She had no desire to have Ford walk up to her only to start demanding an explanation for whatever was amiss and eventually scolding her as if she was some lousy teenager who hardly knew what her job entails. Truth was, she knew what her job entailed_ smiles and nods and the nice tone of voice even when one was exhausted and had personal conflicts. Like she had.
She looked back once and saw that Ford was trying to pacify the man who seemed to be angry. He was forcing a smile and rubbing his hands together. He was apologizing. And what was that look on his face? Why did he look worshipful of the young man? She was disgusted. She scoffed as she reached the Bar man who stopped lip syncing his songs and turned to her.
"Want something? What do you want now?"
He asked while flashing her the same smile that never knew trouble. Alicia had often wondered if he never had troubles. Why was he happy if he ever had troubles? Unfortunately, she had eye bags and she had plenty of reasons to worry.
"Hey, come here, Alicia."
She heard Ford call behind her. She rolled her eyes and decided she would quit her job if he berated her.
"Yes, Ford".
She turned. Ford was advancing towards her. She remained standing behind the counter knowing that it was unwise to meet him out where the customers sat.
"Do you know the man you just messed with? He could have this place locked up if he wanted !"
Alicia was genuinely surprised at Ford's words which he spoke through gritted teeth with the ominous snarl that he always pulled to scare her.. shit. she was twenty six and not some high school kid. Things were really rough for her if she still had to be scolded by some bar owner.
"Do you owe him money?Why would he have this place locked up?"
Alicia asked. Ford exhaled and stepped back to examine her as if she had grown two heads.
"What now, you ask me foolish question? I don't have to owe him a dime for him to lock up this place if he wants to. He could buy the place and never use it for anything! "
" No way that's happening, Ford. Stoop fretting. And did you even ask me what transpired? "
" I am not supposed to ask you. You are supposed to do whatever the fuck you have to do to keep the customers happy. It's what you are paid for and you certainly don't have to talk back at any customer even if they are wrong! "
Alicia was stunned. She tried to speak some sense again.
" Do you ever think that I am human too and deserves some respect? "
She asked.. it showed on the barman's face that he was not enjoying the verbal sparring and he knew that she was risking her job by challenging the boss. He began to lift one hand to her shoulder but she caught his hands and dropped them by his sides. Ford was furious now. Alicia did not suddenly feel too exhausted to banter words with Ford and she was sure she would either quit her job or get fired by the time she finished speaking with Ford.. no way on earth she was going to stay. Not when the mean man was seated there and might come back with his threatening presence. His presence really did feel threatening to Ford and he looked like he would gorge out his eyes and present it to him on platter if only it would please him. She scoffed again.
"You have all the rights in the world when you are not working your shift here. Once you come here, leave all of those bullshit by the door and never do what you did."
"I'm not sure I'd ever be able to do that. No matter the setting, everyone has some right that must not necessarily be infringed upon"
Alicia insisted.
"You studied law at college? You should be in the courtroom or in the television telling people of their Rights that must not be infringed upon. For now, get your ass up to that table and go apologize to the man".
"I can't believe you want to make me do this, Ford but you and that man can go fuck yourselves! "
Alicia said. She was angry. Ford could not believe she had used the swear words on him and he was yet to recover from the shock when she took off her gloves and threw them on the counter and then proceeded to take off her apron before finally heading to the bathroom to take off her uniform. Was she not going to work her shift and get her complete pay?
Alicia was good at comforting herself. She was mad, all right. Her vision was blurry from the mist forming in her eyes and she found herself taking deep calming breaths to steady herself before stepping out. No way on earth she was going to appear so defeated and helpless! She chinned up and stormed out of the rest room. When she stepped out, Ford was standing by the hallway. She reached him and dumped the uniform in his arms. He was too surprised to talk. She did not see the man by the time she reappeared. She was still angry, all right. He had pushed her to quit her job and even though she did not know him, she was certain she would never forgive him.
She stepped out Into the chilly night air and began to walk to her car. The hand held her.. she turned on reflex and threw a punch but he caught her hand mid air and turned her around to face him. The damn man!
"Who the fuck are you and why on earth are you bent on ruining my life you bastard!"
She yelled. He set her away from him and did not brace himself for the resounding slap that landed on his cheek. Alright. That was for what?
He reached a hand to his cheek and touched it.
"Why did you hit me?"
He demanded. He was momentarily disoriented and he had no words to convey his anger.
"That is for making me lose my job, you son of a mother fucking bitch!"
She ordinarily did not use the swear Words but now she could not help herself.. she would hit him again if she felt the need to.. her palms still tingled. He sensed her desire to slap him again and he lifter one hand and gave her a stern warning.
"I did not deserve the first slap, I will not tolerate a second slap".
He said. She stilled. She was fuming.
" I did not make you lose your job, lady. I left when I saw that you were too proud to apologize appropriately".
"Apologize! You mother fucker!"
"You won't use the swear words on me again, I will not have any of that. And, I will make you apologize to me".
He said. He was sure. Too sure. She laughed. A humorless laughter that was intended to spite him.
"What do you mean? I have lost my job tonight and by tomorrow, I will be out in the streets without a roof over my head and you dare add to my woes.. how evil could you be?!"
She did not realize that she was crying. The tears she had so carefully held back for the past few days had now caught up with her and she was crying right before a stranger. The same stranger whom she was sure was the principle cause of her woes.
"I am not the one who had caused you to lose your job"
" Then who has?!" She demanded angrily. She was not sure she had the stamina to stand longer and speak with him. Her head had began to throb and her feet ached.. she reached down and tugged on her trousers. Her skin tight trousers.
" Whatever your problem is, I did not cause it but I could give you a job tonight and by tomorrow, you won't have to be in the streets ".
" I am not interested in whatever job you have to offer me! "
She said angrily. The tears had come back and she felt the warm lines run down her face.
" Suit yourself.. you will need this job if you do not want to be in the streets",
He said. She turned abruptly and walked away. He did not call her back. He was in his car the next moment, ready to leave when she came pounding on his side glass.
He opened the door and there she was, still crying..
"I will take the job. What am I supposed to do? What is this job that you mentioned to me?"
She asked. Her voice was husky and she spoke with the hiccups.
"First thing you have to do is to stop crying. It is not my fault that you are facing whatever problem you are facing".
He said.. she turned to leave , angered by his words.
"Come back here!"
He commanded and then stepped out of the car to follow her. He was risking being arrested.. what if the cops noticed and came running down to them and assume he was harassing her. She stopped.
"You are the one who needs a worker.. I am going to be rendering services to you in exchange for the pay, you will speak to me in a civil manner and stop being mean to me! "
She said.. he nodded.
" You are going to marry me for a week and I will pay you whatever it is you name as your price"