw it. If I get lost, so be it. It’s not like I really have a place at his house anyway. He made that clear earlier when he all but ran out of there.
Maybe there’s something wrong with me. It’s as if I have a curse on me. Those who come near me either end up not wanting me or turn out like my father.
That’s got to be it, I’m cursed. For whatever reason, the gods decided I’d be a punching bag in this life.
Walking along the side of the road, I hope I’m heading in the direction of town. If not, I’ll find myself somewhere.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been walking. I started to think I’d gone the opposite way of town when I finally spot Outlaw Racks. I’ve heard a lot about the place and found the stories quite interesting. Does the owner really have the waitresses dance on tables like in that movie Coyote Ugly?
Granted, I know Franklin isn’t a big city or even a large town. It’s more of a community with one grocery store and a few places to eat, so this place is one of the hottest tickets around. Shoot, they’re probably lucky to even have the hospital. Though it’s one of the closest for three other counties in the area. Otherwise, people would have to drive almost two hours to the nearest one.
As I get closer to the bar, a thought hits me. I’ll go in and speak with the owner, maybe they’ll give me a job and I can work here when I’m not at the clinic with Connors.
Smiling, I move toward the door, ready to go in and speak to whoever, when I spot all the motorcycles.
Holy shit. This must be a biker bar. I should have figured by the name. But the logo on the front of the building seems more redneck hunter to me with the antlers surrounding the name of the bar.
You know what? It doesn’t matter what kind of bar it is. I’m used to being around bikers. I’ve grown up around them for most of my life, well, I should say when I was allowed to be.
Taking a breath, I open the door and step inside what I have to say is the coolest bar I’ve ever seen. I mean, seriously, whoever the owner is really outdid themselves. Tables are scattered throughout the place with a stage set up against the back wall with a dance floor in front of it. There’s a jukebox on another wall with dartboards on either side and then there’s the pool tables.
Damn, I haven’t played pool in what feels like forever. When I used to go to the Emerald Isle MC clubhouse, one of Timber’s brothers would teach me different techniques to the game. I wouldn’t say I’m a pro, but by the time he finished teaching me the gist, I could hold my own.
Moving toward the bar, I wait for the bartender to finish what she’s doing.
“What can I get ya, doll?” the bartender asks, her voice soft yet the way she holds herself tells me she’s not one to play games.
“Umm, I was wondering if I could speak to the owner about a job here,” I say.
“Well, you’re in luck,” she says, smiling and reaching out her hand. “I’m Kenny. I own this place.”
“Oh, wow. Hi, my name’s Jordan. Would you possibly be looking for a waitress or anything?” I ask. I want to smack myself for sounding so dumb.
“Well, actually, I’m looking for a night manager. Do you have any experience?”
“Umm, I’ve worked as a dancer at Sinners Cove since I was eighteen and I’d bartend whenever needed. I can make a mean Screaming Orgasm and I know the differences between imports and domestic beers. Oh, and if it’s a tap machine, I can pour a beer without hardly any foam. You know, the trick is to keep the glass slanted until you have it almost all the way full.” I stop when I realize I’m rambling.
“Wait a minute, you said your name is Jordan? I knew you looked familiar. You’re Badger’s ol’ lady. Why are you wanting to work in a bar? I thought you worked with Connors,” she says, standing straight as she crosses her arms over her chest.
“Umm, I don’t know about the Badger’s ol’ lady thing. Honestly, it’s not anyone’s business what I am to him or anyone else. As for working in a bar, I’m used to working a lot and I enjoy the environment. I do work with Connors at the clinic,” I say, refusing to let her think poorly of me.
I’m beginning to think she’s gonna tell me to look elsewhere with the way she silently stares me down. Finally, she nods. “Alright, you’re hired as long as the club agrees to it. I don’t hire anyone unless Gadget does a background check on them. However, considering he and Dragon are your brothers, I don’t need that. Simply want to inform them of the fact. Let me know your schedule at the clinic and we’ll work around that.”
“Thank you. I’ll have to talk to Connors about my schedule. I haven’t been to work for a while now, so I’ll have to see what she’s got for me. When would you like me to start?” I ask, excited at finding something for myself. I don’t even let the fact my brothers’ club has to be informed about me working here bother me. For that matter, I’m also ignoring the fact she said this would be interesting.
I don’t know what she means by that.
“You can start Thursday,” Kenny says, smiling.
“Okay, awesome. I’ll be here,” I tell her, holding my hand out to shake hers.
Kenny takes my hand, still smiling.
Pulling my hand away, I ask, “Are the pool tables quarters or by the hour?”
“They’re by the hour, but if you work here, you don’t pay,” she says.
“Well if that’s the case, would it be possible to get a table?”
“Yep, let me grab you a tray and you’re good to go. The sticks are hanging along that wall.” Turning my head, I glance in the direction she’s pointing.
“Okay, thanks,” I say before taking the tray from her.
“No problem, Jordan. We sisters take care of each other.” I’m not sure what she means by that, so I inwardly shrug it off. I’m not used to having friends let alone sisters.