Closing Time

I'm attempting to kick the guys out so I can close and go home, but they aren't moving. So I say, "Seriously, gentlemen, exit stage left or else I'll have to lock you up in here. I'll just go grab a rope and tie you up, if that's your thing."

Bart says, "Maddie, what the hell! You can't talk to them like that. Boss, stay as long as you need."

I reply, “I was trying to get my bar empty. And here's that Boss talk again. Mr. Incognito, you have some explaining to do!" Bart encourages me not to push it. But I'm not backing down. "Oh, I have every right to an explanation. He's borrowed my phone without my consent. He went through it, too, which is a total invasion of privacy. They overtipped, and he asked personal questions. So at the very least, I'm owed a first name!" I yell.

Reed informs Bart that he was supposed to inform me that, once my phone was returned, I was to be told that they are the real owners. Apparently, they've been silent partners until now.

I say, "Well, go ahead and fire me then."

Reed gasps, "Why the fuck would I do that? You're an excellent bartender."

Mystery guy says, "And why would I fire our choreographer?"

I reply, "But I'm not."

He says, "But your phone says you are." I informed them that I just helped the girls. Bart, on the other hand, sings my praises and reminds me of my performances tomorrow. I let him know that I've already sent everything to our MC.

He keeps insisting that I be paid for my time. I joke about him having a heart and how shocked the girls would be if they knew. We just laugh. The guy in the fine suit with the dark hair just watches. He is quite observant. Soon, the mystery guy offers to walk me out. I reluctantly agree. I ask, "Do I at least get a name now?"

He says, "It's Zack."

I sigh, "Finally, and I thought I was stubborn!"

Zack says, "It's not a bad thing, just a few know how to handle it." He walks me to my car. I get in and roll down my windows. My playlist blasts to life. It's blaring You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC. I fumble to turn it down.

I say that I'm sorry and that I like it loud. He reassured me that it's nothing, because it's my car and my rules. We say goodnight to each other. He taps the top of my car, and I drive off.

Why'd they tip? Hell, why'd they even pay? It just all seems odd to me. At least I still have a job. However, I'm going to have to keep the girls focused, though. Too much eye candy will give those women cavities!

I have trouble falling asleep, but I eventually do. I go and visit Gran. Adalede Price is my grandmother, whom I call Gran. She goes by the name of Marsha Potts here to keep her identity safe. I love this lady. I owe her everything. Lately, she's been slipping away more, but there are still moments of clarity. I try to be hopeful each day.

For about thirty minutes, she is herself. Booming laugh and all. She says she got a new medicine today, and the fog isn't as thick. She refers to her lapses from reality as being adrift in the fog. She always makes me leave before it returns. I promise to continue living like I do every day. I told her about the new owners and Bart setting me up. She got amusement from my annoyance. She joked that men only annoy women they're interested in. I tell her that I'm screwed then, because the whole lot of them annoys me. That gets another laugh.

I hug and kiss her goodbye and then go to pay my bill. I ran into Dr. Allison Green at the desk. She's Gran's doctor. She tells me about the new experimental medication, but not to hope for much. I know only a miracle could cure her, and well, I don't believe in such fairytales.

She also informs me that the bill is paid in full for the next year. That just can't be!! It's the cost of a small house; there's no way. She tells me to accept the gift, but that just isn't me. I will find out who did this and why. Then they will let me pay my share, even if I have to stuff it down their throats!

I rush home and hurry to the club after grabbing a quick bite to eat. Boys, I know you're behind this, and I will figure out which of you did it! You just wait!