Free Your Exception by Bria Starr Page B

by.
    *****
    When I wake up on Friday, it sinks in that I work both jobs today . Son of a bitc h . I suppose I should get up and dressed so I’m not late. There’s no way I’d be able to get by with missing work two days in a row, but thank goodness Cassidy is on my shift tonight. That’ll help.
    I enter the shop and see Zach out of the corner of my eye looking my way. I make a beeline for the desk and bend down to shove my purse in the bottom drawer before standing up face to chest, with Zach. Whom I have seen in his underwear. I giggle at the thought.
    “Is something funny?” he asks, amused.
    If he only knew. “Nope,” I say and sit down to go through new emails.
    “You okay?” he asks with sincerity.
    I look up and smile. “I’m fine.”
    “Yeah. We all know what fine means.” He winks at me and walks away.
    I keep busy and decide not to go in the back to help Zach, or accept his offer to go out to lunch. He was so good about talking me through Alec, but I’m just not in the mood to go through this all again.
    I leave fifteen minutes early so I don’t have to face Zach. I head home and get ready for the night at the bar.
    When I get there, something seems off and I stop to take in what is going on. I look around at the light colored wood walls surrounding the inside of the place, the little serving area in the back by the kitchen where I spend a good amount of time, and the stage room where sometimes I would just stand and watch the bands play. Some of my favorite pastimes have been here, and so many great memories.
    Nothing is out of the ordinary but I get the sense that everyone around me is suddenly irritating. Someone here is always crying, or complaining, or fighting. I hate the fighting. I’ve always liked working here, but I’m fed up with all the fucking drama! It’s horrible. I really don’t want to be here anymore. I feel a sense of comfort here but there’s always some bad shit happening. I have conflicting emotions because it’s not a place I would prefer to spend my time, yet I enjoy being here and most of the people, most of the time. The music and tips help too.
    I look over at Cassidy, running around taking orders and eventually running into the back room, where I was standing while having my revelation, to grab extra condiment bottles. “Cassidy, I think I’m done.”
    “Done with what?” she asks curiously.
    “Here. I’m going to put in my notice. I don’t think I want to work here anymore.”
    “Now, let’s not be hasty with making decisions like this. I don’t think you’re in your right state of mind. Why don’t you give it some time?”
    “No. I came here to help out. I don’t need this job. I’ll be able to afford the rent just fine with my job at the shop. There’s just too much negativity here. I don’t want to deal with it anymore. I’m sorry.” I shrug.
    “I understand. Kind of. But you do what you feel is best. We’ve hired a few new servers, none will be as good as you, but we’ll figure it out. And I guess we’ll have more time together this way. That is, once the newbies are fully trained in.”
    I go over to Jen and let her know my decision.
    “Is this because of that boy?” she asks.
    “No.” I may have called in sick once because of him, but I’d never quit a job because of the guy. That’s ridiculous. “I’m so tired trying to juggle both jobs. I’m wiped out and just need a break.”
    “Okay. You’re not scheduled until next week. Did you want to work those? I can easily have them covered if you don’t.”
    “I think I’d prefer to be done tonight, if that’s okay.”
    “Sure thing.” She starts pouring drinks again.
    Well, that was easy.
    I feel as though a huge weight has just been lifted off my shoulders. I feel…free.
    I start to feel elated as the rest of the night goes by, knowing that I won’t have to come back here anymore. I am happy to have Cassidy here my final night. Draven is playing, and the tips are good.
    I go