AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Tying on my apron, I head behind the bar and first approach Kevin and his son. Leaning over, I give Kevin a peck on the cheek. "Hey Kev, Marcus. How was bowling?" I ask, already pouring Kevin's favorite beer and a sprite for his son.
"Oh, good. I actually broke 100," he replies.
Marcus climbs onto the counter, holding up all ten fingers. "I hit this many."
"Really?" I beam at him. "That's a lot." Marcus nods, his eyes wide with pride. After serving them, Kevin gives a quick wave; they usually hang out near the jukebox for an hour or so before heading home.
I've grown fond of Kevin and Marcus over the past few weeks, looking forward to our brief interactions. It's moments like these that make the long days a bit brighter. Jemma was right, he is a nice guy and an excellent father. Marcus is a lucky kid even if his mom is a complete fool for leaving them.
Another man flags me down, and soon I'm pouring beer as if we're in the last days of prohibition. Bowlers sure can drink. Nicki's working the other end, her spiky blue hair and piercings stand out in the small town, but she’s an absolute genius with mixing drinks. On bowling nights, it’s mostly beer though, so she does have a sort of bored expression on her face. I ignore her, even though I really want to throw a mug at her head. I’m drowning in requests for pitchers and pints while she sneaks looks at her phone.
Instead of lashing out, I find my rhythm, letting my mind wander as I do. Little man doesn’t seem to like my dinner and I mentally remind him of our after work cheeseburger that’s only a few hours away. Suddenly, Nikki comes over and pinches my bottom.
"Don't look now, but some sexy tourist is checking you out."
I roll my eyes but remind myself to think about the tips. "What's he drinking?" I ask, scraping the foam off a tap brew.
"Seven and seven. Go get 'em," Nicki urges, taking over my spot at the tap.
I move to the liquor, grab the Seagram's bottle, and a glass, setting it down near Nicki's station.
When it’s done, I hold it aloft. "Seven and seven?" I call out, searching the sea of faces for anyone that doesn’t have a drink.
It’s then that I hear him. "Tilly?" My heart stops. That voice—I know it too well. My eyes lift to meet his, but my body starts shaking uncontrollably.
Tommy is here at the bar, looking as if he's seen a ghost, his familiar hair flopped over his forehead.
"How?" is all I can manage, my breaths coming too fast. The room starts to buzz with whispers, and one patron rushes off.
He returns with Kevin. "Tilly, who is that?" Kevin asks.
"My ex," I blurt out, immediately regretting my words. Tommy is not my ex, not even close. Hell, we were barely together. But labeling him an ex is wrong. I never even considered any other man while we were apart. Seeing him here, I know he feels the same way. Kevin and a few others are already moving toward Tommy. I suspect Jemma might have shared some version of what she thinks is my story with Kevin. None of the men seem pleased, assuming the man I'm fleeing from is now here.
"Okay, buddy, time to go," one of them says to Tommy.
He stands, batting away their hands. "Your ex? Tilly, what is going on?" Tommy looks confused. Hurt even. I don't blame him in the least. Everything is all mixed up in my head. I want to run to him, to beg forgiveness, blurt out that I'm having his baby.
But my mouth isn't working right; seeing Tommy so unexpectedly has scrambled my brain. When Kevin grabs Tommy's arm, and others join in, they're dragging him out before I can process what's happening.
Suddenly, the room spins, and where the walls should be, I’m seeing the ceiling. Its then I realize I’m falling.
Everything turns blurry as I hear Nicki calling for an ambulance, mentioning my pregnancy. Sounds fade, and darkness envelops me, the world fading away entirely.
***
Waking up in the hospital, I find myself on a bed with tubes in my arm. The sight makes me sit up abruptly, wondering if the encounter with Tommy had been just a dream. I press the nurse call button, and a large woman in scrubs tucks the curtain aside as she strides in.
"Hey sweetheart. How you feeling?"
"Better," I admit, though a headache is pounding through my skull.
"You bumped your head, but the doctor will be in soon to talk about that," the nurse informs me, checking my vitals before starting to leave.
"You want some juice or something?" I shake my head, and she adds, "Okay. Call if you do."
"Wait! Is anyone here for me?" I ask, hoping against hope.
The nurse frowns thoughtfully. "I’m not sure, but I'll check the waiting room."
