Vivian moved in rhythm with the music thumping through the bar, bobbing her head as she arranged tumblers behind the counter. She hummed along to the familiar track, quickening her pace as she caught sight of Anna seated at a corner table. She'd invited her over that evening, and Anna, true to form, had agreed without hesitation.
Vivian's eyes scanned the crowd again. Still no sign of the people she'd secretly hoped to see. Disappointment flickered across her face. With a sigh, she slung her bag over one shoulder, ready to clock out.
Earlier that evening, Anna had slipped into a sleeveless yellow dress and left the house without telling her mother, who was resting in the bedroom. She knew her mom would call later when she noticed the empty living room. Bored stiff from rewatching old TV series and endlessly scrolling on her phone, Anna had jumped at the chance to escape. She caught a bus heading west, grinning at the thought of catching Vivian off guard.
Minutes later, she had done exactly that.
"You actually came?" Vivian had gasped, laughing as Anna slid into the bar. They'd done their signature handshake under the curious gaze of nearby customers before Vivian handed her a bottle of soda.
"Just a few more minutes," she whispered. "Then I'm all yours."
Vivian turned to serve a new group when someone bumped hard into her.
"Watch where you're going," a sharp voice snapped.
Vivian raised her head. Clata. Of course. The girl rolled her eyes and hissed as their gazes met.
"You're the one blocking the way," Vivian said flatly, fighting the impulse to escalate things. But her patience was thinning, she knew how easily Clata could push her. And this time, she was ready. If things went south, so be it. She'd join her mother's small steak-and-soda business full time. She wasn't about to let herself be walked over again.
Clata shoved past her with unnecessary force. Vivian stood her ground. She didn't fall, but only just. A voice in her head told her to walk away. Another, louder voice said: Don't.
Vivian stormed toward Clata, who was setting bottles on a tray.
"Who gave you the right to push me?" she demanded, eyes narrowed.
Clata didn't respond. She simply crossed the room for some cups.
Vivian followed and grabbed her sleeve. "Malicious bitch. Yeah, I said it. I'm talking to you." Her finger jabbed toward Clata's face. "How dare you put your hands on me?"
"If you don't back off," Clata said coldly, "I'll slap you so hard your face will mop the floor."
Vivian stepped closer. "Oh, try it. Please."
She wasn't just angry, she was done. Clata had been reporting her to Mr. Bobbins with false complaints, trying to get her fired. And no one ever said a word. But tonight, Vivian had had enough.
"I'm ready to lose this job," she hissed. "So go ahead. Let's do this."
By now, customers were turning to stare. Clata forced a smirk, surprised by the fire in Vivian's eyes.
"Stop. Please," Vera, a co-worker, stepped between them, her voice quiet but firm. She hadn't worried at first, but now the commotion was drawing too much attention.
"Tell her to stay out of my way," Vivian said, still blocking Clata's path.
Clata smirked. "You seem to forget I'm older than you."
"Oh, shut up."
The spit landed before anyone could react.
Gasps rippled through the room. Even Vera froze. Clata stood there, stunned, red-faced, and speechless. Vivian didn't wait for more. She turned her back and marched away, out from behind the counter, across the floor, and toward Anna, who was sitting wide-eyed with her phone in her hand.
Vivian sat opposite her, a grin tugging at her lips.
Anna blinked. "What's with that look?"
Vivian planted a kiss on her shoulder. "Guess what just happened."
"I don't know," Anna said. "But it's definitely something I need to hear."
Vivian leaned in. "I confronted Clata."
Anna's jaw dropped. "No way."
"Oh, yes. Called her out. Told her never to cross me again."
"What'd she do this time?"
"She pushed me. I nearly hit the floor."
Anna frowned. "That girl's a menace. It's about time someone set her straight."
Vivian nodded, pleased. "I want her out of my life for good."
"And if she doesn't stay out—girl, we're jumping her."
Vivian laughed. "I don't think she'll dare."
"You sure you're ready to lose this job though?" Anna teased.
"I was," Vivian said. "But... I also forgot about the hot guys."
Anna rolled her eyes. "Exactly. You're not going anywhere."
Just then, Anna's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen. "Ugh. School email. Holidays are almost over."
"I bet Bobbins won't even mention it tomorrow," Vivian said, stretching.
"And if he does?"
"I'll report him. It's a scam," Vivian said, deadpan.
Anna chuckled. "Right. His own business is a scam?"
"Okay, okay. I'm joking." Vivian's stomach growled. "I'm starving. What do we eat? This place only sells meat and vegetables."
Anna thought for a moment. "Let's walk to the corner supermarket, grab some yogurt and sausage rolls, then go home."
Vivian nodded. "It's almost eight."
The girls stood, weaving through the noisy bar, past laughter, clinking glasses, and jazz-rap playing through the speakers.
⸻
On the Sidewalk Outside
"Oh my!" Vivian gasped as she bumped into a girl outside. Books and pencils spilled onto the wet pavement.
"I'm so sorry," Vivian said, kneeling down to help.
Anna joined her. "Sorry!"
"It's fine," the girl said. She wore a scarf and a soft, warm smile. She stuffed her textbook back into a plastic bag.
Vivian admired her loose curls. "Your hair is gorgeous. Honestly, don't wish for anything else."
"Thanks. I get compliments a lot."
Anna noticed the girl's pale blue eyes. "And your eyes—stunning."
The girl smiled again.
"I'm Vivian," Vivian said, offering a hand.
"Anna," Anna added quickly.
"I'm Tasha," the girl replied warmly. She tucked her hair behind her ear. "Nice to meet you both."
"You heading our way? We could walk together," Vivian offered.
"Where's that?" Tasha asked.
"We're catching the downtown bus," Anna said.
"Oh—no, I'm getting a cab further down."
"No worries," Vivian shrugged.
"Care for a hug?" Tasha asked with a shy grin.
They laughed and moved in, arms wrapping around one another.
"She's so warm," Tasha murmured.
"She's so pretty," Vivian whispered to Anna as Tasha disappeared into the supermarket.
"And so sweet," Anna agreed.
They climbed into the bus together, the city lights flickering in the windows as they rode toward home.