Chapter 29

Yoko

Rrrrrr.

The sharp vibration of my phone jolted me awake. My eyes darted to the bedside clock, squinting against the dim glow. 8:42 a.m.

"Ugh..." I groaned, sitting up, rubbing sleep from my eyes as I fumbled around for my phone. The name flashing on the screen made me sigh deeper than I intended.

Miss Jane.

I swiped to answer, pressing the phone to my ear as I ran a hand through my tangled hair.

"Yeah, morning, Miss Jane," I muttered, my voice still heavy with sleep — and maybe a little irritation. "What's up?"

Her voice came through brisk but apologetic. "Sorry for calling so early, Yoko. I was wondering if you could help out at the bar tonight."

I dropped my head back onto the pillow, eyes squeezed shut. Of course, she needs help.

"Miss Jane, I've got school tomorrow," I said, attempting a mild protest. I already knew it wouldn't matter, but I clung to the sliver of hope.

She sighed on the other end. "I know, Yoko, I know. But it's just for a few hours. Jerry needs someone at the counter, and I'm short on staff."

Her voice softened just enough for me to feel it. I hated that it worked on me every single time.

"Alright, alright," I muttered, rolling my eyes as I sat up fully, stretching my back. "I'll come in."

Her relief was almost tangible. "Thank you so much, dear. I owe you one."

We exchanged quick goodbyes, and I tossed the phone aside with a groan loud enough to echo in my room. My hands found my hair, tugging at it in frustration.

Why do I always give in?

I sat there for a moment, staring blankly at the wall, my body still caught somewhere between sleep and wakefulness. After a beat, I glanced over at my phone.

Faye.

Her name popped into my mind uninvited, like a reflex. I chewed on my bottom lip, fingers hovering over the phone. I could just tell her I'll be working tonight. That's it. Just a casual update, right?

But I knew it wasn't just that. Not really. It was yesterday. It was the way she stayed on my mind far longer than she should. I miss her.

With that thought settling deep in my chest, I picked up my phone again. My fingers moved before I could second-guess myself, typing out a message to her.

Yoko

Morning, Gorgeous. Got roped into covering a shift at the cafe tonight.

Faye

Morning Darling. Don't cafes close at 6pm?

Yoko

Yeah they do but not for mine. They don't — it moonlights as a bar after 6pm.

Faye

Ah, sneaky. Alright, take care, Yoko. Don't let anyone charm you more than I do. 😉

I let out a soft laugh at her last message, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of my lips.

Nobody else could charm me more than you, I thought to myself, gently biting my lower lip.

Reluctantly, I rose from my bed, greeted by Ham patiently waiting by the side with his tail wagging like a metronome.

"Good morning, Ham," I said, giving him a few affectionate pats on the head. His tail thumped harder against the floor in response.

After a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up, I headed downstairs. The house was quiet, the familiar stillness letting me know Dad had already left for work. The silence didn't bother me — I was used to it.

In the kitchen, I whipped up a simple breakfast of toast, eggs, and bacon, pairing it with a freshly brewed cup of my favourite coffee. The aroma of the beans filled the air, grounding me in the present moment. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was enough to satisfy me.

Once I'd eaten, I took Ham out to the front porch to stretch his legs. The crisp air brushed against my skin as I stepped outside. Ham darted across the grass as soon as I tossed his favourite toy, pouncing on it with all the energy of a pup before trotting back to me with it in his mouth. His eyes sparkled with pride.

"Enjoying yourself, huh?" I asked, crouching down to scratch behind his ears. His tongue lolled out, eyes half-closing in bliss. I rewarded him with a treat, watching him chomp it down in a second.

"Alright, one more," I said, hurling the ball a little farther this time. Ham tore after it like his life depended on it, kicking up tufts of grass in his wake. I shook my head, smiling to myself as I watched him wrestle the ball to the ground before bringing it back to me.

"Attaboy," I praised him, ruffling his fur as he leaned into me. His warmth, his excitement — it was the kind of peace I didn't realise I needed.

"Alright, let's head in and get some work done, yeah?" I said, standing up. Ham followed close behind, his little paws trailing softly over the grass.

Back inside, the afternoon seemed to slip away in the blink of an eye. My assignments had me glued to my desk, fingers tapping against the keyboard in a steady rhythm.

The weight of mid-year tests loomed over me like a distant thundercloud, and I knew I'd have to carve out time to start revising. But for now, it was just me, my books, and the ticking clock that refused to slow down.

Evening rolled around, and I changed into simple dark blue denim shorts and a black singlet top. Before heading out, I made sure Ham's dinner was set, giving him a quick scratch behind the ears before I left.

The cool night air wrapped around me as I stepped outside, the breeze brushing against my bare shoulders and arms. Instead of driving, I decided to walk. It was only two streets away, and I figured the short stroll would give me a chance to take in the quiet beauty of the evening. The warm glow of streetlights flickered on as I passed, shadows stretching long across the pavement.

The familiar hum of the cafe-turned-bar greeted me as I walked in. The low thrum of music set a relaxed, mellow vibe, perfectly tuned for the evening crowd.

Without wasting another moment, I slipped into the rhythm of work — taking orders, mixing drinks, and sliding them across the counter with ease.

Time blurred into a steady flow of requests, the clink of glass against wood, and the low buzz of conversation filling the air. It wasn't glamorous, but it was enough to keep my mind occupied.

I was deep in the rhythm of bartending when someone slid onto a counter seat in front of me. The smoothness of her movement caught my attention, and I glanced up like I always do for a new customer.

She was older than me, that much was clear. Her hair was pulled into a neat ponytail, and she wore black slacks paired with a crisp white top. Sharp, simple, and put-together — but her face told a different story. Tired eyes. Like the weight of the day was still pressing down on her.

"Hey, what can I get you?" I asked, keeping my tone professional but polite.

Her lips curved slightly before she spoke, her voice low and husky, like it had been worn down from too many conversations that day. "Whisky. Neat."

"Got it."

I grabbed a clean glass, poured the whisky with practised ease, and set it down in front of her. Three minutes tops. Job done. Back to work.

But she didn't leave it at that. Her gaze lingered. I could feel it on me, tracing my movements as I moved around the counter, and no matter how much I focused on cleaning glasses, I knew she was still watching.

"Busy night?" she asked, her voice cutting through the soft thrum of music and clatter of glassware.

I nodded, glancing at her briefly. "Yeah. It's Sunday, but people don't seem to care. Drinking never stops." I huffed a quiet laugh, wiping down the counter.

"Never seen you around here before," she said, taking a sip of her whisky. Her eyes stayed on me as she set the glass down. "Your first day?"

"Nope. Just filling in." I kept my tone short and clipped, hoping she'd get the hint that I wasn't looking to chat.

"A bit distant, aren't we?" she shot back, tilting her head with an amused grin.

Her words made me glance up properly this time. My hands paused over the glass I was drying. "Sorry?"

Her smirk deepened, and I could see it then — that playful, knowing look. The kind that could mean a hundred different things.

"Nothing," she said with a shake of her head, her eyes flicking down to her whisky. "Just thought we could chat. You know, talking's a good way to pass time."

I eyed her for a moment, debating whether to brush her off or play along. I sighed, placing the glass back on the rack. "Alright, then. Tell me about your day. You look like you've been through it."

"Now we're talking," she said with a soft laugh, her eyes lighting up just a little. "It's been one of those days, you know? World's got a funny way of reminding you who's in charge."

"Yeah, it does that," I replied, leaning my weight on the counter with crossed arms. "But if you think about it, it's kinda fair in its own way."

Her brows lifted, curious now. "Fair?"

"Yeah," I said, holding her gaze. "The world's kind to some people, unkind to others. No one's exempt. So, in a way, it's fair."

She blinked, her lips parting slightly before she let out a small laugh, like she hadn't expected that answer. "That's a wild way of looking at it," she said, eyes narrowing with interest. "You're a thinker, huh?"

"Just someone who's had time to think," I replied casually, straightening up and turning back to wipe down the counter.

"An interesting one, too," she said, her eyes following me again. There was something in her tone that had changed — softer, but still teasing. "Thank you, philosopher."

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye. "It's nothing," I said with a shrug. "Just thought you might need it."

Her eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, then she lifted her glass, tilting it slightly towards me in a silent toast before taking a slow sip. She swallowed, eyes still on me, and as she set the glass down, a grin tugged at her lips.

"Guess you were right," she said, eyes locked on mine. "I do feel better."

She winked, slow and deliberate, like it was meant to stay with me for a second longer than necessary.

I didn't look away — not immediately, at least. But I didn't give her more than a small nod before turning back to the counter, picking up another glass to clean.

"Glad to hear it," I muttered, but I could still feel her gaze on me.

Returning to work, I left the woman to her thoughts at the corner table. The music thumped harder now, reverberating through my chest as I moved behind the counter, juggling drink orders.

Just as I glanced up from the bar, the door opened again, and my breath hitched.

There she was.

Faye.

The way she walked in was effortless, yet commanding — the heads near the entrance turned instinctively, but she didn't seem to notice. Or care. Her eyes found mine instantly, and that was it — the rest of the room melted away.

A shy smile crept onto my face as she sauntered towards the counter, her stride steady and confident.

"Hey, you," she greeted me, her voice warm and filled with a kind of joy that made my heart race.

"Hey," I replied, unable to stop the bigger, brighter smile that followed. "You're here."

"Of course I'm here," she said, leaning against the counter, her grin widening. "I missed my girlfriend."

No games, no teasing — just the raw honesty of her words. And it was everything.

"Well then, sit down," I said, trying to suppress the butterflies in my stomach. "What can I get for you?"

"Anything," she replied, settling into the stool directly in front of me. "Make me your signature cocktail."

"Oh, so you're trusting me with this, huh?" I teased, already reaching for the ingredients.

She leaned her elbows on the counter, resting her chin on her hands as she watched me intently. "You're the only one I trust, bartender extraordinaire."

"Alright then," I said, smirking as I pulled a shaker from the shelf. "One Yoko-exclusive-cocktail coming right up."

I exaggerated every move, shaking the cocktail with flair and spinning the bottle once for dramatic effect. She didn't look away, her gaze fixed on me like I was the only thing in the room. Even when I glanced her way to check if she was still watching, she didn't flinch.

Sliding the glass in front of her, I waited for her verdict. She took a sip, her eyes closing briefly to savour the taste before fluttering open again.

"It's fantastic," she said, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"Glad you love it," I replied, winking. "Told you, I'm a pro."

She chuckled softly, leaning closer to me. "So," her tone turned playful, her smirk teasing. "Has anyone charmed you tonight?"

I shook my head, a small laugh escaping me. "Nope. My girlfriend warned me to be on my best behaviour."

"Good girl," she said with a proud, knowing smirk that made my cheeks warm.

"Oh, but," I leaned in, lowering my voice conspiratorially and motioning for her to come closer. She obliged, her curiosity piqued.

"The woman behind you, in the corner," I whispered. "I think she's flirting with me."

Her brow shot up as she turned slightly, glancing discreetly over her shoulder at the woman. When she turned back, her expression was unreadable, her lips pursed. "What did she do?"

I bit my lip, barely holding back my grin. "Oh, nothing. Just some small talk. She's friendly."

Her hand came up, gently cupping my chin, tilting my face so I couldn't look anywhere but at her. Her gaze was steady, her tone low but firm. "Well, too bad for her. You're mine. So she can take her friendliness elsewhere."

Her possessiveness sent a delightful shiver through me, and I couldn't stop the chuckle that bubbled up.

Her smirk softened into a warm smile, and for a fleeting moment, it felt like nothing else existed but us.

"What time are you knocking off?" she asked softly, her tone laced with warmth and something more, her gaze locked on mine. Our faces were close, the space between us charged with unspoken longing. "I missed you so much."

I grinned knowingly, catching the sparkle in her eyes—the one that didn't just say I missed you but hinted at I need you tonight.

Deciding to tease her, I tilted my head and replied with a playful smirk, "Hm, soon, but not yet. I was thinking of staying on longer, you know, just to see if anyone might sweep me off my feet." I finished with a deliberate wink, fully aware of the effect it would have on her.

Her reaction was immediate. A low, almost inaudible growl rumbled in her throat as her eyebrows drew together, her displeasure evident. "Yoko," she said, her voice dipping into that firm tone that sent heat coursing through me.

I leaned in closer, brushing the tip of my nose against hers in a tender, teasing gesture—my peace offering. "I'm kidding," I murmured softly. "I only have eyes for you."

Pulling back slightly, her eyes fluttered open, and I caught the moment her gaze softened, filled with that familiar mix of adoration and desire.

"I'll go off soon," I added, keeping my voice light and sweet, "just let me finish the final orders, alright?"

She nodded but leaned in even closer, her lips brushing the shell of my ear as she whispered, "Don't count on being able to walk tomorrow."

Her words sent an electrifying thrill down my spine, a sharp contrast to her calm exterior. My breath hitched, and before I could stop myself, my lips curved into a challenging smile.

"We'll see about that," I replied, my voice equally low, leaning in just enough for her to feel the promise in my tone. "You may have to make me beg."

The intensity in her gaze deepened, and for a moment, the world around us ceased to exist.

After a few more rounds of drink orders, I began making my way around the bar, closing tabs and ensuring payments were settled before the alcohol took full control of anyone's better judgment. As I approached the woman who had been sitting alone for most of the night, I plastered on a polite smile.

"Hey, another round for you?" I asked, keeping my tone light but professional.

She nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing slightly before drifting over to where Faye sat, a confident, knowing smirk playing on her lips. She tilted her head subtly toward Faye. "So, you've got yourself a partner, huh? Guess I missed my chance."

Her comment caught me off guard, but I maintained my composure. "Yeah, I do," I replied simply, offering her a polite smile before retreating to the bar to make her drink.

Returning with her drink in hand, I placed it carefully on the table. "Here you go," I said, turning to move on to the next customer.

But before I could step away, she reached out, her fingers deliberately brushing against mine. The touch lingered longer than necessary, enough to make my skin crawl. Taking a sip of her drink, she set the glass down with exaggerated nonchalance, her gaze locking onto mine.

"You know," she began, her voice low and dripping with insinuation, "I'd bet I could make you a lot happier than your current partner ever could—both in bed and in life."

The words hit me like a slap. I took a step back instinctively, startled by her audacity. My heart pounded, not out of attraction but out of sheer disbelief.

She chuckled at my reaction, leaning back in her chair as if my discomfort amused her. Folding her arms across her chest, she tilted her head, studying me like I was a puzzle she intended to solve.

"What's the matter, honey?" she asked, her voice silky and patronizing. "You're young. Life's too short to settle. You should open yourself up—explore what's out there. Someone like me, for instance."

Her smirk widened, and I could feel my fingers curling into the fabric of my apron, gripping it tightly to keep myself grounded. A heat rose in my chest—not the kind that comes with attraction, but a simmering anger laced with disgust.

What did she take me for? Just because we're both women, she thought she could reduce me to some fleeting conquest? Did she think I'd betray everything I have with Faye for a cheap offer wrapped in shallow arrogance?

Before I could muster a reply, a firm hand wrapped securely around my waist, pulling me closer. The familiar scent of her perfume surrounded me, grounding me, offering a haven of safety. Then came her voice—low, icy, and cutting through the air like a blade.

"Is there a problem here?" Faye's tone was cold, sharper than I'd ever heard it before. It sent chills through the space, commanding attention and silence. But to me, it was warmth—an unspoken promise that I wasn't facing this alone.

The older woman, still seated, raised her hands in mock surrender, her smirk lingering like a bad aftertaste. "Woah, chill. I'm just having a little chat with her, no harm, no foul. Right, sweetheart?"

Before I could react, Faye's grip on my waist tightened slightly, her body tensing beside me. Her eyes darkened as she leaned in, her voice laced with venom. "Don't you dare call her sweetheart." The warning in her tone was unmistakable, and it sent a clear message: she wasn't here to play games.

The woman's smirk faltered slightly, but she recovered quickly, taking a sip from her glass. "Alright, alright," she replied dismissively, raising her drink as if to toast. "I hear you, Miss Girlfriend."

She drained the glass, set it back down with a clink, and reached into her purse, pulling out a crisp hundred-dollar bill. Tossing it onto the table, she smirked at me. "Keep the change, baby. Think of it as a tip for tonight's... company."

Anger flared in me, white-hot and uncontainable. I wanted to grab the money and fling it back at her, but before I could act, Faye moved.

It was faster than I could process—a blur of motion as her right fist connected squarely with the woman's face. The crack of the impact echoed, the force sending her stumbling back into the wall, knocking into a decorative shelf.

"What the fuck?" the woman spat, clutching her face and glaring at Faye, her balance faltering. "You're crazy!"

Faye took a deliberate step closer, her height and presence looming over the woman like a shadow. Her voice was calm, but it dripped with an icy dominance that left no room for argument. "Go ahead. Call the police. I'll tell them how you've been harassing my girlfriend all night."

The woman faltered, clearly weighing her options. Humiliated and unwilling to escalate further, she quickly picked herself up, straightened her clothes, and stormed out, muttering curses under her breath.

As the door closed behind her, a heavy silence hung in the air. I realized I'd been holding my breath the whole time and let it out in a shaky sigh.

Faye turned to me, her hand still protectively resting on my waist, her fierce expression softening as her gaze met mine. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, the anger and tension melting away as I looked at her. "Yeah, I'm fine. I mean- I was angry but then.." I said softly, though a part of me was undeniably thrilled by her possessiveness.

"Come on, let's head back." She said while her lips curved into a small, knowing smile.