Can I Get You Another?

There's no sign outside. You might wonder how anyone ever finds it. Rest assured: word gets around.

Duck behind the second hand shop, scuttle down the crooked alley, turn left. See that man there wearing overalls, hat pulled over his eyes? Or maybe today, he looks like he's on a cigarette break. Say the right words, and if he likes the look of you, he might unlock the chain on the dilapidated door behind him.

Go on, go inside. It doesn't match the exterior at all, which is dull, grey and unkempt. No: in here it's softly lit; gentle lamps overhead and well-positioned spotlights at each table. The bar itself is all gleaming wood and brass. Look around; admire the nooks in the exposed stone walls. It's busier than it seems at first glance. The quiet you hear when you first step inside is not the quiet of an absence of patrons. There are lots of people in the various booths, but the chatter is minimal. People trade words as if they are costly, and utter them in gentle murmurs. There's a whiff of vanilla.

The wrong customer will think there's no atmosphere, but he'd be wrong. There is one; it's thick and heavy, like a weighted blanket. Pull it 'round yourself, sidle up to the bar. Pick the stool next to the woman with a head of curls and a hint of mischief in her demeanour. Her head is tilted forward, intent on the screen inlaid into the bartop. A smile tweaks her lips. Be patient! Don't interrupt. Pick your moment. Catch the barman's eye, lean in, place your order. No need to yell; you're not competing with loud music here.

She glances over, looks up through dark lashes. Go on! Ask her!

"Excuse me? Miss? Can I get you a story?"

She taps the bartop with one finger, where the screen glows blue-white and lights her face. She tells you she'd like that; she's almost finished with this one.

Her eyes rove over the bookshelves above the barman.

He feels her gaze, glances over. Do it, buy her next one. Can't hurt, right?

"Another 500 word micro, please, and whatever this lady is reading."

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Word count (excluding note): 366

Submitted on 5th March at 22:50

*Quick Author's Note*

First, and most importantly: thank you for reading!

Leave me a link to your own latest story, if I haven't already seen it!

If you enjoyed this story, the best compliment you can give me is to share it, or read another.

Pay no attention to the writer behind the curtain: This is just a pub I would like to exist.

A Year of Stories: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one makes a 65 day streak. You can find all of them in my Index post.

Thank you

Thank you again! I do my best to reciprocate all reads.