Charleen
"Good afternoon listeners, welcome to everyone who's tuned in, playing all your favorite pop, rock and more right through from now till Five" I zone out as I drive to work. it's the same thing every day as I make my Twenty-minute drive to the local tavern where I work. the same songs play on the radio.
it's beautiful today, the same as always when summer hits New Zealand. I can wear shorts and a Cami to work because my boss Kenny is cool like that.
I moved here from the UK Four years ago when my husband was offered a management job at an IT firm in Auckland. he done well for himself at such for such young age and is very sought after for his skills.
unfortunately, he was also wanted by most of the female population and Mark being Mark, couldn't keep it in his trousers. He cheated on me the first time with Perl Duncannon, she was his assistant at the time, and she hated me.
I knew early on after we got married that he was cheating but I brushed it off as he was stressed and needed to let of some steam. it was only when I saw it with my own eyes as she climbed in his car, and he embraced her in a passionate kiss that I realized what a fool I was.
he begged and pleaded with me to forgive him and then he told me about the opportunity to go to New Zealand and I jumped at the chance for the fresh start, a way to begin a new chapter to our lives.
Sadly, that didn't last long when I recognized the traits of his cheating arse.
hiding his phone, late nights at work, then coming home and getting in the shower before he even spoke to me, along with sudden weekend breaks away, breaks I wasn't allowed to attend.
I was the one AGAIN who found him in the end. he was mouth deep between Lucy Heretoga's legs when I got home from my spa weekend early, a spa day he said I deserved.
I clapped when she came. I FUCKING CLAPPED. both too shocked to move from their spot on the bed, I packed a suitcase and walked out of the front door.
That was 6 months ago, and I've been living in a shared house with a lovely Indian family since. I have my own bathroom, bedroom and private entrance. I don't speak to the neighbors, and I don't socialize outside of work.
I lock the car and stroll into the tavern. the place is cool, all dark wood walls and floors. the juke box is old and plays anything from the 70s to now. we have live bands once a month and karaoke when Kenny feels like it.
we have a wide based clientele. mostly the old folks from the surrounding area. but we also have a few gang members like the Devil bees. I don't have a problem with them, they stay mostly to themselves, and their bikes are a thing of beauty.
"Hey bitch" Shenna my work bestie greets me as I slide my bag under the counter.
'Hey. fuck its busy already" I mutter as Shenna pours another beer.
"Yep, crate day, most people have stopped drinking at home and decided to come out instead" she smiles as she hands Coco his beer.
"Shame we don't get tips like we do in the Uk" I say as Lenna and Seb come to the bar. both regulars and adorable as fuck how they love each other.
"We do get tips moron; people just choose not to do it" she snorts, and I snort back.
the distinct rumble of bikes approaches, and Shenna wiggles her eyebrows at me.
"Could be Loverboy" she teases and hands Seb his drink.
"Oh, fuck off. you know he doesn't see me that way. what did he say again." I think for a minute and then add.
"You are too damn sweet for me sweetness" I say with a deep voice.
Shenna laughs and I finish pulling my first beer for a Roadie at the end of the bar.
the door opens and in strolls Bear with Two of his prospects. all three men are tall and intimidating. Bear is a ruggedly handsome man with tattoos for days and a long scar that stretches across his cheek.
still doesn't take away how good looking he is, and he damn well knows it. if I had to guess I would say he's in his late 30s, but his hands look like they have met a lot of faces.
"Told you it was Loverboy" Shenna sings as she passes me.
I frown at her and meet Bear at the bar. people tend to move when he comes in here, staying by the pool tables or hanging around outside.
"Afternoon sweetness. beer for me" he looks over his shoulder and shrugs.
"Get the Two dopey fucks a beer, both fucking sulking" he mumbles, and I look over his shoulder and the Two big fellas with him and they do indeed look to be sulking.
Malet and Diz if I'm correct. the two main prospects that seem to come with him when he visits.
I pull the beers and sit them down on the counter. I never ask for money because Bear likes to slap his cash on the counter before her leaves and it more than pays for the beer.
"what's new then" I ask because it seems I'm the only one who can ask him anything. anyone else and he not so politely tells them to fuck off.
I know, charming right. but the thing with Bear is he just doesn't have time for bullshit, and I respect the hell out that.
"You know better than to ask me personal questions sweetness. just tell me about you" he replies and downs half of his beer.
the Two prospects grab their beers and sit back down. they never sit with their president.
I huff and reply. "Same shit, different day" to which he smiles.
"Got you a man yet" he asks, and I shake my head no.
"Do you see the Three-inch scar that runs along my head Bear? it's an instant turn off for men" I scoff, and Bear looks at me like I've grown Ten heads.
I had an accident when I was a child and because my head was still super soft the impact did more damage than good. now I have a dent in my forehead, a scar if you please, three inches long from my eyebrow to my hairline. it's a shade darker than my skin and stands out for all to see.
"The fuck you say. don't let me be hearing you talk like that again woman, it's the men who have the problem not you. stupid fucks" he growls, and I roll my eyes.
men can have scars and its sexy, woman have scars and it instantly makes us self-conscious. I hate it but I've lived with it since I was five and Mark didn't seem to mind but then he cheated so maybe he did.
"Just because you don't want me to say it, doesn't make it true. men want women to look sexually attractive, I don't fit the mold but I'm ok with that, I know my worth" I reply and pour him another beer.
"Damn straight you do. attractiveness comes in all shapes and sizes; it's how a person acts and their loyalty that attracts me. put some big fake titted blond in front of me and I might puke."
I laugh and he smiles. he really is a beautiful man and I like the way he thinks.
"We all have scars sweetness. just gotta find the right one who is willing to look at them while he makes you his queen."
"don't you mean look past them" I ask, and he shakes his head.
"Fuck no, if he looks past them, he aint seeing you. he should be kissing them and telling you he loves them because there apart of who you are."
well damn. he winks and stands up.
"We gotta hit the road sweetness. stay real" he slaps down a few bills and walks away.
Shenna winks at me too and I clean away his glass and get back to work.
