Chapter 30: Rambler's

Rick turned his attention to his new customers. “Welcome! Could I get you something?” Neil pressed his cigarette to the ashtray’s surface, distinguishing the fire and leaving the butt in the tray. He reached for his beer and took a few sips.

“Gin martini, please,” the girl smiled as she gave her order. “Sure, one classic gin martini for the lady. And what about the gentleman?” Rick’s back to his usual professional self. “Screwdriver,” his reply was simple. Even though they look alike, they have totally different personalities. It’s quite obvious from the way they order their drinks.

“Sure! Coming right up,” Rick started doing his magic. Meanwhile, he observed the twins quietly. Despite the makeup and clothes as an attempt to look older, he could say that they were actually underage. “Are you new in town?” Rick started the conversation.

The boy stiffened visibly. He looked quite troubled by Rick’s attempt to engage with them. The girl put on her signature smile, answering, “yes, we’ve only come to this town recently. It’s our first time here. You have a nice bar.” Rick nodded. “I’m glad you like it. Are you here to visit someone? I won’t say our town is popular among the tourists.”

“We happened to pass by. We thought we’ll make a stop here and look around,” she replied with ease. “Do you find anything in this town that you fancy?” Rick extended the conversation as he placed their drinks in front of them.

“Nothing in particular. Guess we'll be leaving soon,” she made a small giggling sound at the end of her sentence. “It's a pity. Regardless, glad to have you here. Hope you at least enjoy your time in this town,” Rick ended the conversation and left them to enjoy their drinks.

“I’m back! How's our handsome lad faring? Do you miss me?” Rick waltzed back to Neil. “I need one more beer,” Neil ignored his mischievous greetings and ordered with a bored tone. Rick bent down to the fridge under his working space and pulled out a can. “You're heartless,” he pouted as he said those words. Neil shrugged.

Just then, someone walked in the entrance. Rick’s eyes lit up at the sight of the newcomer. He started slapping Neil with enthusiasm. “Look! Look! Look! A handsome guy just walked in,” he exclaimed in a loud hushed voice. “Jesus! Take back your overly excited hand,” Neil scolded. “He’s my type,” Rick whispered. “Sure! Do your thing. I won’t stop you.”

“He’s coming this way!” Rick continued exclaiming in excitement. “We order drinks here. What do you expect?” Neil shot back. “Oh my god! Do I look alright?” Rick continued stressing over the man nearing them.

“Hey,” the man greeted as he reached the bar. Rick cleared his throat and straightened himself. “Hi! Cocktail, tequila or me?” Rick asked as he pretended to flip his hair. “I’ll have your signature cocktail,” he replied as he sat beside Neil at the bar. “Do you like your drink strong?” Rick asked seductively. “Sure,” the new customer gave a curt reply.

Neil turned with a bored look. His initially expressionless face turned into one of surprise. He was about to say something when the man beside him kicked him once to stop him. Neil immediately kept to himself and pretended not to know the new customer. There must be a spy in the same space for him to act that way.

Luckily, clueless Rick continued on with his banters and flirting. The bar was like any other days where customers come and go. Neil remained cooped up in his corner, drinking cans after cans. The new customer was never bored since Rick never left him alone. The twins at the side kept to themselves, taking small sips of their drinks and occasionally whispering to each other.

Hours passed by quickly. At the early hour of three in the morning, the twins left the bar. “Let’s talk downstairs,” the man beside Neil finally said. “Sorry?” Rick was surprised. He thought he heard him wrong. Was he asking him to go down to the basement with him? Was he initiating their night?

“Sorry, bud. He’s talking to me,” Neil stood to leave. “Wait, what?” Rick was confused for a second before he exclaimed, “no wonder you never have a girlfriend! You..” Neil rolled his eyes. “Don’t finish that sentence. Come join us when your shift is over,” he cut him off and walked away. James gave Rick a small smile before leaving with Neil. Rick’s frown deepened. “3P?”

“Why are you here today? It’s usually Jack who comes here,” Neil started the conversation once they were away from the loud music and people. “I’m healing well. It’s time to have some action. How’s everything here? Settled down alright?”

“I’m worried..” he stopped talking when he saw Nelly. “Is everything alright?” Nelly asked, looking worried. Neil smiled. “Don’t worry, we’ll settle everything,” he assured his sister. Nelly’s frown deepened. “Is there anything I can help?” There was uncertainty in her voice as she asked the question.

Neil shook his head. “Trust us. We will protect you. All you have to do is stay low. If anything happens, remember what I told you to do?” Nelly bowed her head slightly. “I should find a place to hide,” she said. “Good girl!” Neil coaxed. After a few beats, Nelly whispered, “but I don’t want any of you to get hurt. If there’s anything that I can do, anything at all..” her voice broke at the end of her sentence.

Neil could feel panic rising up his whole being. ‘Oh, God.. not this! I can’t handle a girl’s breakdown. I’m not fit for this..’ he thought as he tried to stay calm. He looked to James for help but James remained motionless, looking as helpless as him, only without the stress. He gave Neil a shrug and the you’re-alone-in-this face.

“We’re gang members. We fight on a daily basis. It’s normal to get hurt. Don’t worry! I told you I will protect you with my life,” he continued assuring his sister. Nelly remained quiet as she tried to control her emotions. Then, she lifted her head to look at the two men in front of her.

“Can I at least join your discussions? I want to know the situation I’m in.”